The follow statement was read in the House of Assembly today by the Honourable John Hogan, KC, Minister of Justice and Public Safety and Attorney General:

Speaker, this is Emergency Preparedness Week, a time dedicated to encouraging residents to take action in order to be better prepared to protect themselves, their families and their communities during an emergency.

This year’s theme is “Be Prepared. Know your Risks,” and our hope is that residents will take the time to become more familiar with the range of potential emergencies. Resources are available at www.gov.nl.ca/beprepared.

Everyone has a role to play when it comes to emergency preparedness. Residents should always have a basic emergency kit available, and should be prepared for at least 72 hours, with food, water, batteries, a portable radio, and prescription medications.

As a province, we know all too well the power of Mother Nature. Whether it be a snowstorm, a forest fire, or a hurricane, it is important we are all prepared for an emergency anytime, anywhere.

Experience has shown that individual preparedness goes a long way to helping people cope better – both during and in the aftermath of a disaster.

I would also like to take this opportunity to thank all emergency responders, including those within the public service, who were instrumental in our province’s response to the forest fires in central Newfoundland and Hurricane Fiona.

Speaker, I challenge all members of this House to lead by example. Do your part to be prepared and encourage all residents of the province to do the same.

Thank you.