May 5-11, 2013 is National Emergency Preparedness Week and while the City of Steinbach is taking the opportunity to promote and encourage emergency preparedness among its residents, the City’s Emergency Coordinator, Denis Vassart, is quick to point out that this is an important issue that should be taken seriously year-round.
“Emergency preparedness is something every family should be practicing in their home,” said Vassart. “This includes things like purchasing a weather radio, planning a fire evacuation route, and packing a 72-hour emergency kit.”
This year the public is encouraged to complete specific emergency preparedness activities to prepare for a variety of emergency situations including:
- Checking out the new e-book on GetPrepared.ca. This Government of Canada website includes information, links, checklists, videos and more. New this year is an e-book version of the Emergency Preparedness Guide. Download a copy now for your e-reader so you have this useful information at your fingertips.
- Signing up for Safety Tips. Public Safety Canada emails monthly safety tips about emergency preparedness to subscribers. They’re also posted on GetPrepared.ca. Already signed up? Send safety tip sign-up information to a friend!
- Checking out your supplies at home. Do you have a flashlight? Extra batteries? Look at the emergency kit list, and pick up a few more supplies or a container to keep them in one place. Trying to find a flashlight in the dark during a power outage is not exactly fun!
- Talking to your kids about emergencies. Your kids might be wondering what you’re up to as you assemble emergency supplies. Take a few minutes and involve them in your planning. Talk to children about different kinds of emergencies and get the conversation going.
- Checking out the Canadian Disaster Database. Want to know what disasters have happened in your region over the years? Knowing what can happen is a good first step to preparedness.
- Making a Plan. It takes only a few minutes, but can bring peace of mind. What would you do if there’s an emergency in your neighbourhood and your family isn’t together? Where will you meet if your cell phones don’t work?
Facebook users join Steinbach Emergency Preparedness for information on various emergency situations and how to be prepared. During an emergency, relevant information and updates will be posted to the page with links to other pertinent sources of information.
Twitter users follow EmergAlertSteinbach to receive future alerts regarding emergency situations in the City of Steinbach.
For more information on emergency preparedness and to learn about the City’s emergency plans, click here.
