Government of Yukon
News archives
FOR RELEASE #07-086
May 8, 2007
Emergency Preparedness Week Is May 6 - 12
WHITEHORSE - May 6 - 12 is Emergency Preparedness Week (EP Week) in Canada and Community Services Minister Glenn Hart urges all Yukoners to continue to improve their emergency readiness. The minister also acknowledges and thanks the emergency responders in our communities for the vital roles they fulfill.
EP Week across Canada is devoted to recognizing the important role that everyone needs to play in emergency preparedness, as well as providing an opportunity to better understand and reduce the risks associated with emergency situations.
Yukon Emergency Measures Organization (EMO) has mailed the emergency planning guide published by Emergency Preparedness Canada to all Yukon residences to encourage families to make the plans that will help keep their family members safe during crisis situations.
"Emergency Preparedness Week is also a time to appreciate the men and women in our communities who stand at the ready to assist those in need," Hart said. "Fire fighters, ambulance attendants, search and rescue crews, and many others contribute to our quality of life. I encourage all Yukoners to take a moment during Emergency Preparedness Week to thank those who devote themselves to keeping our communities and ourselves safe from harm."
Families and businesses are encouraged to be prepared by creating emergency kits for homes, workplaces and vehicles. Property owners are also encouraged to make their properties safer from fire with FireSmart plans and by clearing brush where necessary.
Information on developing emergency plans and dealing with specific threats such as wildland fires and flooding is available on the Yukon government website www.gov.yk.ca.
Emergency Preparedness Week is a national, annual event that includes every province and territory in Canada. The federal, provincial and territorial governments adopted the concept of EP Week in 1995 as a means of promoting activities that would increase the capacity of individuals and groups to resist the effects of major disasters.
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| Contact: | |
| Roxanne Vallevand Cabinet Communications 867-633-7949 roxanne.vallevand@gov.yk.ca |
Doug Caldwell |