Post-Tropical Storm Dorian: The Island Pulls Together

Post-tropical storm Dorian made landfall on PEI Saturday, September 7th, and it hit hard. Winds gusted over 90 km/h. We got 50 to 90 millimetres of rain in a matter of hours. Trees came down across the province — blocking roads, crushing fences, taking out power lines. By Saturday night, over 75% of PEI was without power. That's more than 50,000 Maritime Electric customers in the dark.

Schools were cancelled. Some areas went a full week before the lights came back on. If you were running a generator in your garage, eating everything in the freezer before it thawed, or boiling water on a camp stove, you weren't alone. The whole Island was in the same boat.

Our store was one of the first businesses back up and running after the storm. We know that's when people need us most. The shelves were stocked with tarps, batteries, flashlights, extension cords, and chainsaw supplies — bar oil, chains, fuel mix. Generators moved fast. If you came in that first week, you saw the lines. You also saw our team working flat out to help everyone who walked through the door.

But here's what we'll remember most about Dorian: the neighbours. People with chainsaws showing up on streets they didn't live on, cutting up downed trees and clearing driveways for folks they'd never met. People with generators running extension cords to the house next door. People checking on seniors. People dropping off ice, water, and cooked food. That's PEI. That's what this place is.

Storm Preparedness: What to Have Ready

We don't say this to scare anyone, but Dorian probably won't be the last big one. Here's what every household on PEI should have on hand before storm season:

• Flashlights and batteries — LED flashlights last longer. Keep extra batteries in a drawer you can find in the dark.
• A battery-powered or hand-crank radio — When the power's out and your phone's dying, CBC Radio is still broadcasting.
• Tarps and rope — For emergency roof coverage or protecting belongings if a window goes.
• Chainsaw in working order — Fresh chain, bar oil, fuel mix. Don't wait until there's a tree on your driveway to find out the saw won't start.
• Portable generator — Even a small one keeps the fridge cold and a few lights on. Come talk to us about sizing.
• Water and non-perishable food — Three days' worth, minimum.
• A full tank of gas — When the power's out, the pumps don't work.

We carry all of this, year-round. If Dorian taught us anything, it's that the time to prepare is before the storm, not during it. Come in and we'll help you put together a kit that makes sense for your home.

To everyone who helped a neighbour last week — thank you. That's the Island at its best.