Working Together for a Safer Tomorrow

The Town of Eston and the RM of Snipe Lake No. 259 are pleased to announce the transition to a jointly managed Emergency Measures Organization (EMO).

With our communities already joint in many other departments, sharing resources and services, it only makes sense that we also coordinate our emergency response. In most cases, if an emergency impacts Town or RM, it will affect the other. A shared EMO structure improves our ability to:

Respond faster and more efficiently
Eliminate duplication of efforts and planning
Share training, equipment, and emergency resources
Coordinate communication and public safety outreach

This approach strengthens both municipalities and ensures we are better prepared to protect our residents, property, and infrastructure.

Meet Your EMO Coordinator: Bailey Kemery

To lead this unified approach, we are excited to welcome Bailey Kemery as the Emergency Measures Coordinator for both Eston and the RM of Snipe Lake.

Bailey has worked in emergency management since 2016 with various municipalities and brings a wealth of experience to our region. With a background in EMS as a Primary Care Paramedic, Bailey now focuses on emergency education and public awareness.

Locally, you may recognize her from Great Plains College in Kindersley, where she teaches First Aid. She also works in the farm safety sector, sharing her personal experiences as a child who was injured on the farm and advocating for rural safety awareness.

Bailey is also a busy mom of three, involved in sports, 4H, and music. When she’s not on the job or the farm, you’ll find her camping, baking, or singing Disney karaoke — a hidden talent you may get to enjoy if you catch her on a good day!

Are you Ready for 72 Hours?

www.getprepared.gc.ca/index-en.aspx

In an emergency, residents should be prepared for 72 hours.

Here’s how you can prepare:

Create a Emergency Kit

Water (4L/person/day)

Food (non-perishable)

Flashlight, batteries

First aid kit

Medications

Personal documents

Radio (battery or crank-powered)

Pet supplies

Create a Family Emergency Plan

Know how to exit your home

Choose a meeting place

Prepare for pets and vulnerable individuals

Keep emergency contact info handy

STAY CONNECTED

Watch eston.ca or rmofsnipelake.ca, local social media for updates

We put out the emergency txt, emails and/ or voice calls (Sign up for municipal alerts)

Listen to local radio stations during emergencies

Understanding Local States of Emergency in Saskatchewan
Information for Residents

What is a State of Emergency?

A State of Emergency is a legal declaration made by a local authority (such as a town, city, rural municipality, or First Nation) that enables them to access special powers to manage an emergency situation effectively and protect public safety.

This declaration is governed by The Emergency Management and Fire Safety Act (EMFSA) in Saskatchewan.

Who Can Declare It?

In Saskatchewan, a local authority can declare a state of emergency within its jurisdiction. This could include:

Municipal councils (towns, villages, cities)
Rural municipality councils
Northern municipal administrations
First Nations (through their leadership and agreements)

When is a State of Emergency Declared?

A local state of emergency is typically declared when:

There is an actual or imminent emergency that threatens the safety, health, or welfare of people or property.
The emergency threatens social order and the ability for local authorities to govern.
The emergency is beyond the normal capacity of local resources and services.
The emergency threatens the provisions of essential services.
A State of Emergency has been declared provincially by the Provincial Government.
Extraordinary measures are needed to respond to or prevent the escalation of the emergency.

Common Reasons for Declaring a Local Emergency

A local state of emergency might be declared during:

Severe flooding persisting over multiple operational periods (longer than 24 hours)
Wildfires or dangerous smoke conditions
Major storms, blizzards, or tornadoes
Widespread power outages or infrastructure failures
Hazardous material spills
Disease outbreaks or public health emergencies
Acts of terrorism or significant civil unrest

What Powers Does It Grant?

Declaring a local state of emergency allows the authority to:

Control travel or movement in affected areas
Evacuate residents from dangerous zones
Close roads or facilities
Order the use of property or equipment to respond to the emergency
Coordinate emergency responders and agencies more efficiently
Access provincial or federal support when needed

What It Does Not Mean

Declaring a state of emergency does not automatically mean:

The situation is out of control
Martial law is in effect
Rights are suspended
Immediate danger to every resident

It’s a preventative and responsive tool to ensure the right resources and authority are available to protect the community.

How Will You Be Notified?

Local authorities use several channels to notify the public:

Official municipal websites or social media pages
Emergency alert systems (e.g., SaskAlert)
Local radio and television
Door-to-door notices (in some cases)
If you use H2Notify or Voyent alert, this is where you would encourage people to sign up.

How Long Does It Last?

A local state of emergency lasts for 7 days unless extended.
It can be renewed if the emergency continues.
The declaration can be terminated earlier if the situation is under control.

Your Role as a Civilian

During a state of emergency:

Stay informed through official sources.
Follow instructions from emergency personnel.
Be prepared with an emergency kit and evacuation plan.
Check on neighbours, especially those who are vulnerable.

More Information

For more on emergencies in Saskatchewan:

Visit: https://www.saskatchewan.ca/safety/emergency-planning
Download the SaskAlert App: https://www.saskalert.ca

Prepared by:
Bailey Kemery, Regional Emergency Management Coordinator for Town of Eston and R.M. of Snipe Lake.
Helping you stay informed, safe, and resilient.