Sunday May 7th 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 Public Safety Canada theme is “Be Prepared. Know Your Risks!” The objective of this theme is to encourage everyone to find out about local risks in their communities and learn how to be prepared to protect themselves and their families from those particular risks. It can be as simple as reaching out to your local municipal office, fire department, or tuning into local radio and news outlets to learn more about any specific risks within your area. This years provincial theme provided by Ontario’s Provincial Emergency Management Strategy and Action Plan is “A Safe, Practiced and Prepared Ontario,” which compliments the national theme by reflecting on the unique opportunities and challenges being faced by Ontario’s populace.
Check out some of the activities available under the “Emergency Preparedness” drop down above. There is a link to view and download 2023’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!