In recognition of Emergency Preparedness Week taking place May 4 to 10, the Government of Yukon is inviting Yukoners to participate in a series of awareness and educational activities to help Yukoners prepare for flood and fire season.
This year’s theme, “Be prepared. Know your risks” highlights the importance of understanding the hazards specific to your region and taking steps in advance to protect yourself and your family. Emergency preparedness is a joint effort and starts with every individual long before an emergency occurs. This includes preparing for a potential emergency by taking these three steps: know the hazards, build an emergency kit and make a plan.
On Wednesday, May 7, the Government of Yukon will be issuing a test of the AlertReady emergency alerting system in the Yukon. The test will be broadcast to wireless devices, radio and televisions at approximately 1:55 pm Yukon Standard Time.
On Thursday May 8, the Government of Yukon is launching a new booklet, Travel the Yukon Safely. Printed versions of the booklet are available at Visitor Information Centres, while digital downloads can be found on travelyukon.com and interactive tourism kiosks located throughout the territory. The booklet focuses on the more than 500,000 people who visit the Yukon each year. Topics include travel kit essentials, finding emergency information, bear safety, winter driving, accessing health services and more. Everyone is welcome to the launch party in Whitehorse (see details below).
Throughout the week, the Government of Yukon is also mailing FireSmart manuals to all Yukon homes. The FireSmart Homeowner’s Manual shows homeowners how to protect their home. It also includes a home assessment to help homeowners understand how FireSmart their home is. Residents in Whitehorse can receive a free FireSmart assessment of their property from the City’s FireSmart team. Visit whitehorse.ca/firesmart to book an appointment and find more information.
Yukoners are encouraged to participate in one of the planned activities this week and to visit PreparedYukon.ca to learn how to prepare for all hazards.
For a full list of activities, visit Yukon.ca/ep-week.
Emergency preparedness is a joint effort and starts with every individual long before an emergency occurs. This week is a great opportunity for Yukoners to consider whether they are prepared for emergencies and how they can contribute to wildfire resilient Yukon communities. Our government is pleased to offer resources to help Yukoners and visitors get prepared.
-
Wildfire Community Preparedness Day is May 3 and Emergency Preparedness Week is May 4 to 10.
-
Yukon communities are holding events throughout May to share information about wildfire and emergency preparedness.
-
Stay tuned to local channels to learn more about events happening in May or visit Yukon.ca/ep-week.
Planned activities (check Yukon.ca/ep-week for the most up-to-date list)
Saturday, May 3, 10 am to 3 pm, Shipyards Park, Whitehorse, FireSmart Fair
- Stop by the FireSmart Fair to chat with experts from the City of Whitehorse and the Government of Yukon’s Wildland Fire Management branch, find resources and learn about reducing wildfire risks to your home.
- Free barbecue lunch and door prizes!
Sunday, May 4, 11:30 am to 3 pm: Golden Horn Public Education BBQ
- Hosted by Golden Horn Volunteer Fire Department
- Located at the Fire Hall at KM 1404.3, Alaska Highway, Whitehorse, Yukon
- Raffle, prizes, family activities, and food
- Bring your home fire extinguisher for inspection
- Meet Thorin, the EMS Support Dog
- Meet representatives from Wildland Fire Management, RCMP, Emergency Medical Services and the Emergency Measures Organization
Sunday, May 4 to Saturday, May 10: Follow Yukon Protective Services on social media
- Yukon Protective Services will be sharing emergency preparedness tips all week long on Facebook.
- Learn simple steps Yukoners can take to prepare their household for all hazards and how to prepare for specific types of emergencies such as wildfires and floods.
Wednesday, May 7, 1:55 pm: AlertReady emergency alerting system test
- The Government of Yukon will be issuing a test of the AlertReady emergency alerting system at approximately 1:55 pm Yukon Standard Time.
- The test will be broadcast to wireless devices, radio and televisions across the territory.
- Visit the AlertReady website to learn more about emergency alerting and to complete a feedback survey after the test
Thursday, May 8, 2 to 3pm, Visitor Information Centre, Whitehorse: Launch of Travel the Yukon Safely booklet
- Launch of new Travel the Yukon Safely booklet.
- All welcome, including visitors and tourism representatives.
Saturday, May 10, 12 to 3:30 pm: Mount Lorne FireSmart and Emergency Preparedness BBQ
- Located at Mt. Lorne Volunteer Fire Department, 21 Robinson Subdivision Road, Mt. Lorne.
- Hosted by Mt. Lorne Emergency Planning Committee and Mt. Lorne Volunteer Fire Department.
- Door prizes, vendor tables, live demos, BBQ and drinks.
- 1 pm Fire Tower documentary screening.
Laura Seeley
Cabinet Communications
867-332-7627
[email protected]
Julia Duchesne
Communications, Protective Services
867-332-4188
[email protected]