Islanders are urged to prepare for Hurricane Teddy

Heavy rain, sustained winds, storm surge, flooding, and potential power outages are expected impacts from Hurricane Teddy.

The current track for Hurricane Teddy shows the storm will be passing through Prince Edward Island as early as Tuesday afternoon.

“Last year, the province experienced significant damage from Dorian and we have learned a lot from it. We are a couple of days out before Teddy arrives. That gives us time now to prepare ourselves for its impacts in the coming days.”

- Justice and Public Safety Minister Bloyce Thompson

The PEI Emergency Measures Organization (EMO) has activated to level 1 as of today and began coordination efforts earlier last week within government departments, municipalities, community organizations and agency partners to prepare for the expected impacts of Hurricane Teddy.

“The best way to be prepared is to be ready in advance of Teddy’s arrival,” confirms Tanya Mullally, Provincial EMO Coordinator. 

Mullally urges all Islanders and visitors to prepare themselves and their homes as soon as possible. Islanders are also reminded that it is important to continue respecting public health measures in their preparations. This includes wearing a non-medical mask, physical distancing when replenishing supplies. For anyone who is ill, in isolation or unable to make preparations, they are encouraged to get assistance from their support network in advance of the storm.

Prepare your homes by:

• 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 hand sanitizer for five days;
• bringing in or tying down furniture, play equipment, barbeques or anything that can become projectiles in high winds;
• ensuring adequate fuel supplies;
• replacing batteries in smoke and carbon monoxide alarms; and 
• keeping up with the latest information from reliable sources.

Media contact:
Vicki Tse
Department of Justice and Public Safety
vickitse@gov.pe.ca (link sends e-mail) 

Backgrounder:

The PEI Emergency Measures Organization (EMO) is responsible to coordinate and manage emergency management activities for the Province. 

EMO works closely across government departments, communities and partner agencies to coordinate disaster recovery efforts.

Upgraded Emergency Preparedness Kit supplies include:

• Extra masks and hand sanitizer
• Plastic sheet and duct tape for sheltering in place
• At least 2 litres of water per person per day for 3 to 5 days
• 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 up to $200)
• 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