Emergency Preparedness Week in May

Emergency Preparedness Week (EP) takes place every year during the first full week of May and is geared towards helping Canadians prepare for just what it sounds like—an emergency.

This national event is co-ordinated by Public Safety Canada, in close collaboration with the provinces and territories and various partners.

EP Week focuses on emergency strategies for unexpected emergencies such as tornadoes, hurricanes, earthquakes, severe storms and more. There are even guidelines aimed at Canadian farmers explaining the steps that should be taken to ensure farm animals, livestock and poultry are protected during an emergency.

Being prepared for an emergency is much more than simply knowing what to do if or when an earthquake strikes. It is also about how individuals with disabilities or special needs should be cared for; preparing your home; car, vehicle, boar, pets and more.

The Emergency Preparedness Guide focuses on three key steps.

Step one: Know the risks
Step two: Make a plan
Step three: Get an emergency kit

The guide, which can be found at www.getprepared.gc.ca, suggests individuals and families prepare themselves for being able to stay safe, warm, fed and hydrated for a minimum of 72 hours.

EP Week is designed to make it quick and easy for people to become better prepared to face a range of emergencies anytime, anywhere. The guide helps the public create an emergency plan and use the checklists to build a 72-hour emergency kit. These basic steps will help ensure communities are prepared to care for themselves and their loved ones during an emergency.