Reminders for Emergency Preparedness Week

To The Haldimand Press

HALDIMAND—Emergency Preparedness Week (EP Week) is an annual, nationwide event that encourages Canadians to be proactive in planning for potential emergencies. This year, EP week runs from May 3 to 9, 2020. 

Haldimand County Emergency Services is encouraging all residents to spend some time creating a family emergency plan and assembling a 72-hour emergency kit. 

“Emergencies and disasters can happen anytime, anywhere. We’ve seen this firsthand with the emergence of COVID-19,” said Don Otterman, Deputy Chief, Paramedic Services. 

Otterman continued, “Emergencies aren’t always environmental and can take many forms. In order to be prepared, every resident should have a plan and an emergency kit ready to take care of themselves and their family for at least 72 hours.” 

These 72-hour kits should include a variety of items including: a flashlight, batteries, non-perishable food, water, a sewing kit, copies of important IDs (such as birth certificates), medications, towels, rope, and garbage bags, among other necessities.