We cannot always predict emergencies, but we can, and should, prepare for them, says Hon. Doug Currie, Minister of Justice and Public Safety.
“Significant weather events, such as the December 21, 2010 storm surge which caused shore erosion, flooding and damages to wharves, businesses and property, are expected to increase in both intensity and frequency,” said Mr. Currie. “At the same time, disasters throughout our world, such as hurricanes and floods, show us what a devastating effect these events can have on a community or nation.
Emergency Preparedness Week is an annual national awareness initiative that takes place each year during the first full week of May. This year, the provincial government is highlighting the importance of emergency preparedness, especially for seniors, people with disabilities, and their families and supporters.
While emergency preparedness is a shared responsibility among the individual, municipality, provincial government and federal government, the first level of responsibility lies with individuals, who should be prepared to take care of themselves and their families for at least the first 72 hours of an emergency.
“Individual and family needs will vary during an emergency,” said Mr. Currie. “It is important that families, seniors, people with disabilities, their caregivers and supporters, make emergency plans designed to accommodate their particular needs, and prepare emergency kits with the appropriate supplies.”
To promote EP Week 2011, the Office of Public Safety is pleased to partner with the Seniors’ Secretariat, RCMP, Canadian Red Cross, PEI Council of People with Disabilities, Queens County Residential Services, Bell Aliant, Maritime Electric, Island EMS and the Town of Stratford.
More information on how Islanders can be better prepared, and on activities planned for EP Week, is available on the Office of Public Safety webpage, www.peipublicsafety.ca, on facebook at www.facebook.com/PEIPublicSafety, by email at publicsafety@gov.pe.ca, or by calling (902) 368-6325 (toll free 1-877-894-0385).
The Office of Public Safety is a division of the Department of Justice and Public Safety and includes the Emergency Measures Organization, the Fire Marshal’s Office, the 911 Administration Office and Business Continuity Management.
Backgrounder ~ EP Week activities:
Emergency Preparedness Week Launch
The public is invited to join Hon. Doug Currie, Minister of Justice and Public Safety, and Hon. Janice Sherry, Minister of Community Services, Seniors and Labour, for the launch of Emergency Preparedness Week in Prince Edward Island.
Monday, May 2, 2011, 10 a.m.
Stratford Town Hall
234 Shakespeare Dr., Stratford, PEI
• Learn about personal emergency preparedness for seniors, people with disabilities and special needs, care givers and supporters.
• Enter to win a “starter” emergency kit.
• Refreshments will be served. Everyone welcome.
Personal Preparedness Presentations
for individuals, families, seniors, people with disabilities and special needs, all Islanders . . . Door Prizes. Free admission. Everyone welcome!
• Monday, May 2, 10 a.m. ~ Stratford Town Hall
• Tuesday, May 3, 7 p.m. ~ O’Leary Library
• Wednesday, May 4, 7 p.m. ~ Murray River Library
• Thursday, May 5, 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. ~ Confederation Centre Library
• Friday, May 6, 1 p.m. ~ Summerside Library
Three ways to enter to WIN a starter emergency kit
To help Islanders get involved and learn more, the Office of Public Safety is giving away starter emergency kits for Emergency Preparedness (EP) Week.
1. Take the online survey and enter your name. Draw will be held on May 9: www.gov.pe.ca/jps/survey
2. “Like” the OPS facebook group. A winner will be chosen on May 9 from all PEI followers: www.facebook.com/peipublicsafety
3. Follow OPS on Twitter. A winner will be chosen on May 9 from all PEI followers: www.twitter.com/peipublicsafety