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NLIS 3
September 13, 2006
(Municipal Affairs)
 

New Fire and Emergency Services web site

Minister of Municipal Affairs Jack Byrne and Director of Fire and Emergency Services Fred Hollett announced a new web site that provides comprehensive information pertaining to public emergencies, natural disasters, fire safety and training.

"This is a timely announcement considering the weather conditions that we are currently experiencing with Tropical Storm Florence," said Minister Byrne. "In providing access to information on emergency preparedness and fire safety, we can ensure that people, who may at some point be at risk from an emergency have the information needed to protect their families and homes."

The new Fire and Emergency Services web site is in keeping with the provincial government�s commitment of ensuring effective emergency preparedness, enhanced emergency response and strengthened fire services. "Emergency preparedness and fire safety begin with the individual," said Minister Byrne. "By providing comprehensive online resources and detailed information we anticipate that the effects and damages from an emergency or fire will be lessened as people become more informed."

The new web site incorporates the Emergency Measures Organization and the Office of the Fire Commissioner whose recent integration has provided for a merger of resources and assets to effectively form a new division of Municipal Affairs designated Fire and Emergency Services. This union has enabled both agencies to closely support each other in their particular responsibilities. "The pooling of staff and resources has given our division a greater response capability," says Fire Commissioner Hollett. "We now have the means to work as one entity and to provide a greater province-wide response, of which this new web site will play an active part."

The fire safety and fire training sections contained on the web site are a valuable tool for current fire service personnel as well as potential recruits, says President Richard Murphy of the Newfoundland and Labrador Association of Fire Chiefs and Firefighters. He also expressed his support to government for providing comprehensive information to the public through such a widely-used medium as the internet, which his own association has also actively supported. "This web site is paramount in our joint effort of educating the people of Newfoundland and Labrador of the dangers associated with emergencies of all kinds. Providing people with the knowledge needed to react accordingly is a great initiative. As an experienced firefighter I can appreciate the importance of education and emergency preparedness."

In Newfoundland and Labrador, adverse weather and its impacts are a major concern. Municipalities, home and business owners are encouraged to take every precaution to prevent damages caused by any potential emergencies including flooding, heavy snowfalls, power outages and high winds and seas. In providing links to factual information and easy access to alerts and monitoring capabilities on-line, people can be better equipped to react to and prepare for potential emergencies.

The new web site is available at //www.gov.nl.ca/mpa/fes

The public are encouraged to provide comments and suggestions to online content at MAPAinfo@mail.gov.nl.ca

Media contact:
John Tompkins, Communications, (709) 729-1983/, 690-2498 or jtompkins@gov.nl.ca
President Richard Murphy, NL Association of Fire Chiefs and Firefighters
(709) 834-6540 or www.nlafcff.nf.ca

2006 09 13                  11:55 a.m.


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