Premier Pat Binns and Elmer MacFadyen, Minister responsible for the Emergency Measures Organization, expressed thanks to the many emergency response workers who responded to the needs of Islanders in the wake of Hurricane Juan.
"The men and women of all emergency response organizations involved responded quickly and diligently in an effort to clear roads and streets, repair telephone and electricity lines, and secure the safety of our communities," said Premier Binns. "It is with heartfelt sincerity that I say thank you on behalf of the provincial government."
They acknowledged the continuing work of Maritime Electric crews from both PEI and New Brunswick and Aliant crews from PEI, Nova Scotia and New Brunswick. They also thanked EMO personnel and volunteers who staffed the Joint Emergency Operation Centre on a continuous basis, the City of Charlottetown and EMO Charlottetown coordinator Bill Hogan, 911 staff who received more than 400 calls dealing with the storm, federal emergency response staff and the Canadian Coast Guard who offered the use of electrical generators for medical emergencies. Road crews from Department of Transportation and Public Works and City of Charlottetown Public Works also continue to work at clearing the roads of debris and downed trees. First responders to the storm included police and fire departments who played a critical role in assessing the damage across the province.
Premier Binns and Minister MacFadyen also recognized the ongoing support and patience of all Islanders in dealing with the storm and the repairs to their utilities. In true Islander spirit, neighbours, family and friends came to the aid of those who remain without power. The Canadian Red Cross is also available to provide emergency personal assistance including food, lodging and water and can be contacted at (902) 628-6262.
Hurricane Juan is arguably the worst storm to hit the province in many years. Winds exceeded 130 km/h, with 50-80 mm of rain and severe tree damage, which led to widespread power-outages and property damage. As much as two-thirds of the Island was left without power upon the passing of the storm, while schools, government offices and businesses were closed due to fallen trees and damaged power lines. Fortunately, there were no serious injuries.
At one point, more than 40,000 Maritime Electric customers were without power. "Through the diligent work of Maritime Electric crews, power was restored to all but about 3,000 customers within a 24-hour period. This is a tremendous feat by crews and I thank them for their continued efforts to restore power to all Islanders," said Minister MacFadyen. "The fact remains that there are still some 2,000 Island homes without power, and I assure each of them that crews are working tirelessly and that EMO staff will continue to assist them at this difficult time."
Offers for assistance also came from Emergency Services Ontario, EMO New Brunswick and the City of Toronto. Damage assessments continue and these offers will be responded to as the needs continue to become clear.
Public Information numbers for storm-related inquiries are (902) 368-0169 and (902) 368-0246. These numbers will remain operational until further notice.jemacleod