Are you prepared for an emergency? Each year, cities across the country recognize Emergency Preparedness Week, an annual national awareness campaign that has occurred since 1996. Emergency Preparedness Week takes place from May 5 to May 11 this year, and the City of London wants to ensure that residents are well-informed on the best safety and emergency preparedness practices.
Emergencies take many different forms, including severe weather, flooding and fires, and often strike with very little warning. This week offers Londoners an opportunity to learn the best emergency preparation tactics and the different kinds of disasters that can take place in our community.
“Emergency Preparedness Week is the perfect opportunity to take some time to make sure that your family is prepared by creating or updating your emergency plan, building a basic emergency kit and signing up for Alert London,” says Mayor Josh Morgan. “Everyone has a role to play in emergency preparedness.”
“Our team works year-round to support emergency management in London and ensure that Londoners have the right information and resources to properly prepare for an emergency,” says Paul Ladouceur, Director of Emergency Management and Security Services. “While many people may not want to discuss “what if” emergency scenarios, it’s important to plan ahead. Planning and education are essential in maintaining public safety.”
Alert London notification system test
On Tuesday, May 7 at 10:55 a.m., Londoners who have registered for Alert London will receive a test notification. Londoners who are listed in the white and yellow pages data base may also receive a call on their landlines, even if they have not registered for Alert London.
In the event of emergencies, such as explosions and hazardous material spills, Alert London will provide critical public safety messages to anyone who has registered for the notification system. Londoners are encouraged to register for the Alert London notification system.
Emergency Preparedness Open House
The annual Emergency Preparedness Open House will take place on Saturday, May 11 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Byron Fire Station #12 (275 Boler Rd).
Families are invited to attend the event and partake in fun activities, tour the facility, speak with first responders and learn how to build a household emergency kit.
Londoners are encouraged to carpool or take public transit to the event, as parking is limited.
Tips for being prepared
1. Know the risks: The first step in preparedness is to understand London’s major risks and hazards, including floods, severe storms, fires and power outages, to name a few.
2. Make a plan: Every household in London needs an emergency plan. It will help you and your family know what to do in case of an emergency.
3. Build a kit: Gather supplies that will prepare you and your family to be self-sufficient for multiple days in the event of an emergency.
4. Stay informed: Make sure you have a handheld radio and register with Alert London to stay updated on emergency situations.
Visit the City’s emergency preparedness webpage for more emergency preparedness tips.