9-1-1 TRAINING INTRODUCED TO SASKATCHEWAN CLASSROOMS

A new 9-1-1 emergency service resource guide is being introduced to Saskatchewan students from Kindergarten to Grade 3.

Corrections and Public Safety Minister Kevin Yates and Learning Minister Deb Higgins unveiled the new program at St. Marguerite Bourgeoys Elementary School in Regina today to celebrate Emergency Preparedness Week.

"Children should learn from an early age how to handle emergency situations to help protect themselves and their families," Yates said. "This guide was developed to teach children how to use the Sask911 system, and how to act in an emergency."

"The resource has been designed to support the health education curriculum in Saskatchewan," Higgins noted. "With it, teachers can help prepare their students to respond to emergencies that could arise at home, at school or at play."

The Saskatchewan Emergency Planners Association (SEPA) endorses development of the guide. "In times of stress, disasters or in any emergency situation, children can respond confidently as a result of the emergency training they will learn in school," SEPA chair Kristine Niekamp said.

This year, Emergency Preparedness Week is May 7th to May 13th and focuses on emergency planning in the home. Resources created in partnership with the federal, provincial and territorial governments to help families and individuals develop their own emergency plans will be distributed to around 1,500 Saskatchewan community responders.

More information about effective emergency planning is available on the Emergency Preparedness Week website at www.EPweek.ca.

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For More Information, Contact:

Judy Orthner Corrections and Public Safety Regina Phone: (306) 787-5883	Jacquie McLean Learning Regina Phone: (306) 787-5609
Kristine Niekamp Saskatchewan Emergency Planners Association Lloydminster Phone: (306) 825-6558