The first of what might become a wave of support from the Maritimes is headed for the storm-ravaged U.S. seaboard.
As the extent of the damage becomes more apparent, it is expected that help from the Maritime region will take the form of manpower and rebuilding materials south of the border.
Utility line crews were doing routine maintenance around the region today, but their skills are also in high demand in New York, New Jersey and other states where millions remain without electricity.
NB Power sent 40 workers across the border this afternoon and 25 from Nova Scotia Power are also enroute.
“They are part of a service restoration unit and they’re going to Massachusetts supporting the national grid,” said NB Power spokesperson Sherry Thomson.
“So we sent a number of power-line technicians, supervision, and a co-ordinator going down.”
Local utilities had to wait to see what Sandy’s impact would be on the Maritimes first, before sending crews to the U.S.
With a massive rebuilding project ahead, Maritime industry will be involved too.
A spike in demand is anticipated in the days to come for lumber, wallboard and other building materials– similar to shipments sent to the U.S. following Hurricane Katrina.
The Red Cross has issued an appeal for Hurricane Sandy relief and today the call also came for volunteer power.
“In this case we have received a call that they will be seeking support from our volunteers, especially to support shelter operations,” says Bill Lawlor of Red Cross Disaster Services.
“At this point the first call is for at least ten. We expect that number to grow. As you can appreciate, not only the American Red Cross but other authorities are assessing the information.”
Two dozen Maritimers worked in post-Katrina Red Cross shelters. With thousands of Hurricane Sandy victims staying in shelters along the U.S. eastern seaboard, the Red Cross says the rebuilding and restoration will be a long-term effort.
With files from CTV Atlantic's Mike Cameron
