External Affairs Rhode Island Emergency Management Agency Press Release Contact: Kristina Murray (401) 536-5248 Cell (401) 462-7063 Office www.riema.ri.gov
State of Rhode Island to Host International Emergency Management Group
For Use: Immediately
Date: October 23-24, 2018
Re: International Emergency Management Group meeting
The International Emergency Management Group (IEMG) provides for the possibility of mutual assistance in managing an emergency or disaster among participating jurisdictions. The Group meets twice a year to discuss mutual-aid support, planning, trainings and exercises, preparedness, and recovery to enhance regional situational awareness. The Rhode Island Emergency Management Agency (RIEMA) is the host of the bi-annual meeting being held in Providence, Rhode Island. The IEMG consists of all six New England States, and five Canadian Provinces: Quebec, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia, Newfoundland and Labrador.
At the last meeting held in spring 2018 in Halifax, Nova Scotia, one of the topics of discussion was Reducing Risk in a Changing Climate. They agreed to consider climate-related risk and vulnerability into planning and decision-making. Rhode Island Emergency Management Agency Acting Director Marc Pappas says, "We are honored to host the IEMG fall meeting this year. The work IEMG does is important and gives us guidance on issues that affect the state. We are fortunate to have a valuable working relationship with a group of Canadian and New England emergency managers if they are ever needed."
The last time the group met in Rhode Island was six years ago in Newport. This year, they will be meeting at the Hilton Providence, on October 23-24. For more information about IEMG, please visit http://www.iemg-gigu-web.org/index-e.asp
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