CPSP TELLS SASKATCHEWAN RESIDENTS HOW TO PREPARE FOR NATURAL DISASTERS

The start of warm spring weather brings with it the potential for weather-related disasters, such as flooding, forest fires and plough winds, warns the Ministry of Corrections, Public Safety and Policing (CPSP).

"Saskatchewan residents can help reduce the impact of weather-related disasters to themselves and their property by making sure they are prepared for these kinds of events," CPSP Minister Darryl Hickie said.

Precautions suggested by CPSP follow recognized national emergency preparedness guidelines. Those tailored directly to individuals and families include:

• Make sure your family has a plan. This might include planning on how to safely leave your home, making arrangements to stay with family or friends long before an emergency arises, and taking measures to ensure your property is secure when you know an emergency might happen.
• Pack an emergency kit with three days worth of supplies for your family. It should include items like canned food, bottled water, a flashlight, a battery-powered radio and fresh batteries.
• Get involved with your community's emergency planning activities.

"Residents should be familiar with their own communities to make sure they have their own community emergency plan," Hickie said. "That way, when an emergency strikes, resources can be mobilized faster, so that there's a better opportunity to reduce the impact of a natural disaster."

Copies of Your Emergency Preparedness Guide are available at www.epweek.ca.

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For more information, contact:

Judy Orthner
Corrections, Public Safety and Policing
Regina
Phone: 306-787-5883
Email: judy.orthner@gov.sk.ca
Cell: 306-787-5883