Updates on health, environment and social issues affecting Northwest Saskatchewan communities

The Northwest Emergency Operating Committee meets weekly to discuss the current issues facing Northwest Saskatchewan communities. This weeks discussion was on the forest fire situation and having to deal with evacuations of various communities. The importance of preparing for these situations was stressed, as they had to deal with evacuations while dealing with a power outage. Additionally, concerns were raised on the health issue of long-Covid symptoms. 

There were many lessons to be learned during the forest fire emergency, such as improving its relationship with Red Cross, which they admit, had its challenges. There was a lack of resources directed at evacuees, which would have helped them feel more comfortable, particularly the elders. For the community members dealing with smoke, they had access to a building equipped with air purifiers. 

Dealing with a forest fire emergency, you need volunteers to work the frontlines. These workers should be well equipped and be looked after, as wildfire smoke is a risk to your health. It's encouraged that people who are at greater risk to wear a mask. 

Many cabins and properties were destroyed, which caused concern from the public. Why wasn't more done to save these properties? Also the power outage exposed some weaknesses in emergency planning. These situations are believed to be more common with climate change. 

The topic of COVID 19 was also discussed, that is the impact its had on health workers, and the lasting effects its had on patients, also called long-Covid. 

Finally, the discussion shifted to supporting the future generation of youth, particularly with respect to learning skills for emergency preparedness. There is a drop in recruitment in the RCMP. It's recommended that a cadet program be developed to raise the numbers.