News release

Prepare Now! Learn How!

Emergency Measures Organization (to Dec. 2005)

Severe weather, floods, fire and other unforeseen events are just a few examples of emergencies that have occurred in Nova Scotia in recent years. Although many are related to natural events beyond our control, there are ways to reduce the impact that an emergency can have on our lives.

During Emergency Preparedness Week, May 4-10, Nova Scotia's Emergency Measures Organization (EMO) reminds Nova Scotians that emergency preparedness is everyone's responsibility. This year's theme, Prepare Now! Learn How!, serves as a call to action and emphasizes the importance of taking steps to improve preparedness levels.

"Emergency preparedness begins at home," said Tim Olive, Minister responsible for the Emergency Measures Act. "Each of us can reduce the potential risks we face by better understanding what could happen and learning how to better prepare our family, community and province."

EMO offers the following tips on how Nova Scotia families can prepare:

  • develop a family emergency plan;
  • list emergency phone numbers and addresses by the phone;
  • prepare a home emergency kit;
  • prepare an emergency kit for your car;
  • select a common meeting place for your family;
  • choose one family member or friend to call if your family
    gets separated during an emergency;
  • teach children how and when to call 9-1-1;
  • ensure your correct civic number is posted where it can
    be seen clearly from the roadway day or night;
  • take a first-aid course.

"When individuals and families are prepared, there's less chance that they will need to access community resources, which are sometimes limited, when an emergency occurs," said Mr. Olive.

During Emergency Prepardness Week, a variety of events and activities will be taking place in communities across the province. A plaque dedication ceremony, honouring the Red Cross and the Canadian Coast Guard Auxiliary, will be held on May 6 at Province House, Halifax.

For more information on preparedness at home or for a list of supplies needed in a home or car emergency kit, visit EMO's Web site at www.gov.ns.ca/emo .

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