Statement - Harper Government marks Emergency Preparedness Week 2015

OTTAWA, May 4, 2015 /CNW/ - The Honourable Steven Blaney, Canada's Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, released the following statement:

"This week marks the 20^th annual Emergency Preparedness Week, and this year's theme is "Know the Risks. Reduce them Together!"

Preparing for an emergency is something that everyone has a responsibility to do. This year, Canadians are encouraged to learn about the specific risks and hazards in their regions, and the actions they can take before an emergency to help reduce the impact of a disaster.

To strengthen Canada's emergency management approach, our Government is shifting from a reactive model to one that allows us to better predict, plan for, and prevent natural disasters and the costs suffered by Canadians. To this end, we are investing $200 million over five years in the National Disaster Mitigation Program to support provincial and territorial flood mitigation efforts.

Through the Get Prepared campaign, our Government has worked with provincial and territorial partners to encourage Canadians to know the risks, make a plan and get an emergency preparedness kit. With basic emergency preparedness in place, the next step is to take action to reduce the risks most likely to affect your family and community.

Everyone can take simple steps to reduce disaster risk. For example, if you live in a flood-prone area, you can help prevent flood damage by using a weather-protection sealant around basement windows and ground-level doors. Make sure drainage around your home helps move water away from the building.

Emergency management is a joint responsibility. This week, we also take the opportunity to recognize and thank first responders, volunteers, community leaders, non-governmental organizations and authorities at all levels of government for their support in emergency management. Together, we are building a strong and resilient Canada"

Follow Get Prepared (@Get_Prepared) on Twitter.

For more information, please visit the website www.getprepared.ca

SOURCE Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness Canada

For further information: Jeremy Laurin, Press Secretary, Office of the Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, 613-991-2924; Media Relations, Public Safety Canada, 613-991-0657, [e-mail]

Related Links

www.publicsafety.gc.ca