With Emergency Preparedness Week taking place from May 4 to 10, the Provincial Government is reminding residents to be prepared for an emergency.
Critical services can become overwhelmed during emergencies, and not operate at full capacity. Residents need to be self-sufficient for at least 72 hours with an emergency preparedness kit. At minimum, the kit should include:
- Food
- Water
- Batteries
- A portable radio
- Prescription medications
Information on organizing emergency kits and plans can be found in the backgrounder below, as well as the Be Prepared website.
If a potential life-threatening emergency event is deemed imminent, the Provincial Government will activate its emergency information webpage at www.gov.nl.ca. This mobile-friendly webpage will be a single source of information ahead of, during, and after an emergency.
Information on emergency preparedness for persons with disabilities can be found on the Coalition of Persons with Disabilities NL website and on the federal website for an Emergency Preparedness Guide for People with Disabilities.
Emergency Preparedness Week raises awareness and educates residents on the ways to prepare for emergency situations. It is recognized annually by Public Safety Canada, as well as the provinces and territories.
Emergency Preparedness Week follows Wildfire Community Preparedness Day (May 2), which saw a substantial increase in community participation this year, with a total of 44 municipalities, fire departments, and community organizations across Newfoundland and Labrador receiving funding of $500 to support local projects aimed at reducing wildfire risks through education, mitigation activities, and community involvement. This impressive increase from 13 recipients in 2024 and 10 in 2023 highlights growing community awareness of, and dedication to wildfire preparedness.
Wildfire experts from the Department of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture continue to work closely with recipients to provide guidance and resources to enhance their wildfire resilience efforts.
Quote
“Our province has experienced its share of extreme emergency situations in the past few years, including the evacuation of communities due to the increasing threat of forest fires. Due to dry conditions, forest fire season is already underway on the Island of Newfoundland. This Emergency Preparedness Week I remind everyone to take action and be prepared for at least 72 hours in the case of an emergency. Thanks to emergency responders, who always step up in those difficult situations and times of need.”
Honourable Bernard Davis
Minister of Justice and Public Safety
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BACKGROUNDER
Tips for Preparing an Emergency Kit
Be prepared to be self-sufficient for at least 72 hours with an emergency kit:
- Two litres of drinking water per person/per day
- Non-perishable canned and dried foods
- Manual can opener and disposable plates/ utensils
- Prescriptions medications and medical equipment
- Personal hygiene items
- Extra water for washing (if possible)
- First aid kit
- Battery-operated radio and flashlight
- Extra batteries
- Phone charger and battery bank
- Cash
- Car and house keys
- Change of clothing and footwear per person
- Copy of personal documents (identification, insurance, bank account, etc.)
- Home emergency plan with contact numbers
- Blanket or sleeping bag per person.
For those with babies, toddlers and children, also consider:
- Formula
- Diapers
- Bottles
- Wipes
- Games, books and crafts
For those with pets, also consider:
- Pet food
- Water
- Bowls
- Leash
- Kennel
Emergency preparedness kits should be easily accessible, stored in a dry place, and in an easy to carry container or backpack. Plan to fuel vehicles and have cash on hand.