Post-Fiona, prepping for extreme weather in P.E.I. is both physical and mental

As September rolled around, the minds of many in P.E.I. likely went back to this time two years ago.

Post-tropical storm Fiona ushered in a devastating new understanding of how this province and its residents can be impacted by extreme weather events.

Even two years later, the mere mention of a named storm in a forecast leaves manypreparing for the worst both physically and psychologically.

This year, a group in P.E.I. wants to make that process easier through a series of free workshops aimed at extreme weather readiness.

"As we've seen an increase in extreme weather-related events on P.E.I., we want to help Island residents be better prepared in advance for such scenarios," said Lily Reaman with the Clean Foundation.

"Especially around the anniversary of Fiona, we're hoping to help people to feel that they are more prepared in terms of taking care of themselves, their properties, their families, their mental health and well-being while facing potential threatening extreme weather events."

The foundation was established in Nova Scotia in 1988, and expanded to Prince Edward Island a few years ago. The non-profit brings together teams to work on problems in communities, especially around climate change.

This month, the organization is hosting five sessions across the province that are funded by the P.E.I. Alliance for Mental Well-Being.

Fiona's bluster lasted for only about 24 hours, but Islanders continue to see and live in the midst of damage to their homes, communities and beloved places and spaces.

There was also the stress related todamage to homes and properties, unplanned financial burdens, challenges accessing assistance, and poor cellphone coverage.

Instilling a 'sense of security and peace'

To ensure everyone is more prepared when the inevitable extreme weather event hits next, the Clean Foundation's workshops this month will focus on building a 72-hour emergency preparedness kit in case of disasters like hurricanes, flooding and fires.

Some of the sessions will include training for people interested in volunteering at the province's emergency reception and warming centres.

The foundation has also tapped certified counsellor Corrine Hendricken-Eldershaw for the workshops to discuss mental well-being and resilience both before and after a natural disaster.

"A main goal of these workshops is to provide people with tips on how they can best be prepared for and navigate crisis situations for their own household or in their community," Reaman said.

The workshops will run between Sept. 17 and 24 from 6-8:30 p.m. at emergency reception centre locations across the Island: Wellington, Emerald, Milton, Mount Stewart and Montague. People can register through the Clean Foundation's website.

The group is also offering a $65 child-care subsidy to parents and guardians who want to attend the sessions.