Emergency Preparedness Week is May 2-8, 2021
Winnipeg, MB – Today, in recognition of Emergency Preparedness Week, the City of Winnipeg launched winnipeg.ca/emergencypreparedness, which includes practical information for residents when planning for a potential emergency or disaster. Communities where individuals are prepared for disasters experience fewer negative impacts overall and recover more quickly after an emergency or disaster.
“Connecting Winnipeggers with vital information has never been more important,” said Mayor Brian Bowman. “In addition to the recently-passed Emergency Management By-law and the newly-formed Community Emergency Advisory Committee, the new website and training opportunities for Winnipeg residents are important additions to our City’s emergency preparedness efforts.”
“The best time to prepare for an emergency is before one happens,” said Jason Shaw, Assistant Chief, Emergency Management. “While we’re in the midst of a pandemic right now, we can’t let down our guard against other hazards and potential disasters. Emergency Preparedness Week is a great reminder that we can take steps to build our resiliency.”
In addition to the new online resource, beginning this May, the City’s Office of Emergency Management will offer free Ready Winnipeg courses virtually to individuals and community groups. The customizable, half-day course provides participants with information about hazards specific to Winnipeg, and how you can prepare yourself, your family, and your community for a potential emergency or disaster. Courses can be tailored for communities with additional needs or vulnerabilities.
All residents should have an emergency kit and emergency plan for their household, and it should be updated each year.