Islanders who lived through post-tropical storm Fiona on September 24, 2022, don't need to be told how quickly the weather can turn. The Province's own field notes describe severe shoreline erosion and flooding in places, along with damage to wharves and homes. Living by the water is one of the great joys of PEI, and a bit of preparation each fall helps you enjoy it with peace of mind. Here is the checklist I share with coastal homeowners as storm season approaches.
Before the season: the yearly once-over
Late summer is a good time for a walk around your property with fresh eyes.
- Trees. Look for dead limbs or leaning trees that could reach the house, a shed or the power line to your home. Have an arborist handle anything large.
- Roof and siding. Loose shingles and siding are the first things wind finds. Fix them before the first big blow.
- Gutters and drainage. Clear gutters and make sure downspouts carry water well away from the foundation.
- Sump pump. Test it, and consider a battery backup if your basement relies on it.
- Shoreline. Take photos of your bank or beach from the same spots each year. It's an easy way to track change over time and useful if you ever need advice from a coastal professional.
Secure what can fly
Outdoor furniture, trampolines, kayaks, barbecues and garbage carts can all become hazards in high wind. Pick a spot in a garage or shed where these items can go quickly when a storm is in the forecast. If something is too big to move, make a plan for strapping it down.
Power outages: plan for a few days
Coastal and rural areas can lose power during big storms, sometimes for an extended stretch. A few things make a big difference:
- Water. If you are on a well, no power means no pump. Fill containers and the bathtub before the storm.
- Heat. Know how you will stay warm. A wood stove helps, if it has been inspected and the chimney is clean.
- Generator. If you have one, have it installed properly by a qualified electrician, run it only outdoors well away from windows and doors, and never plug it straight into a wall outlet.
- Food. Keep a few days of food that does not need cooking.
- Light and communication. Flashlights, spare batteries, a battery or crank radio, and charged phone power banks.
Know your utility's outage line
Save your power company's outage number in your phone before you need it. Most of the Island is served by Maritime Electric, while Summerside residents are served by Summerside Electric.
Paperwork and insurance
- Review your home insurance policy each year and ask your broker specifically what is covered for wind, storm surge, overland flooding and sewer backup. These are often treated differently.
- Keep a photo or video inventory of your belongings, stored somewhere off-site such as cloud storage.
- Keep important documents in a waterproof container you can grab quickly.
When a storm is in the forecast
- Bring in or tie down outdoor items
- Charge everything
- Fill water containers and fuel the car
- Check on neighbours, especially older ones or those living alone
- Follow official updates from Environment Canada and PEI emergency officials
After the storm
Stay away from downed power lines and report them. Walk your property once it is safe, and photograph any damage before you start cleanup, for insurance. Check your shoreline, but stay well back from fresh erosion, since banks can be unstable after a storm. If your well was flooded, test the water before drinking it.
Make a household plan
A short written plan helps everyone in the house know what to do. Note where the main water shut-off and electrical panel are, who checks on which neighbour, where pets will go, and what you will do if the road floods or trees come down. Tape it inside a cupboard door. If you leave a cottage empty for the off-season, give a trusted neighbour a key and your contact details so someone can check the property after a big blow.
Thinking about coastal living?
Buyers sometimes ask me whether storms should scare them off the water. In my view, they should make you a smart buyer rather than a nervous one. My post on what to look for when buying waterfront property in PEI covers the due diligence side.
If you are ready to look at PEI waterfront properties along the North Shore or the Prince County coast, contact Jodi Bernard, CENTURY 21 Northumberland Realty. I'll help you understand a property's setting before you fall in love with the view.
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