We seldom think about potential disasters that can affect us. Yet severe weather, health emergencies, chemical spills and major transportation accidents can strike almost any community – including ours. During May 6 to 12, London’s Emergency Management Partners will be taking part in National Emergency Preparedness week.
This year, London’s team will be focused on raising awareness of severe weather emergencies; how our climate is changing, what to watch for when summer severe weather is approaching and most importantly how to keep you and your family safe and prepared.
Mayor Fontana is confident the City is ready to handle emergencies. He says, “The City has for many years understood the need to be prepared, well trained and fully equipped, to handle various scenarios and situations and we have developed the skills to react quickly and appropriately. However, we must continue to stay vigilant and remind citizens what they can do in the event of a disaster, either natural or manmade. We need to be ready to help ourselves, our neighbours and to know how and where to find assistance.”
London’s Emergency Management Program works to reduce the impact of a crisis before, during and after an event. Londoners also have an important role to play in community safety. Everyone should be prepared to take care of themselves and their families for up to for 72 hours in the event of an emergency or disaster, until they can be reached by emergency workers.
“Everyone has a role to play when it comes to being prepared for emergency situations,”
says Dave O’Brien, Division Manager, Corporate Security and Emergency Management. “Emergency Preparedness Week is an opportunity for members of our community to become informed about what their role is and how they can be prepared to stay safe during emergencies.”
Londoners are invited to tour London’s Emergency Operations Centre, check out emergency vehicles and displays and learn how to prepare a 72 hour kit:
Emergency Preparedness Open House
Saturday, May 12 from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m.
London’s Emergency Operations Centre
Byron Fire Hall # 12, 275 Boler Rd.
Preparing for potential disaster before it happens is your best defence. Being prepared may mean the difference between being a victim or a survivor.
via News Release: City of London
