Niagara stepping up
Local EMS paramedics, Hydro One workers headed into hurricane Irma zones to help victims
While hydro workers from across Ontario are on their way to Florida to help restore electricity to million of people left in the dark in the wake of hurricane Irma, Niagara paramedics are on their way into the Caribbean to help hurricane victims there.
A convoy of more than 80 Hydro One vehicles, including 52 bucket trucks and 30 other vehicles rolled through Niagara Monday afternoon, crossing the Peace Bridge on their way to Florida with about 175 utility workers on board, to offer assistance to utility workers overwhelmed by power outages in the wake of the hurricane.
In a prepared statement, Hydro One chief operating officer Greg Kiraly said the utility has a “longstanding history of responding to help other communities in need.”
“Hydro One’ s highly skilled employees are trained to work on both transmission and distribution systems as well as in storm and emergency situations, making them incredibly valuable resources during a devastating hurricane,” Kiraly said.
“Access to electricity can be a lifeline in a disaster and our crews are determined to help restore power to the families and businesses in Florida as quickly and safely as possible.”
The Hydro One workers, who expect to arrive Wednesday, are also transporting equipment that will be required once they arrive, including radial boom derricks used to transport and replace poles.
While providing assistance as part of a reciprocal agreement in place with utilities from throughout North America, all costs associated with their efforts are being paid by the utilities receiving the help.
Meanwhile, Niagara Emergency Medical Service Mayram Traub said two local paramedics have joined other medical professionals to aid in relief efforts in the Caribbean.
Niagara paramedic Matt Brouwer is leading a team of four people from Canadian disaster relief charity GlobalMedic who arrived in St. Maarten on Sunday, to distribute water purification tablets and hygiene kits and offer assistance to people who require help in the aftermath of Hurricane Irma.
Transportation for the team and their equipment was provided at no charge by Sunwing.
Traub said the local paramedics participating took vacation time to participate in the excursion.
“It definitely does not affect the operations of EMS,” she said. ABenner@postmedia.com Twitter: @abenner1