The Manitoba Community Emergency Preparedness Awards, recognizing communities with programs meeting or exceeding standards, will be presented to the City of Steinbach, Town of Snow Lake and the Rural Municipality of East St. Paul. The presentation will be made by Infrastructure Minister Blaine Pedersen, minister responsible for emergency measures.
“The Manitoba government is pleased to present these awards in partnership with the Association of Manitoba Municipalities to recognize our most prepared communities,” said Pedersen. “These communities have demonstrated excellence in developing and maintaining their emergency preparedness programs. We applaud the efforts of the emergency management teams in these municipalities who, with the support of elected leaders, clearly understand the importance of reducing the risk of disaster impacts on their communities through effective emergency preparedness.”
Preparedness includes detailed hazard and risk assessment, preparation and maintenance of emergency plans, public education programs, use of social media to communicate with the public, and excellent emergency management and response training programs. The Emergency Measures Act requires Manitoba communities to have emergency preparedness programs. These awards recognize four levels of achievement in community preparedness, modeled on Canadian and international best practices and standards, the minister said.
“Emergencies can happen at any time and without warning, so preparation is key,” said Joe Masi, executive director, Association of Manitoba Municipalities. “While most communities do have an emergency plan in place, these three municipalities have gone above and beyond to ensure they, and their citizens, will be in the best position to handle any emergency that may arise.”
The awards are presented annually and include public recognition by the Manitoba government, a framed certificate and road signs stating, ‘We are a Prepared Community’, to be placed at the municipality’s discretion.
