Saskatchewan residents are encouraged to gear up for emergencies as Emergency Preparedness Week unfolds across the province and the country.

On May 8, the provincial emergency alert system will be tested at 11:55 a.m. through SaskAlert and the federal public alerting system Alert Ready. The test alert will appear on television, radio, compatible wireless devices, and the SaskAlert app, along with a short message from the Government of Canada.

Test alerts are vital for ensuring that public safety warnings can quickly reach people during emergencies or disasters.

"Emergency preparedness week is a time for everyone to learn and prepare for not just weather events, but for other types of emergency incidents," said Corrections, Policing and Public Safety Minister Paul Merriman in a press release. "Every family can benefit from having an emergency plan and a 72-hour emergency kit for their home and vehicle. These are essential tools to keep yourselves and your loved ones safe during an incident."

The Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency (SPSA) urges residents to be prepared for any emergency by considering all potential scenarios. Knowing what to do and how to prepare is crucial to responding effectively during emergencies.