Saskatchewan joins jurisdictions across Canada in launching Emergency Preparedness Week from May 6 to 12 under the banner 72 hours... Is your family prepared?
Corrections, Public Safety and Policing Minister D.F (Yogi) Huyghebaert kicked off the week with an emergency food preparation demonstration with Nick Murrell, Executive Chef and Kitchen Manager at the Royal United Services Institute of Regina.
"In a disaster, some services such as water, power, transportation and emergency workers might be unavailable for several days," Huyghebaert said. "Saskatchewan people need to be prepared to take care of themselves for a minimum of three days and packing an emergency kit will help you survive."
In partnership with the federal government and other provinces and territories, resources to help citizens develop their own emergency plans have been distributed to some 1,500 key community responders in Saskatchewan.
Some common Saskatchewan emergencies stem from natural disasters such as floods, tornadoes, snow storms, wildfires and grassfires. A basic emergency kit should include bottled water, a battery-operated flashlight, a manual can opener, a first aid kit and non-perishable food.
"Preparing non-cook meals are quick and easy," Royal United Services Institute of Regina Executive Chef and Food & Beverage Manager Nick Murrell said. "With some simple guidelines, you can create delicious and nutritious meals the whole family will enjoy."
Staff from Corrections, Public Safety and Policing's Emergency Management and Fire Safety Division is visiting Maple Creek and schools across Saskatchewan to promote this important week. The theme, 72 hours... Is your family prepared?, has been a consistent message for several years. It focuses on preparing the home for a natural disaster or other threats that last for a minimum of 72 hours (three days).
For more information about Emergency Preparedness Week, visit the Public Safety Canada's website at www.getprepared.ca.