The Emergency Measures Organization confirmed today that it is setting in motion a process to begin to receive initial information from home and business owners who were affected by this weekend's flooding.
"Even though the many partners involved in responding to the flood are still in the process of assessing damages, we felt we had to start right away to begin to receive, at the provincial level, general information from property owners," said Mike Francis, Manager, Emergency Measures Organization (EMO).
In response to residents' inquiries, the EMO is advising property owners at this time to undertake the following three steps:
1) Property owners should contact their insurance companies immediately to report damages and arrange for a complete inspection by their insurance company.
2) To complete the documentation process, property owners are strongly encouraged to take photographs or videotape footage of damaged property. This evidence will assist in the processing of claims with individuals' insurance companies, and will be of assistance to the province in submitting its claims to the federal Disaster Fund Assistance program.
3) Although disaster claims are not being accepted yet, a common 1-800 EMO telephone number has been established to receive and coordinate the documentation of initial damage reports. This number should be used by all residents and is also intended to minimize telephone inquiries to municipal partners who are continuing their inspections.
At this time, EMO officials stress this documentation process is intended to gather general information only, and is not a formal claims for compensation process. "A general file will be established for each caller, names and telephone numbers will be noted, and follow-up calls made at future dates," says Mike Francis. Details of the official claims process will be announced as soon as possible. The toll free number is 1-800-640-8651 and will be in operation during regular business hours, Monday to Friday, 8:30 pm to 5:00 pm.
Wes MacAleer, Minister of Community Services and Attorney General with responsibility for the EMO, says the province is working flat out to co-operate work together with all levels of government to respond to the flood's aftermath.
"EMO staff are in discussions throughout today with the federal government's Emergency Preparedness Canada to finalize details of the federal Disaster Fund Assistance program. As soon as these details for claims are finalized, we will issue them immediately to the public through the media, newspaper and radio ads and public service announcements," said Minister MacAleer.
The Minister notes that EMO and Transportation and Public Works officials are meeting with municipal officials around the clock to continue to assess damages to residences and businesses, as well as bridges, roadways and wharfs. "We have been speaking with municipal and fire officials in Charlottetown, Summerside and other municipalities to continue the coordination of our response."
Minister MacAleer offered his high praise of all the emergency response personnel, municipal officials, Transportation and Public Works staff, the Red Cross and the many volunteers operators who opened their doors to victims of the flooding. "Their performance during this exceptional flood and storm is commendable."
For more information, please contact Mike Francis, Manager of Emergency Measures Organization, at (902) 368-6363 or (902) 368-6325.