NORTH GRENVILLE – Emergency Preparedness Week is a Canada-wide initiative to promote and encourage Canadians to take concrete actions to be better prepared to protect themselves and their families during emergencies.
The focus of Emergency Preparedness Week (May 7 - 13, 2023) is to encourage Canadians to be prepared to cope on their own for at least the first 72 hours of an emergency while Emergency Responders help those in urgent need.
“We don’t always think about disasters until they’re literally in our own backyard,” said Mayor Nancy Peckford. “Being prepared for an emergency event goes a long way to ensuring individuals and families remain safe and can start the recovery process quickly.”
“From the recent ice storm to last year’s Derecho, we are seeing more extreme weather events. Having enough supplies already in your home in the early days of any emergency can certainly alleviate some of the stress,” added Mayor Peckford.
Emergencies range from extreme weather including floods, landslides, tornadoes, ice storms and heat waves, to fires and power outages, and, not surprisingly, global pandemics. Having a family plan and emergency kit on hand are key tools to help diminish the considerable stress and disruption that can come with an emergency event of any kind.
“With a little preparation, we can be ready for anything,” said Fire Chief John Okum. “By taking these three simple steps, you can become better prepared to face a range of emergencies.”
Step 1 – Know the Risks: Learn more about the hazards you can face and how to be prepared for them.
Step 2 – Make a Plan: In an emergency, your family may not be together, or you may be asked to evacuate your home. Thinking about what you would do in different situations and preparing a plan with every member of your family is the first step to being prepared.
Step 3 – Build a Kit: Your emergency survival kit should have everything you and your family would need to be safe and take care of yourselves for at least three days immediately following an emergency.
“Preparation is key. Developing a plan and knowing what to do in case of an emergency, who to call and where to go, will help you and your loved ones stay safe,” stated Councillor Deb Wilson. “We encourage you and your family to take action to be better prepared for the next emergency.”
Each day, the Municipality will feature a different tip on social media on how to be prepared such as, know the risks, make-a-plan, build a kit, and be alert ready.
For more information visit: www.ontario.ca/beprepared or www.getprepared.gc.ca
www.northgrenville.ca/services-and-payments/emergency-services/emergency-preparedness
- 30 -
For Media Inquiries Contact:
Shannon Armitage
Fire Prevention Officer
North Grenville Fire Service
613-258-9569 ext.205
