Emergency Response and Preparedness

Emergencies can happen at any time and without warning. While emergencies are often out of our control, our response to an emergency is very much in our control. With a little preparation, residents and businesses can respond quickly to help themselves and others. This can be done with the creation of household/business emergency plans and putting together an emergency kit.

In the case of a local or regional disaster, know that you’re not alone.

The Regional Emergency Management Organization (REMO) exists to provide organized support in the event of an emergency.

Working with the Emergency Measure Organization of Nova Scotia, the REMO helps coordinate the overall emergency response by establishing the formal link between the municipal government, responders, and other stakeholders. The REMO command centre for Pictou County is the New Glasgow Police Station.

The REMO’s non-emergency role is to work with partners to identify hazards and to plan and prepare for emergencies. Municipal leaders, municipal staff representatives, emergency response organizations and volunteers continually work to review and improve emergency response procedures, standards and provide training and information sessions.

Building an Emergency Kit

Getting or making an emergency kit is a very important step in ensuring you are prepared in the event of an emergency. According to Red Cross Canada, you should have an emergency preparedness kit in your home with enough supplies to meet the needs of your entire household for at least 3 days.Building a kit might seem expensive, but it doesn’t need to be, and is worth the effort. By taking the time now to store food, water and supplies, you can provide for yourself and your family in an emergency.For tips and to view a full checklist to build an emergency kit, or to purchase an emergency kit, visit redcross.ca.

Building/Buying an Emergency Kit

Do you have a family emergency plan?

It will only take you about 20 minutes to create one online.

Do you have a 72-hour plan?

Blue Mountain Exercise REMOIn an emergency, you will need some basic supplies. You may already have a flashlight but could you find it in the dark? An emergency kit should be well-organized and easy to retrieve if your family has to evacuate or get by without power or tap water. Be prepared to be self-sufficient for at least 72 hours. For more information on preparing for an emergency, consult the 72-hour Emergency Preparedness Guide.

Contact Info



REMO Pictou County
REMO Regional Emergency Management Organization Pictou County facebook

The REMO Coordinator

REMO awardThe role of the Regional Emergency Management Coordinator is to aid municipal units with planning for emergencies, provide public information about the diverse types of emergencies, and work with both local and provincial agencies during an emergency to mitigate the effects of the situation.

John Davison is the Pictou REMO Coordinator. John is a committed emergency manager, dedicated fire service chief officer and community leader. He has served as a firefighter for 43 years, is a trained medical first responder, and also serves on the board of directors for the Nova Scotia Fire School.

John Davison (left) receives the 2021 Ian MacKinnon Interoperability Award. The award is given to a team or individual who has done the most to support interoperable communications for first response during the course of the year.

Helpful Links

For more information on emergency preparedness in Nova Scotia you can visit the following sites: