Public Safety Minister Toews Marks 15th Annual National Emergency Preparedness Week

May 05, 2010

Announces federal support for Emergency Preparedness Projects and Urban Search and Rescue Projects across Canada

TORONTO — The Honourable Vic Toews, Canada’s Minister of Public Safety, marked the 15th annual Emergency Preparedness Week by announcing combined funding of $8 million to the provinces and territories to support emergency preparedness through the Joint Emergency Preparedness Program (JEPP), and Urban Search and Rescue (USAR).

Over 400 projects across the country will benefit from this federal funding for the fiscal year 2010-2011.  Projects in communities such as East St. Paul, West St. Paul, Altona, Killarney, Grand Rapids and St. Clements will receive funding from this announcement. 

“The federal government plays an important role in helping the provinces and territories respond when emergencies strike,” said Minister Toews. “During Emergency Preparedness Week, we’re highlighting our commitment to supporting emergency management organizations across Canada with the tools and training they need to help make Canadians safe.”

This funding will allow for the purchase of emergency response equipment such as:

• Radios and other telecommunications;
• Emergency generators;
• Computer software;
• Thermal imaging cameras; and,
• Decontamination showers.

Funding is also being dedicated to emergency training and planning exercises and Urban Search and Rescue (USAR). USAR teams locate people who become trapped in collapsed structures using search dogs and electronic search equipment. Heavy USAR involves work to breach, shore, lift and remove structural components, the use of heavy construction equipment to remove debris, and the medical treatment and transfer of victims.

Emergency Preparedness Week is a national campaign coordinated by Public Safety Canada in collaboration with provincial and territorial governments and other partners. This year's theme is "72 Hours - Is Your Family Prepared?” Canadians are encouraged to be ready to cope on their own for at least the first 72 hours of an emergency. This will enable first responders to focus on those in urgent need.

For more information on Emergency Preparedness Week or for practical steps on how to prepare for emergencies, visit www.GetPrepared.ca. For more information on JEPP, please visit www.publicsafety.gc.ca.