Statement from Minister Mostyn on emergency preparedness

Minister Richard Mostyn has issued the following statement:

“As the weather gets warmer, I know all of us Yukoners are thinking ahead to the spring and summer; especially, in terms of wildfires and flooding across our territory.

“We understand the importance of acting now and planning ahead to protect our land and ensure the safety and wellbeing of Yukoners.

“Our government is working with municipal and First Nations governments and other local response agencies on emergency training, planning and hazard identification.

“This crucial work ensures that when an emergency happens, the response is as smooth and coordinated as possible.

“The Government of Yukon, through the Emergency Measures Organization, is planning and coordinating with local governments and agencies to enhance flood preparedness and emergency response efforts.

“Emergency planning representatives were in Dawson recently to meet with the City of Dawson and Tr'ondëk Hwëch'in to discuss flood risk and emergency response.

“Recognizing the flood potential in Old Crow, we are in contact with Vuntut Gwitchin Government about the coming spring.

“While we recognize the municipalities and First Nations governments are responsible for having emergency plans, we know the Government of Yukon can provide extra resources, staff and coordination assistance.

“We are continuing to deliver on our promises to support Yukoners during times of crisis with investments in the upcoming budget.

“Subject to legislative approval, Budget 2024–25 will invest in improving planning, communications and capacity to better prepare for climate emergencies.

“On the wildfire front, this includes planning, procuring and deploying firefighting equipment and training. We are planning for increased response capacity and incorporating lessons learned last summer.

“This year’s budget includes funding to support hazard identification and risk assessments, improvements of our forecasting capacity and updating our emergency preparedness communications infrastructure.

“We continue funding community-led FireSmart projects across the territory and developing landscape-level mitigations like the fuel break work taking place south of Whitehorse.

“We are creating Community Wildfire Protection Plans through a collaborative process between communities and government officials.

“Although we are taking concrete steps to prepare for whatever flooding and wildfire impacts this year may bring, we need Yukoners to do the same. We all have a role to play in emergency preparedness.

“Here are four steps you and your family can take.

• First, have a plan in case of emergency, including where you’ll go and a 72-hour kit with all the essentials you would need if you had to shelter at home or leave in a hurry.
• If you live near a river or lake, make sure you have materials on hand to protect your property from possible flooding.
• Next, look at how you can improve your home’s resilience to wildfire. Apply simple FireSmart principles to your home and property this spring.
• Finally, check that you are insured against flood and wildfire impacts and that your insurance covers impacts such as overland flooding, which often is not included in a basic policy. The Government of Yukon's recovery programs do not cover insurable losses.

Visit PreparedYukon.ca to learn more about these steps.

“As spring gets closer, we will continue sharing information about flood and wildfire risk and brief governments, response agencies and the media.

“I would like to assure Yukoners that emergency preparedness is something that our government is acting on year-round to ensure the safety and well-being of current and future generations.”