Education

One of the goals of Saskatoon Search and Rescue is to promote health and safety by providing information to the public on outdoor survival, lost person prevention, emergency preparedness and other topics through a variety of methods including our website. 

Preventative Search and Rescue (PSAR)

Preventative Search and Rescue means providing people with information on how to avoid needing Search and Rescue. We hope some of the information on this page will help you to stay safe and enjoy the great outdoors, be prepared for the unexpected, and have a plan in place in times of emergency.

AdventureSmart is a national program that encourages Canadians and visitors to Canada to “Get informed and go outside.” Search and Rescue volunteers can provide AdventureSmart presentations to suit all age groups. The key steps in all situations are:

  • Trip Planning (write a trip plan that outlines your route, activity, destination, expected return time and what equipment you have with you. Leave the plan with someone who can contact authorities if you don’t return);
  • Training (obtain the skills and knowledge you need for the outing you have planned); and
  • Take the Essentials (and know how to use them!). Although some of the essentials may vary depending on what activity you’re involved in, the basics for survival include a flashlight or headlamp, fire-making kit, whistle, extra food and water, extra clothing, navigation and communication tools, a first aid kit, emergency shelter, a pocket knife and sun protection.

We also encourage everyone to download the AdventureSmart app. You can use the app to plan your trip and send it to family and friends.

How to Report a Missing Person

If you suspect a person is missing, immediately contact your local police agency. You do NOT have to wait 24 hours. Here are some tips on how to report a missing person — questions the police will ask you (don’t worry if you don’t have all the answers), some things that you can do to help locate the missing person and things that you can do to help you and your family through this difficult time.

Emergency Preparedness

“Get Prepared” is an excellent Government of Canada website which provides information and tips on how to be prepared for all types of emergency situations including what should be in an emergency kit, how to make an emergency plan for your family and steps you can take to plan for and reduce the risks related to specific situations such as severe weather events. These are just a few links that are most relevant to those living in Saskatchewan.

  • Emergency Preparedness Guide – including a family emergency plan template and list of emergency kit items.
  • Floods – What to do before, during and after a flood.
  • Severe Storms – Types of storms and what to do before and during a storm.
  • Tornadoes – Warning signs and what to do during a tornado.
  • Power Outages – What to do before, during and after a power outage.

The City of Saskatoon Emergency Measures Organization (EMO) also has a list of local emergency numbers and on-line information related to what to do before, during and after disasters or weather events that are most likely to occur in the Saskatoon area.