Salvation Army Reminds Maritimers to be Emergency Prepared

Emergency Preparedness Week, May 3-9, encourages Canadians to take time now to plan for the unexpected. Given the global coronavirus pandemic we are experiencing, this year’s national event is particularly relevant.

“Emergency Preparedness Week (EP week) is an annual event that is coordinated by Public Safety Canada,” says Perron Goodyear, The Salvation Army’s territorial director of emergency disaster services. “Using the theme ‘Are you Ready?’ The Salvation Army is encouraging Canadians to be prepared for potential hazards such as flooding, wildfires, tornadoes and the current global pandemic.”

Disasters may be beyond our control, but there are ways to reduce the impact of whatever emergency we might face. This includes:

• Developing a plan for your family
• Purchasing or making an emergency kit that ensures you can be self-sufficient for at least 72 hours following a disaster
• Visiting SalvationArmy.ca/EDS for more information or to train to assist when disaster strikes

The Salvation Army’s emergency disaster services program began in Canada in December 1917 in response to the Halifax Explosion. It has grown into an international network with thousands of trained personnel from coast to coast.

“In the midst of a global pandemic The Salvation Army’s emergency disaster services continue to serve on the frontlines,” says Lt-Colonel John P. Murray, territorial secretary for communications. “As we navigate through these challenging times of social distancing, online training has been developed to ensure that we are able to continue to serve those in need. In addition, our disaster services personnel are planning for future hazards that may happen as a result of the pandemic.”

Learn more about Salvation Army’s emergency disaster services in the Maritimes.

By: Linda Leigh