Islanders reminded to be prepared during hurricane season

Heavy rain, sustained winds, storm surge, flooding, and power outages are all things that can be expected during a hurricane or tropical storm.

The PEI Emergency Management Organization (EMO) wants to remind everyone that Atlantic Hurricane Season remains underway, and the best response to these events is proper emergency planning. 

Helpful reminders when planning for an emergency include:

• making a household emergency plan to help everyone know what to do in case of emergency;
• updating your preparedness kits, including extra food, pet supplies, water, masks and hygiene products;
• bringing in or tying down furniture, play equipment, barbeques or anything that can become projectiles in the event of high winds;
• ensuring you have fuel for generators and vehicles, as well as propane for outdoor cooking devices such as barbeques;
• replacing batteries in smoke and carbon monoxide alarms; and
• keeping up with the latest information from reliable sources such as following PEI Government, local media, and law enforcement social media channels.

“As we continue to monitor hurricane activity to our south, I want to encourage Islanders to remember that we are still in hurricane season and to make sure everyone has an emergency household kit. Our government has made significant strides and investments in ensuring our Island is even more prepared for next emergency, as we know that our best response is strong preparation.”

- Deputy Premier and Minister of Justice and Public Safety Bloyce Thompson

Islanders are also reminded that through recent provincial investments, communities are now better prepared to embrace emergencies and power outages. The following are resources that can help residents across the Island in the event of a major storm or emergency:

• Provincial investment of over $1.2 million into reception centres across PEI has resulted in equipment upgrades and new generators at reception sites across PEI;
• Islanders can now find what reception centres are open and what services are being offered online by visiting, Search Reception Centres. Also, a map of reception centres on PEI can be found at Reception Centre Map
• PEI EMO has invested over $1.5 million to partner with Fuel and Service Stations across PEI to ensure they have back-up power in the event of an outage, so that Islanders can continue to access fuel for cars and generators. A map of stations with generators in the ground can be found at Fuel Station Sites with Generators
• Through a joint investment with the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, PEI EMO has worked to deliver over 50 shelter kit pallet boxes to municipalities across the Island and established nine new provincially designated emergency sites that can be opened in an emergency. More on this investment can be found at Funding to build community resiliency in an emergency 

For more information on how to be prepared for an emergency, including how to prepare an emergency household kit, visit https://www.princeedwardisland.ca/BePrepared

Media contact:
Kip Ready
Department of Justice and Public Safety & PEI Emergency Measures Organization
kjready@gov.pe.ca

Backgrounder:

The PEI Emergency Measures Organization (EMO) is responsible for collaborating with response agencies in emergency management for the province. 

EMO works closely to bring together government departments, communities and external partners in coordinating, and ensuring emergency response.

Emergency Preparedness Kit supplies include:

• Extra blankets
• Plastic sheet and duct tape for sheltering in place
• At least 2 litres of water per person per day, for a minimum of 3 to 5 days. If there is room, include extra water and food where possible
• At least 3 to 5 day supply of non-perishable food and a can opener
• Moist towelettes, tissue, toilet paper, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation needs
• Battery powered or hand-crank radio and extra batteries
• Cash (small bills, ideally enough to cover basic needs)
• Flashlight, whistle, first aid kit and dust mask to help filter contaminated air
• Wrench or plier to turn off utilities
• Printed list of contact names and phone numbers.