Premier, Minister Ask Students to Encourage Parents to Sign Up For Safety

Premier Rodney MacDonald and Emergency Management Minister David Morse met with Grade 4 and 5 students at New Minas Elementary today, March 6, to talk about how they can help parents make their homes safer.

"Nothing motivates parents more than the safety of their children," said the premier. "So we have asked these students to encourage their parents to make certain they have a clearly posted civic address."

Having a civic number that is clearly visible from the road helps first responders -- police, firefighters or paramedics -- quickly find people in need of emergency assistance.

"Clearly posting your civic address is cheap, it's easy, and it could save your life or the life of a loved one," Mr. Morse said.

Responding concerns raised by first responders, the Emergency Management Office is conducting a public awareness campaign urging Nova Scotians to post their civic numbers in a easily visible manner. The Sign Up For Safety campaign includes television commercials airing through March.

"In emergency situations, every second counts," Mr. Morse said. "Nothing could be more frustrating for a police officer, firefighter or paramedic than losing precious time trying to find the right home."

For tips on how to properly post an address and a list of retailers of reflective white-on-blue civic signs, visit the Emergency Management Office's website at www.gov.ns.ca/emo .

Nova Scotia's four 911 call centres in Dartmouth, Sydney, Truro and Kentville employ 165 call-takers, who handle about 170,000 calls per year. The Emergency Management Office is responsible for delivering the provincewide 911 emergency-reporting system.