Minister Highlights Emergency Preparedness Week

The Honourable Kevin O’Brien, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Minister Responsible for Fire and Emergency Services, today acknowledged May 6-12 as Emergency Preparedness Week in Newfoundland and Labrador. Emergency Preparedness Week is a national initiative to raise awareness and educate residents of the ways they can prepare for emergency situations.

“Preparing for an emergency is key to ensuring your personal safety and the safety of all residents of Newfoundland and Labrador,” said Minister O’Brien. “Emergency Preparedness Week is a time dedicated to recognize the responsibility each and every one of us has to be prepared for the unexpected. Newfoundland and Labrador is no stranger to adverse weather conditions; we know all too well that emergencies can happen anywhere, at anytime. We all need to be ready.”

The Provincial Government, through Fire and Emergency Services - Newfoundland and Labrador (FES-NL), continues to assist communities prepare for hazards and risks and be ready to respond to emergency situations such as a prolonged power outage, flooding, or wildfires. Throughout this month, FES-NL staff will be assisting a number of communities validate their approved emergency management plans. Tabletop exercises, which are group discussions guided by a simulated emergency situation, are being planned in communities throughout the province to ensure everyone is familiar with their roles and in the best possible position to respond in an adverse event.

“Under the Emergency Services Act all cities, towns, local service districts, and Inuit community governments are required to have emergency management plans in place this month,” noted Minister O’Brien. “I am pleased to see the vast majority of communities are on track to have emergency management plans in place this month.”

Minister O’Brien indicated that while emergency preparedness is a shared responsibility among all levels of government, it is also essential that each individual resident is ready for an emergency. Emergency Preparedness Week is a good opportunity to ensure your family is prepared. Residents are encouraged to follow three simple steps: know the risks in your area, make an emergency plan, and put together assemble an emergency kit.

To find out more about being ready for the unexpected, visit www.gov.nl.ca/fes or www.getprepared.ca for more information.

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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 05 08             9:30 a.m.