The City of Brantford is joining communities across Canada to recognize Emergency Preparedness Week from May 7-13, 2023 by encouraging residents to take concrete actions that will better prepare themselves and their families during emergencies.
“Everyone can become better prepared to face a range of emergencies including floods, tornadoes, power outages and more,” said Kris Lutzi, Community Emergency Management Coordinator for the City of Brantford. “During Emergency Preparedness Week, we’re encouraging residents to spend a few hours making a plan, assembling an emergency kit, and building bonds with your neighbours and community that will better prepare you for years ahead.”
Sharing the provincial vision of a Safe, Practiced and Prepared Ontario, the City recommends the following steps to become better prepared for an emergency:
- Make a plan – Talk to loved ones about what you might do and where you would go. Update contact lists with family, friends and other important phone numbers (e.g. doctor, insurance).
- Get an emergency kit – During an emergency, everyone needs some basic supplies. Residents may need to get by without access to power, food or water. Be prepared to be self-sufficient for at least 72 hours in an emergency. Build an emergency kit adding items as you come across deals.
- Increase resiliency – Get to know your neighbours and create a network of support.
- Stay informed – Sign up to receive alerts such as flood warnings from your local conservation authority and incoming extreme weather from various weather apps.
As part of Emergency Preparedness Week, the City of Brantford is offering residents a chance to win a 72-hour emergency go bag (valued at over $150) from the Brantford Fire Department. Visit the City of Brantford’s Instagram page on Monday, May 8, 2023 and correctly answer the emergency preparedness trivia question for a chance to win. Contest closes on Saturday, May 13, 2023 at 11:59 p.m.
Visit Brantford.ca/EPWeek for more resources to help you and your family prepare for all types of emergencies and follow along on social media with the hashtag #BrantfordEPWeek.
The City of Brantford was recently recognized by Emergency Management Ontario as one of the municipalities that satisfied all 13 program elements required under the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act. This means that City of Brantford staff have developed and implemented plans and programs to protect the community during emergencies. Continuous testing, training and updating helps ensure the City is better prepared for any emergency that occurs in our community.