Alerting residents of emergencies will now become easier with the launch of SaskAlert. The purpose is to alert individuals of potential dangers that might happen in an emergency.
“SaskAlert can provide critical information about emergency situations as they are developing so residents of the affected area will be able to take action to protect themselves, their families and property,” said Jim Reiter, government relations minister, in a news release.
Dwayne McKay, commissioner of emergency management and fire safety for the province, said the system has two levels. Level 1 is an alert to potential hazards that are a direct threat to life and property. If residents don’t take immediate action, they could sustain harm. This includes situations such as a tornado or train derailment. Level 2 threats are issued by the municipality or province, and include information that a person might need in an emergency, but is not a direct threat to life and property. Examples include closed roads or anything that is an inconvenience but not a threat.
“It was generally accepted that an alert system is needed based on what we’ve responded to in the last five or 10 years,” McKay said.
Once the alert is put out, it is picked up by media outlets and aired on local radio or TV. In addition, alerts can be viewed on SaskAlert.ca, the Weather Network, and soon, an app. McKay estimates the app will be ready in six to eight months.
“One of the main benefits is that SaskAlert is not just for Saskatchewan; it can be accessed right across the Canada,” McKay said. “It’s part of this national strategy for alerting.” For example, alerts sent out by Environment Canada would go out on SaskAlert.
Interested municipal leaders are being trained in how to use SaskAlert.
Testing for SaskAlert was carried out in February, and McKay said there was strong support for it and they’re continuing an education campaign. Broadcast stations have also been periodically testing the necessary equipment to make sure it works.
“We took a very systematic approach to it, looking at policies and procedures,” McKay said. “We haven’t anticipated any major issues with the system and we look forward to it providing the necessary service it was created to do.”
