Municipal Affairs
May 2, 2011
Minister Asks Residents: Are You Ready – Newfoundland and Labrador?
In a continuing effort to ensure public safety and raise awareness of the need to plan ahead, the Honourable Kevin O’Brien, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Minister Responsible for Fire and Emergency Services, has acknowledged May 1 - 7 as Emergency Preparedness Week in Newfoundland and Labrador.
“The people of Newfoundland and Labrador are no strangers to adverse weather and we have certainly seen our share of emergency situations in recent years,” said Minister O’Brien. “Incidents of stark devastation across the globe in recent months continue to heighten our awareness to the fact that emergencies can happen at any time, anywhere, without notice. It is important for all of us to look closely at our homes and communities to see how best we can prepare to face the next inevitable challenge.”
Emergency Preparedness Week is a national initiative to educate residents of the ways they can prepare for the many emergency situations which could arise and to mitigate potential impacts. The Provincial Government, through Fire and Emergency Services – Newfoundland and Labrador (FES-NL), continues to encourage residents to ensure they are prepared for the hazards and risks in their communities and regions. While emergency preparedness is a shared responsibility among all levels of government, being ready for these potential challenges is truly an effort that begins at home.
“The unprecedented impacts of Hurricane Igor this past September certainly prompted an awakening for all communities, especially throughout eastern Newfoundland,” noted Minister O’Brien. “The recovery effort will continue as we begin the new construction season in the affected areas. But while we fared relatively well throughout such a trying event, each and every one of us must examine what we are doing differently to better withstand the next event. We need to ask ourselves, our friends and family: Are you ready for the next emergency? Everyone needs to make a conscious effort to be prepared.”
Under the Emergency Services Act, all municipalities and local service districts are required to have updated emergency management plans in place by May 2012. FES-NL staff have been working with communities and regions since 2009 to assist in preparing these plans and have noted a marked increase in the number of councils, committees and fire departments engaged in the planning initiative since Hurricane Igor. A number of local initiatives will be held by the emergency response agencies during the week for residents to learn more about emergency planning and preparedness.
“Families should make an event of their planning initiatives, and work together to develop a kit of essentials for the first 72 hours of any major emergency,” said Minister O’Brien. “Planning for the possibilities will help residents meet their immediate needs during an emergency and can help in a speedy recover.”
More information on emergency preparedness initiatives and community training opportunities are available through the FES-NL website- www.gov.nl.ca/fes and through www.getprepared.ca .
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Media contact:
Cheryl Gullage
Public Relations Specialist
Fire and Emergency Services – Newfoundland and Labrador
709-729-0857, 631-9962
cherylgullage@gov.nl.ca
2011 05 02 11:20 a.m.