Sunday May 5th marks the beginning of Emergency Preparedness Week, a themed week long national event supported by Public Safety Canada with the goal of raising awareness about the importance of being prepared for the worst. Everyone has a role to play in times of emergency, and with the awareness and support tools provided during this week our hope is that you will be prepared to protect yourself, your family and your community.
This years provincial theme provided by Ontario’s Provincial Emergency Management Strategy and Action Plan is “Plan for every season!” This theme reflects the unique challenges facing Ontario on a seasonal basis and the opportunities to practice emergency preparedness throughout the year. Ontario’s theme complements the national theme released by Public Safety Canada: “Be Prepared. Know Your Risks!” It is important to ensure you have a plan in place BEFORE an emergency happens, so that everyone in your household will know what to do:
- Develop a plan
- Build an emergency kit that can sustain everyone in your household for at least 72 hours
- Make sure you stay informed should an emergency occur
Check out some of the activities available under the “Emergency Preparedness” drop down above. There is a link to view and download 2024’s Emergency Preparedness Guide provided by the County of Hastings, brochures and flyers which you can read, and even activity booklets, colouring books and games for kids which you can download and print! Take the opportunity this week to have a sit down with your family and do some of the activities together, and check your 72 hour emergency kit to ensure your supplies are good to go. It’s always better to have it and not need it then need it and not have it!