SaskPower, Red Cross unite to improve disaster response efforts

- SaskPower, Saskatchewan's electrical utility, and the Canadian Red Cross have signed an agreement that will see SaskPower employees trained and deployed during future provincial emergencies around the province.

"Many of our employees are already involved with their communities, and this takes things a step further," said SaskPower President and CEO Robert Watson.

Under the agreement, SaskPower will fund Disaster Management Training for up to 20 of its employees each year. Those employees will then be called on during times of disaster response in the province.

Volunteer opportunities will also be made available to SaskPower employees who do not wish to take the full Disaster Management Training program, but would like to volunteer from time to time. Finally, a Red Cross online donation web portal will be made available to employees to make donations at any time.

"Red Cross is looking forward to training SaskPower volunteers to help Red Cross respond when disasters strike in Saskatchewan," said Canadian Red Cross Provincial Director Cindy Fuchs. "[SaskPower and] Red Cross is able to work closely with local authorities and agencies to provide emergency services such as food, shelter, clothing and longer term assistance to those affected."

SaskPower has operations in 71 communities around the province, making employees readily available in a wide range of locations.

The Red Cross and SaskPower will hold orientation sessions in Regina, Saskatoon, and Prince Albert later this fall to provide employees with more details and registration opportunities.