From May 6 to 12, the Provincial Government is acknowledging Emergency Preparedness Week. This year’s theme, “Be Emergency Ready”, highlights the importance of residents and emergency management partners being proactive in preparing for potential emergencies.
During Emergency Preparedness Week, residents are encouraged to become familiar with the risks specific to their community and province, make a plan, and get an emergency kit to be self-sufficient for at least 72 hours in an emergency. People can visit the websites in the Learn More section below for resources that will assist them in being better prepared.
As a commitment of first ministers responsible for emergency management, the Provincial Government has been working with all provinces and territories, Public Safety Canada, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Pelmorex (The Weather Network) and public and private broadcasters on Alert Ready, an emergency public alerting system. The system broadcasts alerts on different types of emergencies, including fires; natural disasters such as tornados, flash floods and hurricanes; hazardous issues and environmental events.
On Wednesday, May 9, a wireless public alerting test will be issued to residents of Newfoundland and Labrador. This expansion of the National Public Alerting System will help ensure that emergency notifications reach individuals via their wireless device such as a smartphone or a tablet. Residents are encouraged to visit the www.AlertReady.ca website to check their device’s compatibility and to learn more about what to do when they receive an alert.
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“During Emergency Preparedness Week, I encourage all residents to consider what they can do for themselves and their families to be prepared in the event of an emergency. Whether it is making a plan, checking the contents of your emergency kit, or learning more about the wireless alerting system, we all have a responsibility to take action to be emergency ready.”
Honourable Andrew Parsons
Minister of Municipal Affairs and Environment
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Learn More
EP Week website
National Public Alerting System
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Media contact
Lynn Robinson
Municipal Affairs and Environment
709-729-5449, 691-9466
lynnrobinson@gov.nl.ca