IN TOUCH WITH MP EARL DREESHEN

ARE YOU PREPARED?

April 24, 2009

Our Country is vast with extreme weather conditions that can often occur suddenly and with little warning. Flooding, wild fires, tornadoes, hail and other hazards are all potential threats in Central Alberta. But with some careful planning and preparation, we can learn how to deal with these emergencies and minimize the impact on our families and property.

Emergency Preparedness Week 2009 runs from May 3-9. “72 hours…Is your family prepared?” is the theme of this year’s campaign and is designed to encourage Canadians to be prepared to cope on their own for at least the first 72 hours of an emergency, while rescue workers help those in desperate need and utility crews work to restore services.

Emergency preparedness is a shared responsibility: It is everyone’s business. While governments at all levels are working hard to keep Canadians safe and have plans in place for a crisis, individuals also have an important role to play in preparing for emergencies. Emergency preparedness experts consistently say that by taking a few simple steps, such as knowing the risks specific to your community, making a plan to help you and your family know what to do, and getting an emergency kit that includes some basic supplies to be self-sufficient for at least 72 hours in an emergency, you are taking a responsible and necessary step to protect yourself and your family from all types of emergencies.

Emergency Preparedness Week is held annually in every part of Canada, together with other levels of government. The campaign is a collaborative effort of federal, provincial and territorial governments. You can find a wealth of information and additional tips on emergency preparedness at www.GetPrepared.ca.  The tips page and the frequently asked questions have a lot of good advice and practical commonsense.  You can order additional information books and pamphlets online at the site. 

If you do not have a computer you can call 1-800-O-Canada and ask for information on emergency preparedness and ask for copies of books like Your Emergency Preparedness Guide, Severe storms, what to do? and Emergency preparedness for farm animals, livestock and poultry.  A small amount of information and preparation can make all the difference in a crisis.  Take some time this and take advantage of what is available and get prepared.

Until next time. . .

Earl Dreeshen, MP
Red Deer