Nova Scotia Observes Emergency Preparedness Week May 3–9, 2026
Emergency Preparedness Week runs from May 3 to May 9, 2026, in Nova Scotia. The Halifax Regional Municipality and the provincial government are urging residents to create household plans, build emergency kits, and understand local risks such as floods and wildfires. Key activities include a national Alert Ready system test on May 6 and a JEM Jamboree event in Porters Lake on May 9.
Premier Tim Houston has proclaimed May 3 to May 9, 2026, as Emergency Preparedness Week in Nova Scotia. Both the Halifax Regional Municipality and the Government of Nova Scotia are encouraging residents to prepare for emergencies by creating household plans, building emergency kits, and understanding local risks such as floods and wildfires.
The theme for this year’s observance is "Be prepared. Know your risks." Minister of Emergency Management Kim Masland emphasized the importance of preparation due to increasingly frequent and severe emergencies. Residents are advised to be self-sufficient in their homes for at least 72 hours following an emergency without power or running water. Recommended supplies include six litres of water per person for three days—equivalent to two litres per person per day—and a three-day supply of prescription medicines.
A test of the national Alert Ready system will occur on Wednesday, May 6, at 1:55 p.m., sending alerts to compatible mobile devices across Nova Scotia. These tests ensure residents receive real-time information about emergencies.
On Saturday, May 9, the Joint Emergency Management (JEM) Jamboree will take place from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Superstore parking lot located at 5240 Nova Scotia Trunk 7 in Porters Lake, N.S. B3E 1J7.
The Voluntary Vulnerable Persons Registry (VVPR) helps emergency responders identify and assist residents with mobility challenges, medical conditions, or disabilities during emergencies. Volunteer registries like the VVPR improve response efficiency for vulnerable populations.
More than 1,800 people have signed up for the Nova Scotia Guard, a volunteer organization that supports communities during and after emergencies. Severe weather events highlight the need for proactive emergency measures throughout the province, particularly during hurricane season from June to November and wildfire risk season from March 15 to October 15, when daily burn restrictions help reduce wildfire risks.