Wednesday, May 4, 2016

National Emergency Preparedness Week in Simcoe County May 1 to 7, 2016

Midhurst/April 27, 2016 – From May 1 to 7, the County of Simcoe is celebrating National Emergency Preparedness Week and reminds all residents to take steps to be prepared in the event of an emergency.

"Emergency Preparedness Week draws attention to the simple but potentially life-saving importance of planning ahead for emergency situations," said Warden Gerry Marshall. "In recent years, our region has experienced a number of weather-related emergencies. Each has highlighted that we are vulnerable to whatever Mother Nature throws at us. Our Emergency Management team continues to play an important role in helping our communities prepare for disasters, while providing a wide range of programs and services to enhance our emergency planning and response protocols for our region."

Helpful tips to prepare for emergency situations:

Know the Risks:

Severe weather – floods, tornadoes, extreme temperatures, wind storms, snow and ice storms Accidents – hazardous material spills, explosions, water contamination, train derailments Widespread power failures or blackout Disease outbreaks Make a Plan:

Every Canadian household needs an emergency plan that details what to do, where to go and who to contact if disaster strikes Prepare a Kit:

You may need to live without power or tap water during an emergency. Prepare an emergency kit that will allow your family to be self-sufficient for up to 72 hours Your family's emergency preparedness kit should include: Non-perishable food and bottled water, crank radio, flashlight and batteries, first aid kit, extra keys, copies of important documents, cash, clothing and footwear, blankets or sleeping bags, toilet paper and toiletries, medication, whistle, playing cards To help kick off Emergency Preparedness Week, Emergency Management Simcoe County and the Simcoe Muskoka Catholic District School Board in collaboration with regional emergency services partners, are hosting an Emergency Preparedness Survivor event at Holy Trinity Catholic High School on April 29, 2016 from 9 to 11:35 a.m.

The session will highlight the collaboration and teamwork between emergency service organizations to prepare for and respond to large-scale emergencies. The event will also educate students about the importance of personal emergency preparedness at home, including knowing associated risks, how to make an emergency plan and creating a 72-hour emergency preparedness kit.

Presentations and workshops will include:

South Simcoe Police: Police Constable Richard Williamson Canadian Red Cross: Stephanie Kenny, Disaster Management Co-ordinator County of Simcoe Emergency Management: Rob Heffernan, Training and Promotion Co-ordinator EVENT: Emergency Preparedness Survivor

Where: Holy Trinity Catholic High School 100 Melbourne Drive, Bradford, Ontario

When: Friday, April 29, 2016 9 to 11:35 a.m.

Note: Media are encouraged to attend at 11 a.m. Please contact Holy Trinity Catholic High School prior to attending and check in at the main office upon arrival.

For more information about emergency preparedness in Simcoe County, visit simcoe.ca/beprepared.

The County of Simcoe is composed of 16 member municipalities and provides crucial public services to County residents, in addition to providing paramedic and social services to the separated cities of Barrie and Orillia. Visit our website at simcoe.ca.

- 30 –

Contact:

Allan Greenwood Director, Corporate Communications 705-726-9300 ext. 1230 705-794-9301 (mobile) Allan.Greenwood@simcoe.ca

Jennifer Straw Communications Co-ordinator 705-726-9300 ext. 1036 705-790-5979 (mobile) Jennifer.Straw@simcoe.ca

Posted at 10:49 PM