Emergency Management

A Message from St. Clements Emergency Coordinator

Jim Stinson

In 2006, East Beaches Fire & Rescue - formerly the Grand Marais Fire Department - responded to 67 emergency dispatches. Unfortunately, 3 of the incidents resulted in loss of life, and a great many involved property damage.

Disasters such as the tornado that struck Gull Lake and other areas in early August and the flooding in the Grand Marais area in mid-October can occur at any time. In response, emergency plans have been drawn up and are constantly being updated. St. Clements continues to focus on pro-active preparedness, and to that end it is vitally important that we inform and involve as many residents as possible.

Being prepared and having a clear plan of action can mean the difference between catastrophe and survival when faced with flood or any other disaster.

Free information pamphlets and guides are available at the Municipal Office at 1043 Kittson Road in East Selkirk. Residents are encouraged to stop by and pick up these guides for preparing your family, home and property for emergency situations. I highly recommend two excellent guides entitled "The Family Emergency Handbook" and "72 hours... Is your family prepared?"

Volunteers are the backbone of any emergency plan, and we are constantly recruiting residents who are willing to assist in times of need. Training is provided, and persons of all backgrounds are needed.

If you are interested in helping out your community during a disaster, please contact me at the Municipal Office at (204) 482-3300 Ext. 231, or by e-mail: jim@rmofstclements.com. My cell phone number is 485-5400.