Minister of Public Safety encourages Canadians to plan for emergencies

OTTAWA, April 30, 2010— The Honourable Vic Toews, Minister of Public Safety, made the following statement on the 15th anniversary of Emergency Preparedness Week, which runs from May 2 – 8, 2010. This annual event promotes the importance of emergency preparedness, with countless activities planned in communities across Canada. This year’s theme is “72 Hours…Is Your Family Prepared?”

“All levels of government and first responders such as police, firefighters, and paramedics work hard to keep Canadians safe, but they are not the only ones with a role to play in emergencies. Individual Canadians also need to be prepared. During Emergency Preparedness Week, take the time to get prepared, whether it is finding out about local risks, preparing or updating an emergency kit, or talking with your friends and family about your emergency plan.

For Emergency Preparedness Week, I invite all Canadians to take a few minutes to make a family emergency plan. This will help your family know what to do and how to stay in touch with each other when an emergency happens.

By doing our part, first responders will be able to focus on those in urgent need first during an emergency. A little planning and preparation today can make a world of difference for each of us and our families.”

More information, including a new video on making a family emergency plan and how to complete it on online, is available at www.getprepared.gc.ca.

Information:

Media Relations
Public Safety Canada
613-991-0657