Workshop to Help Province Prepare for Emergencies

Provincial departments and municipalities from across the province will be better able to prepare for emergencies after a workshop to discuss advancements, best practices, and emergency management issues.

The Office of Emergency Management will host more than 60 departmental emergency planning officers and emergency management co-ordinators at a Truro workshop, today, Feb. 18 and Friday. The officers plan for emergencies in their provincial departments while co-ordinators plan for their municipalities.

"The Emergency Management Office is constantly working to strengthen the province's ability to respond to emergencies," said Ramona Jennex, Minister for Emergency Management. "Through joint planning, training, exercises, and conferences we work with partners to ensure that Nova Scotia is well prepared for whatever may come."

Discussion will include efforts to bring a National Public Alerting System to Canada, new and emerging emergency management technologies, and animal welfare during emergencies. Participants will also discuss how government can work more collaboratively and improve getting timely information to the public.

"During emergencies, it is critical that the province and municipalities work side-by-side," added Craig MacLaughlan, deputy head, EMO. "By keeping the lines of communication open, sharing lessons learned, and discussing issues of mutual importance, we increase our capacity to help Nova Scotians during emergencies."

The Emergency Management Office aims to ensure the safety and security of Nova Scotians, their property and the environment by providing for a prompt and co-ordinated response to significant emergency events. EMO works with municipal authorities to help with emergency planning as well as support and co-ordinate provincial resources in emergency events.

Nova Scotians are encouraged to visit www.gov.ns.ca/emo to learn more about what they can do to prepare for an emergency.