Municipal Affairs
May 6, 2008

Province Celebrates 13th Annual National Emergency Preparedness Week

The Honourable Dave Denine, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Minister Responsible for Fire and Emergency Services - Newfoundland and Labrador, announced today that the province will join in celebrating the 13th annual National Emergency Preparedness Week (May 4-10, 2008). This year�s theme is "72 hours�Is your family prepared?"

"Knowing the risks in our province, making an emergency plan and assembling an emergency kit can help prepare Newfoundlanders and Labradorians to face any emergency situation," said Minister Denine. "Emergency preparedness is a shared responsibility among all levels of government, community groups, businesses and the people of our province."

As part of its plan to ensure the province is prepared in case of an emergency, the Provincial Government established Fire and Emergency Services � Newfoundland and Labrador (FES-NL) and made a five-year commitment of $4.475 million to set up FES-NL and implement other measures to improve emergency preparedness in the province.

The Provincial Government furthered its commitment to emergency preparedness this year by recruiting two new emergency management and planning officers who are tasked with aiding emergency management and planning for residents and municipalities throughout the province.

In the past, Newfoundland and Labrador has faced its share of emergency situations that have changed lives forever. Most recently in August 2007, Fire and Emergency Services - Newfoundland and Labrador (FES-NL) engaged in the response and recovery of Tropical Storm Chantal in the Conception Bay North and Placentia regions and saw first-hand how some people lessened the effect of damages by being prepared ahead of time.

"Emergency Preparedness Week encourages Newfoundlanders and Labradorians not to be caught off-guard. By taking a few simple steps today, you can become better prepared to face a range of emergencies - anytime, anywhere," said Minister Denine. "The 72-hour guide and the Emergency Preparedness Week website are available to help families make the right decisions to be ready for any circumstance. It offers an excellent resource to enhance safety and security."

For more information on Emergency Preparedness Week or to obtain a copy of the 72 Hour guide visit www.GetPrepared.ca

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Photo #1: Seated, from left to right: Mr. Richard Sparkes, Communications Officer, Public Safety Canada, Minister Dave Denine, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Minister Responsible for Fire and Emergency Services-Newfoundland and Labrador, and Minister Ross Wiseman, Minister of Health and Community Services. Second row: Mr. Bob Pike, Manager of Corporate Relations, Newfoundland Power, Mr. Dennis Shea, Manager of Plans and Operations, FES-NL, Mr. Jason Letto, Health Emergency Management Consultant, Department of Health and Community Services, Ms. Rhonda Kenny, Canadian Red Cross, Mr. Brendan Mullaly, Director of Emergency Social Services, Department of Human Resources, Labour and Employment, and Mr. Paul Peddle, Emergency Planning Officer, FES-NL.

Media contact:
Bradley Power
Public Relations Specialist, FES-NL
Department of Municipal Affairs
709-729-0857, 697-5216
BradleyPower@gov.nl.ca

2008 05 06                                               10:30 a.m.

 


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