City encourages residents to plan ahead for emergencies

Released: May 6, 2019 at 9:01 a.m.
Emergency Preparedness Week, May 5 - 11: Be Emergency Ready

Winnipeg, MB – The City of Winnipeg is encouraging residents to use Emergency Preparedness Week to learn about planning ahead for emergencies. The annual event takes place during the first full week of May and encourages the public 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. This year’s theme is Be Emergency Ready.

“Winnipeg has some of the world’s best first responders who are ready to assist us in an emergency situation, but we all have an important role to play in emergency preparedness,” said Jason Shaw, Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service’s Assistant Chief of Emergency Management. “In a large-scale disaster, 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. We’re encouraging all Winnipeggers to use Emergency Preparedness Week as a time to learn how to plan, prepare, and be aware.”

During Emergency Preparedness Week, the City will share important tips for residents on how to build an Emergency Preparedness 72 Hour Kit that can sustain a family during the first 72 hours of an emergency.

“Planning ahead for an emergency can be a family project and Emergency Preparedness Week is the perfect time to work on your family’s emergency plan and 72 hour kit,” added Shaw.

To mark the week, the City is also hosting Ready Winnipeg, a free, interactive event for families on May 11, 2019 from noon to 4 p.m. at Sam Southern Arena (625 Osborne St.). Various stakeholders with experience managing emergencies and disasters in Winnipeg will be on-hand to provide information about their unique roles in emergencies, and will answer questions from the public.

In addition to learning how to protect themselves and their families in the event of a disaster or major emergency, members of the public will have the opportunity to explore various vehicles and machines used in emergency responses.

For more information on National Emergency Preparedness Week, please see: GetPrepared.ca

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