Winnipeg, MB - The City of Winnipeg is encouraging Winnipeggers to help keep their families safe during an emergency by using National Emergency Preparedness Week to ‘Get Prepared.’ The ‘Get Prepared’ campaign encourages Canadians to be prepared to manage on their own for at least the first 72 hours of an emergency, enabling first responders to focus on those in urgent need. National Emergency Preparedness Week will take place from May 5-11, 2013.
“I’m asking all Winnipeggers to use National Emergency Preparedness Week as a time to think ahead and collect the information and supplies that they would need to keep their families safe during an emergency situation, “ said Mayor Sam Katz. “The City of Winnipeg has world class first responders, but during an emergency event, we need to be able to look after ourselves for the first 72 hours while our police, fire fighters and paramedics, tend to those in urgent need.”
The City of Winnipeg will use National Emergency Preparedness Week to help connect citizens to important emergency preparedness information found on the City’s EmergWeb website as well as providing tips on how to build an Emergency Kit.
“One of the best ways to keep your family safe during an emergency is to stay informed and receive up-to-date information from your local government,” said Randy Hull, Emergency Preparedness Coordinator for the City of Winnipeg. “By visiting EmergWeb during National Emergency Preparedness Week, citizens can review their options for staying connected to the City during an emergency event. The City will share emergency information through EmergWeb social media channels such as Facebook and Twitter, as well as email newsletters and regular media updates using news releases.”
In addition to connecting to EmergWeb for information, the City is encouraging residents to build a simple Emergency Kit that can sustain their family for a minimum of 72 hours.
A family’s Emergency Kit should contain enough food, water and any required medication to last a minimum of 72 hours. Other items that should be included are:
- Battery powered or wind-up operated radio
- First aid kit
- Supplies for infants such as formula and diapers
- Supplies for pets such as food and medication
- A heat source not reliant on hydro or gas
For a complete list of what to include in your family’s own Emergency Kit, visit EmergWeb’s What You Should Know - Emergency Kit
Information on how to stay connected to EmergWeb during an emergency is available at City of Winnipeg - Social Media
For more information on National Emergency Preparedness Week, visit GetPrepared.ca