Municipal Affairs
May 3, 2016

The following statement was given today in the House of Assembly by the Honourable Eddie Joyce, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Minister Responsible for Fire and Emergency Services - NL:

Minister Recognizes May 1-7 as Emergency Preparedness Week

Mr. Speaker, when disaster strikes, the time to prepare has already passed. To raise awareness about the importance of being prepared, May 1-7 is nationally recognized as Emergency Preparedness Week. This year's theme is Plan. Prepare. Be Aware.

Mr. Speaker, emergencies can come in the form of floods, fires, hurricanes, ice storms, cold snaps, landslides and we experience all of these. That is why it is so important to be prepared and have a plan. Everyone has a role to play in being prepared for an emergency and Emergency Preparedness Week encourages residents to take a few simple steps.

Knowing the risks specific to your community and our province can help you prepare. Make a plan so you and your family know what to do. Get an emergency kit so you are prepared to be self-sufficient for at least 72 hours in an emergency. For more information and resources I encourage everyone to visit www.GetPrepared.ca .

Mr. Speaker, I ask all members of this Honourable House to take an active role in their community to help build a culture of preparedness. With your help, together we can communicate the importance of emergency preparedness to all Newfoundlanders and Labradorians.

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2016 05 03                              2:05 p.m.