Saskatoon Emergency Management calls on residents to take action during Emergency Preparedness Week

For immediate release: May 1, 2026 - 11:00 am
FI26-11985

Emergency Preparedness Week (May 3-9, 2026) is an annual event held across Canada that encourages Canadians to take concrete actions to be better prepared to protect themselves and their families during emergencies. This year’s theme, Be Prepared. Know Your Risks. is a reminder that emergencies can happen at any time and being prepared is crucial.

Emergencies can happen unexpectedly. Knowing the risks specific to your area and being prepared can help individuals and communities respond more effectively to emergencies, reduce the risk of injury or harm, and potentially save lives.

"Emergencies can happen without warning, which is why preparedness is so important,” says Pamela Goulden-McLeod, Director of Saskatoon Emergency Management Organization. "Emergency Preparedness Week is a critical reminder for residents to take action by reviewing emergency plans, checking supplies and understanding local risks. Being prepared ahead of time is a vital step that helps protect lives and strengthens our community's ability to responds when the unexpected happens."

Residents and business owners are encouraged to participate in Emergency Preparedness Week by taking the time to:

  • Know the risks – Every community can have different risks. What are the risks for your home, your business, and when you are travelling? Knowing the risks and how to respond are part of being prepared.
  • Make a plan – Develop an emergency plan tailored to your family or your business/workplace. How will you get in touch with each other? Where is the list of emergency phone numbers? Where do you need to go if you need to evacuate your home or business/workplace?
  • Get an emergency kit – During an emergency, we will all need some basic supplies. We may need to get by without power or tap water. Be prepared to be self-sufficient for at least 72 hours in an emergency.
  • Follow trustworthy sources – Examples include the City of Saskatoon, Saskatoon Fire Department, Saskatoon Police Service and Saskatoon Emergency Management.
  • Sign up for notifynow messages – When a public safety concern arises, notifynow sends public safety messages to residents of Saskatoon via telephone, email or text message with important information on what to do, where to go and what to expect.

For additional information about emergency preparedness, visit: saskatoon.ca/emo.