Emergency assistance available following storm

P.E.I.'s Emergency Measures Organization has begun co-ordinating efforts to assist people who have been days without electricity following an ice storm.

The storm started Monday, and in some parts of the Island freezing rain fell almost continuously until Wednesday.

The area west of Charlottetown has had the worst of it. Power went out Monday in the Hunter River and New Annan areas, and on Tuesday most areas west of Summerside went dark, leaving a total of 22,000 households a third of the Island without electricity.

On Thursday morning, Maritime Electric was saying 19,000 were without power.

Help for residents includes Red Cross response teams that have set up in halls and community centres from Hunter River to Tignish. Those relief centres are providing warmth, water and food, and in some cases a place to sleep.

Carolyn Bertram, minister responsible for the EMO, said Wednesday that generators have been provided by the coast guard and water is being donated by the Canadian Tire store in Charlottetown.

Bertram called on all Islanders to pitch in.

"Islanders are great, they're very neighbourly," said Bertram.

"Maybe you can take it upon yourself to call your neighbour or let people know that maybe are close to you that perhaps don't have access to the media, that there are community centres nearby."

Bertram said Islanders should take care when handling candles, heaters or anything flammableduring this time.

Being prepared for this type of event is important, said the minister. She encouraged people to prepare themselves with a 72-hour emergency preparedness kit that includes things such as water, flashlights, radios and batteries.

Islanders looking for where they can get help can call 894-0385 during business hours or 892-9365 after hours. Calling 911 should only bedone if there is an emergency where police, the fire department or an ambulance is needed.