Tips for Emergency Preparedness Week: “Know your risks, have a plan, get a kit”
Posted May 6, 2018 07:08:26 AM.
Last Updated May 6, 2018 09:53:43 AM.
This article is more than 5 years old.
Severe weather events are becoming more common around the globe, and that has officials asking a question – “If you had to leave your home in 10 minutes, what would you and your family need to survive for the next 72 hours?”
It’s all part of Emergency Preparedness Week, which runs May 6th to 12th, and the goal is to get you thinking about the future.
Manager of Emergency Management with the City of Kitchener, Steve LaRochelle, says they’re hoping to shine a light on how the times are changing.
“It’s there to get people a little more aware of their surroundings, and we’re also seeing more pattern changes in storms.”
LaRochelle says their three main points are – know your risks, have a plan, and get a kit.
He adds a new initiative is also being launched to keep you informed of issues, no matter where you are in the country.
“If people are travelling through a particular community and there is an emergency provincially, they are able to send notifications to cell phones.”
He goes on to say if we take time to plan for disasters and unforeseen circumstances, it benefits the entire community.
“Emergencies can happen at any particular time and if we’re prepared, it relieves a lot of pressure for first responders to get to those who can’t help themselves.”
LaRochelle notes we may be a little naive when thinking about disasters hitting us.
“There is a tendency to think these [things] don’t impact us, and it always takes one major event to happen for us to be a little more prepared.”
Events for Emergency Preparedness Week are happening throughout Waterloo Region this week.
More information can be found here.
