Hastings and Prince Edward Counties/May 6, 2024
Natural disasters that are on the rise, such as wildfires and weather events, may be beyond our control, but there are ways to reduce the potential risk and impact of whatever emergency we might face.
Emergency Preparedness Week (May 5-11, 2024) encourages Canadians to take action, so they are better prepared to protect themselves and their families during emergencies. This special week is a national effort led by Public Safety Canada, provincial and territorial emergency management organizations, Indigenous organizations, non-governmental organizations, and private sector.
By taking a few simple steps, you can become better prepared to face a range of emergencies – anytime, anywhere. It is important to:
- Know the risks: Although the consequences of disasters can be similar, knowing the risks specific to our community and our region can help you better prepare.
- Make a plan: It will help you and your family know what to do.
- Prepare an emergency kit: During an emergency, everyone will need some basic supplies. For example, we may need to get by without power or tap water. Be prepared to be self-sufficient for at least 72 hours in an emergency.
Visit hpePublichealth.ca/emergency-preparednes/ or www.getprepared.ca for more resources to help your household prepare for all types of emergencies. This week, residents are encouraged to take action to be better prepared for potential emergencies.
The whole household should be involved in preparing for emergencies. Parents and educators can engage children by using the “Can you Build a Kit” Game and by completing practical emergency preparedness checklists like those on the Scouts Canada Emergency Ready webpage.
Please do your part! Individual preparedness goes a long way to help individuals manage – both during and after a major disaster. Prepare an emergency kit now – it can make a world of difference!
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Media Contacts:
Emily Tubbs, Communications Specialist
etubbs@hpeph.ca
Maureen Hyland, Communications Specialist
hyland.maureen@hpeph.ca
Communications Team
communications@hpeph.ca
About Hastings Prince Edward Public Health
Hastings Prince Edward Public Health (HPEPH) is a public health agency that serves the counties of Hastings and Prince Edward from four local offices. HPEPH is situated and provides services on the traditional territory of the Anishinaabe, Huron-Wendat and Haudenosaunee people. We monitor the health of our local population, deliver programs and services within our communities, and help develop healthy public policies. We provide information and support in many areas to help improve the health and well-being of our residents. Together with our communities, we help people become as healthy as they can be. For more information, please visit hpePublicHealth.ca. You can also find us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter and Instagram.
We invite community partners and residents to share this Media Release with their respective networks.
