SASKATCHEWAN RESIDENTS SHOULD BE PREPARED

As part of Emergency Preparedness Week from May 2nd – 8th, federal and provincial governments are urging Saskatchewan residents to "Prepare Now! Learn How!". This week is designated to build public awareness about emergency situations and help educate Canadians about what to do before, during and after an emergency situation.

"All levels of government have an important role to play in emergency preparedness and response," Corrections and Public Safety Minister Peter Prebble said. "Ultimately, emergency preparedness starts with the individual, and each of us has a role to play in planning for an emergency."

Throughout the week, communities across Saskatchewan will be participating in activities that will help people recognize the risks inherent in their lives and work places. These activities will also help people put together effective emergency plans of their own. The goal is to lessen the impact of a disaster in terms of human injury as well as to reduce environmental and property damage.

To help promote Emergency Preparedness Week, posters and other materials have been distributed to emergency measures co-ordinators throughout Saskatchewan along with a video intended for elected officials to help municipal authorities with local emergency planning.

In addition, a federal government web site is available at www.epweek.ca which contains useful information on Emergency Preparedness Week and how to prepare emergency plans and assemble emergency kits.

Over the course of their lives, many Canadians will have to face severe weather, flood, fire, or other unforeseen events that could affect their quality of life. Although many of these risks are related to natural hazards beyond an individual's control, there are ways to reduce the potential consequences.

More information regarding emergency preparedness in Saskatchewan can also be found on the Corrections and Public Safety web site at www.cps.gov.sk.ca.

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For More Information, Contact:

Andrew Dinsmore Justice/Corrections and Public Safety Regina Phone: (306) 787-8606