Twentieth Annual Emergency Preparedness Week Runs May 1-7
The Government of Saskatchewan has proclaimed May 1-7, National Emergency Preparedness Week in the province.
Today, Regina Walsh Acres MLA Warren Steinley on behalf of Government Relations Minister Jim Reiter, joined Provincial Fire Commissioner Duane McKay to talk about the importance of being prepared for emergencies.
“We want to encourage all Saskatchewan residents and families to be prepared in case of an emergency,” Steinley said. “One of the easiest things you can do is to prepare a basic kit, which is accessible in the home, with supplies that should last at least 72 hours.”
As the twentieth annual Emergency Preparedness Week begins, Statistics Canada data shows that fewer than half of all Canadians have emergency kits in their homes and Saskatchewan households rank sixth out of the provinces in overall emergency preparedness.
Here are some tips to help families better prepare:
Plan
In an emergency, your family may not be together. Make a plan of what you would do in a variety of emergency situations, like a fire, flood, storm or if you have to be evacuated, and review your plan with every member of your family.
Prepare
Build an emergency preparedness kit. The kit should have everything you and your family would need to be safe and to take care of yourselves for at least three days immediately following an emergency.
Your emergency preparedness kit should include water, non-perishable foods, a flashlight, batteries, a radio, a first aid kit, prescription medications, your emergency plan and copies of health cards and other identification.
For more information about preparing a 72 hour kit, visit the Government of Canada’s “Get Prepared” website at www.getprepared.gc.ca.
Be Aware
SaskAlert is Saskatchewan’s emergency alerting system that provides real-time information on emergencies as they occur so you will be able to take action to protect yourself, your family and your property. Visit www.SaskAlert.ca to learn more.
Emergency Preparedness Week is a national awareness initiative that has taken place annually since 1996.