October 16, 2015
Province and Association of Manitoba Municipalities Present First Manitoba Community Emergency Preparedness Awards
– – –Communities with Outstanding Emergency Preparedness Programs Recognized: Minister Ashton
The first Manitoba Community Emergency Preparedness Awards recognizing communities with programs meeting or exceeding standards were presented to the Prairie View Municipality and the City of Brandon by Infrastructure and Transportation Minster Steve Ashton today at the Manitoba Disaster Management Conference.
“These recipients stand out amongst many Manitoba communities that have taken the steps to meet and exceed mandated emergency preparedness requirements and have come up with excellent plans,” said Minister Ashton. “Municipal leadership in these communities set the pace through thorough risk assessment, detailed planning, community preparedness education efforts, the use of social media for preparedness and response, and good training regimes.”
The Emergency Measures Act requires communities to have emergency preparedness programs. This award recognizes four levels of achievement in community preparedness, modeled on Canadian and international best practices and standards.
The award is presented annually to two recipients; one community or municipality over 2,500 residents and one community or municipality with fewer than 2,500 residents. The award includes public recognition by the Manitoba government, a framed certificate and road signs stating, ‘We are a Prepared Community’, to be placed at the municipality’s discretion.
“This award recognizes the dedicated efforts and successes of communities as they work to protect their residents, the environment, infrastructure, property and economic stability,” said Minister Ashton. “It also recognizes the very important work of a dedicated core of part-time employees, volunteers, and municipal staff performing emergency preparedness above and beyond their regular jobs.”
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