May 7, 2018
Be Emergency Ready During Emergency Preparedness Week and All Year
– – –EP Week 2018 is May 6 to 12 but Manitobans Need to Prepared at All Times: Schuler
The government of Manitoba encourages all Manitobans to prepare and be emergency ready at all times, Infrastructure Minister Ron Schuler, minister responsible for emergency measures, announced today as National Emergency Preparedness Week runs from May 6 to 12.
“Preparedness starts with the individual and each of us should be aware of our needs in an emergency situation,” said Schuler. “Municipal, provincial, territorial, federal and Indigenous governments prepare for large-scale emergencies, but individuals and families, as well as those looking out for the needs of vulnerable neighbours and family, have an important role in being ready to react to emergency situations.”
This year’s theme for Emergency Preparedness week is ‘Be Emergency Ready’. The theme is a call to action to prepare for emergencies, to stay informed and to mitigate the potential negative impacts of emergencies.
On May 9, at 1:55 p.m., the national Alert Ready system will issue a test that will – for the first time – include delivery to compatible wireless devices. This is an expansion of the warning system for emergencies and disasters via TV broadcasts, radio, cable and satellite distribution, and web feeds. In Manitoba, Manitoba Emergency Measures Organization (EMO) and Environment and Climate Change Canada are the only agencies authorized to issue Alert Ready messages.
“We are fortunate that spring flooding will be limited this year, but a dry spring has already resulted in a busy wildfire season,” said Schuler. “The province, through Manitoba EMO, prepares and helps municipalities, communities and individuals to be prepared.”
The Manitoba government also recognizes the efforts of communities to be prepared through the Manitoba Community Emergency Preparedness Awards. This year the rural municipalities of Cartier and Hanover, the Municipality of Louise, and the Southern Emergency Response Committee, consisting of the RM of Stanley and the cities of Morden and Winkler, were recipients. The award recognizes communities with programs meeting or exceeding recognized national and international standards for emergency preparedness.
The province also supports the Manitoba Disaster Management Conference, held every 18 months to increase awareness of emergency preparedness requirements. Delegates and speakers share experiences, display technology and create networking opportunities. The conference will be held October 10 to 12 this year.
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