OTTAWA, May 5, 2014 – The Honourable Steven Blaney, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, today launched the 19th annual Emergency Preparedness (EP) Week. The theme of this year’s event is “Know the Risks.”
“Every year, EP Week is an opportunity for Canadians to ensure they are prepared for any emergency situation that may arise. There are three simple steps to help plan for emergencies:
- Know the risks in your region;
- Make a plan; and
- Get an emergency kit.
Across the country, Canadians face a number of natural hazards which can vary from region to region. Understanding the risks we face in our communities and taking concrete steps to prepare ourselves and our families is not only common sense – it also helps ensure Canada can manage through a disaster.
One of our Government’s priorities is to build stronger, more resilient communities. EP Week is a good opportunity to remind Canadians that emergency preparedness is a shared responsibility in which we all play an important role. Governments at all levels are working hard with our partners across national, provincial, territorial and municipal jurisdictions to keep Canada safe.
We know that people who are prepared to sustain themselves for at least 72 hours after a disaster make it easier for first responders to help those who urgently need it – and this has a significant impact on the resiliency of their community.
The GetPrepared.ca website contains detailed information on specific risks and allows Canadians to go online to complete and download their own family emergency plan, and offers short videos on how to make an emergency preparedness kit.
We encourage Canadians to learn more about Emergency Preparedness, to increase their knowledge of their region, and to be prepared in case of a specific emergency.”
Follow Public Safety Canada (@Safety_Canada) and Get Prepared (@Get_Prepared) on Twitter.
Information:
Jason Tamming
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Public Safety and
Emergency Preparedness
613-991-2924
Media Relations
Public Safety Canada
613-991-0657
media@ps-sp.gc.ca
