Emergency Measures Co-ordinators Meet in Coldbrook

EMERGENCY MEASURES ORGANIZATION--Emergency Measures Co-ordinators Meet in Coldbrook

Municipal emergency measures co-ordinators from across the province will meet in Coldbrook on Tuesday, May 18 and Wednesday, May 19, 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 pandemic infectious diseases, critical infrastructure, forest fire risk, priority access dial tone, communication management and the use of amateur radio operators as emergency backup. Representatives from the Canadian Hurricane Centre and Department of Natural Resources will also be presenters.

"This year, our emergency measures co-ordinators have faced extraordinary circumstances, not only with Hurricane Juan and the blizzard but also with numerous emergencies at the local level," said Ernest Fage, Minister responsible for the Emergency Measures Act. ""They have responded with a level of skill and expertise that has not only made us proud, but has cemented Nova Scotia's national reputation."

Municipalities provide the first level of response in an emergency. In the event of a major emergency, Nova Scotia's 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. Fage. "I applaud the efforts of all emergency measures co-ordinators who have demonstrated this year how effectively they work together. This conference is an excellent opportunity for co- ordinators to build relationships, share experiences and reflect on common goals around emergency preparedness."