Emergency Measures Co-ordinators To Meet in Dartmouth

EMERGENCY MEASURES ORGANIZATION--Emergency Measures Co-ordinators To Meet In Dartmouth

Municipal emergency measures co-ordinators from across the province will meet in Dartmouth on Wednesday, May 28 and Thursday, May 29, to discuss policy, emerging trends and issues relating to emergency planning in Nova Scotia. The annual conference is hosted by the Nova Scotia Emergency Measures Organization.

The co-ordinators will discuss disaster financial assistance, the provincial trunk mobile radio system, the province's 911 system and SARS.

"This conference is an excellent opportunity for emergency measures co-ordinators from all over the province to meet and discuss emergency preparedness," said Tim Olive, Minister responsible for the Emergency Measures Act, who will speak at the conference. "It is also a chance to work together, build relationships, share experiences and reflect on common goals around emergency preparedness."

Municipalities provide the first level of response in an emergency. In the event of a major emergency, the Emergency Measures Organization becomes the window to provincial government resources.

The province's Emergency Measures Organization also supports the emergency management process on an ongoing basis by providing training, advice and evaluation to responders at all levels.

All of Nova Scotia's municipalities have an emergency measures co-ordinator. Most are expected to attend the conference.

"Emergency preparedness is a co-operative effort," said Mr. Olive. "I applaud the dedication of all the men and women who work diligently to plan and prepare for an event which they hope never happens."