Emergency Management Planning Encouraged As Deadline Approaches

Most communities in Newfoundland and Labrador are either working towards or have completed updated emergency management plans. The Emergency Services Act, which was proclaimed in 2009, requires all municipalities, local service districts, and Inuit communities to have updated emergency management plans in place by May, 2012.

“The Provincial Government continues to assist communities in meeting their legislative obligations to ensure our communities are in the best possible position to react during the next emergency,” said the Honourable Kevin O’Brien, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Minister Responsible for Fire and Emergency Services. “All communities have an obligation to ensure appropriate plans are developed, updated and exercised regularly so as to be ready to respond to the needs of residents. I urge everyone to look at their level of preparedness and encourage all communities to strive to meet the approaching deadline.”

To date, 350 communities representing 95 per cent of the population have either completed, nearly completed or initiated the emergency planning process. Regional emergency management and planning officers throughout Newfoundland and Labrador have provided dedicated, hands-on support in assisting community leaders in all areas of the province to meet their legislated obligation.

Minister O’Brien noted the development of a provincial emergency management plan is also on track for completion by the May, 2012 deadline. The intent of the provincial plan is to outline the roles and responsibilities of Provincial Government departments in responding to an emergency event and how essential public services will be continued. The provincial emergency management plan will be based on best practices in the emergency management field and informed by the experiences encountered in Newfoundland and Labrador.

FES-NL conducts semi-annual Fire and Emergency Services training schools, and regional firefighter training sessions in an effort to provide important instruction, guidance, and assistance. Provincial staff have held more than 200 workshops, meetings, and training sessions in emergency management since 2010.

The resource guide used to assist in emergency management plan development is available on the FES-NL website, www.gov.nl.ca/fes/emo/municipalplanning.html

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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

2012 02 02                          10:30 a.m.