May 5-11 Recognized as Emergency Preparedness Week

Time and time again, residents of Newfoundland and Labrador have seen why being prepared is critical in advance of an emergency or disaster. During Emergency Preparedness Week, which is recognized across Canada, the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador encourages residents to know the risks in their community, make a plan, and assemble an emergency kit.

“When an emergency or disaster occurs, it is often too late to buy supplies or gather important items your family may need to survive,” said the Honourable Kevin O’Brien, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Minister Responsible for Fire and Emergency Services. “Preparing ahead of time is the best way to keep you and your family out of danger. This Emergency Preparedness Week, I encourage every Newfoundlander and Labradorian to know the risks in their community, such as flooding or forest fires, make an emergency plan, and assemble an emergency kit. A few simple steps ahead of time could certainly mean the difference between life and death.”

Newfoundlanders and Labradorians are encouraged to visit the Emergency Preparedness Week website located at www.getprepared.ca. The basic information found on this website will help significantly during an emergency. In addition, Fire and Emergency Services-Newfoundland and Labrador has recently launched a new twitter profile that aims to enhance communication before and after an incident in the province. The twitter account can be found at www.twitter.com/FES_GovNL or @FES_GovNL. 

“While emergency preparedness is a shared responsibility among all levels of government, and while tremendous efforts to enhance capacity have been made in recent years, being ready for potential challenges is truly an effort that begins at home,” said Minister O’Brien. “Ask yourself, are you ready? If not, start preparing immediately during Emergency Preparedness Week.”

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Media contact:
Bradley Power
Public Relations Specialist
Fire and Emergency Services - Newfoundland and Labrador
Government of Newfoundland and Labrador
709-729-0857, 699-5707
bradleypower@gov.nl.ca 

2013 05 06             11:50 a.m.