Sunday marks the first day of Emergency Preparedness Week in Canada. Here are a few highlights to note:
Ten years ago, on May 3rd, marks the day when a whole community, Fort McMurray was destroyed by a raging wildfire. Climate-related and man-made disasters are occuring at alarming rate and reminding all of us to prepare for ANYTHING. Practice the plans once they’ve been created. Replenish your “Go bag”. Update your emergency contacts. Anyone can be affected by a disaster, no matter where you live–small town to large municipalities. Remember the challenge the evacuees experienced who lived in Fort McMurray and the efforts to rebuild.
Wednesday, May 6 at 1:55 will be the bi-annual emergency alert testing sent to all devices–TV, radio and smartphones. This is essential to ensure the alert systems are functioning before a disasterous situation strikes an area.
On the same day, I’ll be speaking on “Emergency Preparedness 101” as part of the Speaker’s Series through Guide Dogs for the Blind with additional tips for community connections, understanding risks and hazards, mitigation and planning, and most importantly, additional items for individuals with guide dogs or K9 Buddy to add to their emergency kits.
May 12-14, I’ll be attending the Canadian Risk and Hazard Network (CRHNet) Symposium in Edmonton. I’ll be speaking on two topics, “Federal Emergency Measures” in a Lightning Talk session and a Fireside Panel, “Accessibility and Community Connections”. References will be available on my web site in a separate blog post.