May 3-9 is Emergency Preparedness Week

Huron Perth, ON – May 3 to 9 is Emergency Preparedness Week in Canada. This year’s theme is, “Be Prepared. Know the Risks.” Huron Perth Public Health (HPPH) reminds residents that everyone has a role to play in preparing for emergencies. 

“Every household is encouraged to have an emergency plan,” says Dale Lyttle, senior public health inspector. “Taking action to ensure you and your family are prepared for emergency situations throughout the year can help lessen the impact and stress of these events.”

By taking a few simple steps, you can become better prepared to face a range of emergencies – anytime, anywhere. It is important to:

• Know the risks – Although the consequences of various disasters can be similar, knowing the risks that may be relevant to your community and region can help you better prepare. The types of emergencies that may occur in Huron Perth include extreme heat, extreme cold, air quality concerns such as wildfire smoke, floods, severe storms, tornadoes, and infectious disease.
  To receive weather forecasts and alerts and ensure you are prepared for extreme weather conditions and days when air quality is poor, you can:
  • Download the free Environment Canada WeatherCAN app from https://www.canada.ca/en/environment-climate-change/services/weather-general-tools-resources/weathercan.html
  • Visit the Weather Information webpage at https://weather.gc.ca/
  • Sign up to https://ecalertme.weather.gc.ca/.

• Make a plan – A plan will help you and your family know what to do in case of emergency. Think about the unique needs of your household, such as young children, older adults, and individuals with medical conditions. Also consider your pets. Keep the plan in an easy to find place, for example, with your emergency kit.
• Make an emergency kit – Put together basic supplies, including bottled water, non-perishable food, hygiene items, a flashlight, radio, first aid kit, back up phone charger, and cash. During an emergency, you may be without power or tap water. You should be prepared to take care of yourself and your family for at least 72 hours (three days). Ensure everyone in the household knows where the kit is stored. For more information on how to build a kit, visit www.getprepared.gc.ca.

Visit www.ontario.ca/page/be-prepared-emergency for more resources to help you and your family prepare for all types of emergencies.