Emergency Preparedness Week runs May 3-9

“When people are prepared at home and also look out for their neighbours, especially those who may need extra support, it strengthens the entire community’s ability to respond and recover.”

Vijayan adds that it’s equally important to remember emergency preparedness is not just about natural disasters.

It also means being prepared for personal emergencies, such as house fires or medical issues at home.

Vijayan says each home should have a 72-hour preparedness kit, and create a household emergency plan so that each individual in the home knows what to do in different scenarios.

She also says emotional well-being is key, especially in the aftermath of stressful emergencies.

“Knowing how to cope is just as important,” Vijayan says.

Residents can find reading material on all of these subjects at local community and recreation centres in the form of brochures.

There’s also a bevy of information on the city’s website.

The city also continues to push its Notify Red Deer system, launched a few years ago. It currently has just over 79,000 subscribers, and you can sign up here if you haven’t already.

“One of the highlights of this week is the Touch-A-Truck event where residents can come out to meet first responders and learn about emergency services in a hands-on way,” she says.

“Preparedness doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Start small, take one step this week, whether it’s building a kit or having a family conversation, and remember, we are all in this together.”

Touch-A-Truck goes Saturday, May 9, from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Westerner Park. From 9:30-11 is quiet time, with no horns or sirens. There will be food trucks, and it goes rain or shine. Pets are not permitted.

by Josh Hall

Emergency Preparedness Week runs May 3-9

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