News ReleasesHOME / Sunday, February 3, 2008  FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Communities, Cultural Affairs and Labour PUBLIC SAFETY OFFICE PROVIDES UPDATE ON STORM RELIEF CHARLOTTETOWN, PEI -- The Emergency Measures Organization, part of the Prince Edward Island Office of Public Safety, says things are gradually returning to normal following the ice storm last week and freezing rain on the weekend. As of late Sunday, Maritime Electric said power had been restored to all but about 500 Island households. The PEI Division of the Canadian Red Cross in partnership with Island communities scaled down operation of relief centers throughout the weekend, and by Sunday evening all relief centers had been closed. Public Safety, Red Cross, community and Fire Department personnel continued to monitor community needs during the weekend. Throughout the storm and the resulting power loss, staff at the EMO office responded to calls from individuals and municipalities, arranged for generators to be delivered to communities in need, coordinated local response with Red Cross, communities and Fire Departments, provided fuel to keep generators operating at relief centers, and liaised with their federal counterparts at Public Safety Canada. Throughout it all, Carolyn Bertram, Minister Responsible for Public Safety, said Islanders displayed a true sense of community. “I am extremely proud of our Island community and of all Islanders who were there for each other,” she said. “Once again the people of our province have proven their remarkable ability to give of themselves, their time, and their resources." “I want to applaud government employees, Maritime Electric crews and off-Island crews, Red Cross personnel, our volunteer Fire Departments and the countless other volunteers who went above and beyond the call of duty to provide comfort and help to their fellow Islanders. “When we support each other, comfort each other, and work together to help each other during difficult times, we enhance our province for the benefit of all.”
Media Contact: Connie McNeill. | ||||||
