Huron Perth Public Health (HPPH) is encouraging residents to get ready for emergencies as part of Emergency Preparedness Week, taking place across Canada from May 4th to 10th. This year’s theme is “Plan for every season,” and local health officials say everyone has a role in staying safe when unexpected events happen.
HPPH says being prepared is simple and starts with three basic steps. First, know the risks in your area. In Huron Perth, this could include extreme weather like heat or cold, wildfire smoke, floods, severe storms, tornadoes, and even disease outbreaks. Second, make a plan that works for your household. Think about special needs, like young children, elderly family members, medical conditions, and pets. Keep your plan easy to find in case you need it quickly. Lastly, build an emergency kit. This should include things like bottled water, food that doesn’t spoil, hygiene supplies, a flashlight, a radio, a first aid kit, and some cash. The kit should be able to support you and your family for at least 72 hours if power or water services are interrupted.
To learn more about how to prepare, residents can visit www.getprepared.gc.ca or www.ontario.ca/page/be-prepared-emergency.
Written by: K. Milhomens