Emergency Preparedness Week Promotes Safety and Resilience

The City of Cornwall proclaimed the week of May 7-13 as Emergency preparedness Week throughout the City.

This week-long campaign aims to promote public awareness about the importance of emergency preparedness and resilience.

During Emergency Preparedness Week, individuals, families, businesses, and communities are encouraged to take steps to reduce the impact of disasters and emergencies. This year’s national theme is “Be Prepared. Know your Risks,” whereas the provincial theme is “A Safe, Practiced, and Prepared Ontario”.

Both emphasize the need to prepare for a range of potential emergencies, such as natural disasters, cyber-attacks, and pandemics.

“Emergency preparedness is crucial for everyone,” said Leighton Woods, Emergency Management Coordinator for the City of Cornwall. “Disasters and emergencies can strike at any time, and being prepared can make a significant difference in your safety and resilience.”

There are several steps individuals and families can take to prepare for emergencies, including:

• Creating an emergency kit with essential supplies, such as water, food, medication, and first aid items.
• Developing an emergency plan that includes communication strategies, evacuation routes, and meeting places.
• Staying informed about potential hazards and emergency alerts through local media, social media, and other sources.

Businesses and communities can also take steps to enhance their emergency preparedness, such as:

• Creating emergency response plans that outline the roles and responsibilities of employees, partners, and stakeholders.
• Conducting emergency drills and exercises to test the effectiveness of response plans.
• Investing in technology and infrastructure that can enhance emergency communications and response.

“We encourage everyone to take part in Emergency Preparedness Week and take steps to prepare for emergencies,” said Woods. “By working together, we can build safer, more resilient communities that are ready for anything.”

For more information about Emergency Preparedness Week and how to prepare for emergencies, visit http://www.Cornwall.ca/emergency