TORONTO _ Ottawa is giving $5 million to the provinces and territories to support emergency preparedness.

Public Safety Minister Stockwell Day made the announcement today during a stop in Toronto to kick off Emergency Preparedness Week.

Day says the money will be used to support some 400 emergency preparedness projects like purchasing new equipment, training and emergency management planning.

Day also urged Canadian families to take a moment this week to make sure they're prepared to take care of themselves for at least the first 72 hours of an emergency.

He says this will allow emergency responders to focus first on those in urgent need. © 2008 The Canadian Press