Planning Should Be Priority During Emergency Preparedness Week

NOTE: A social media version of this release with hi-res downloadable photos and video clips is available at http://gov.ns.ca/news/smr/2010-05-03-preparedness.asp .

The Emergency Management Office is reminding all Nova Scotians to make emergency planning a personal priority during Emergency Preparedness Week, which runs until May 8.

"Nova Scotia has endured hurricanes, floods, forest fires, blizzards and ice storms," said Emergency Management Minister Ramona Jennex. "Emergency Preparedness Week is an important reminder that taking a few simple steps can help us be ready for the unexpected."

Lara Ryan, of Halifax, lost her home in a forest fire a year ago. Terri Mingo, of Truro, lost a lot of her possessions when a river overflowed its banks, flooding her basement.

Both women now have all important items and papers in one place, in case their families need to be evacuated in an emergency.

"When you leave your home and you are in a hurry, you don't know what to take," said Ms. Mingo.

"Get your affairs in order and have a grab-and-go box," advised Ms. Ryan. "Most of all, don't think it can't happen to you. It can, and disasters can happen quickly."

According to the Canadian Red Cross, almost 2,600 people in Nova Scotia were forced from their homes unexpectedly in 2009 by emergencies such as residential fires, flooding and evacuations from forest fires, fuel or chemical leaks, and other causes.

"Take the time to know the risks in your community, plan your response to a potential crisis, and assemble a kit of basic supplies to have on hand," said Steve Mills, Emergency Management regional planning officer. "Most disasters are beyond our control. But you can improve your readiness for almost any emergency."

The national theme of Emergency Preparedness Week is 72 Hours ... Is your family prepared? It emphasizes the importance keeping a kit of basic supplies on hand that will allow families to get by on their own during the first 72 hours of a disaster, while first responders help those most in need of assistance. For more information on being prepared, visit www.getprepared.gc.ca .

The Emergency Management Office is responsible for ensuring prompt, co-ordinated responses to emergencies. EMO works hand-in-hand with municipal authorities to provide assistance in planning for emergencies, co-ordinating province resources when an emergency occurs, and assists with analysis and evaluation after an emergency.

For more information about EMO, visit www.gov.ns.ca/emo .