City urges emergency preparedness

The City of Sherbrooke marked the beginning of Civil Security Week on Wednesday, encouraging the population to think about emergency preparedness under the theme "What about you? What are you doing for the safety of your family?” Promoted by the Provincial Ministry of Public Security the week, which runs from May 6 to 12, aims to raise public awareness of the importance of preparing for all contingencies in the event of an emergency.

"Unfortunately, not enough people anticipate emergencies,” said Sherbrooke Fire Chief and emergency response coordinator Stéphane Simoneau, "It's also important to think about the needs of children and our pets. Good preparation will reduce the stress of these events," he added.

Sherbrooke relies on its Municipal Civil Security Organization (OMSC) when emergencies strike, working with partners in the field like the CIUSSS de l’estrie-chus, the Red Cross, the public transit company and the local ambulance services, among others, to ensure that the population is safe. The OMSC recommends that all residents prepare an emergency kit that would allow their family to meet its basic needs for up to 72 hours in case of a crisis.

A new section has been developed on the city's website, in English and French, that includes advice and printable information sheets on what to do in a variety of emergency situations, steps to follow during an evacuation or quarantine, and items to be included in the emergency kit.

Thirty-six "Heroes in 30" training courses on the basics of CPR will be offered free of charge to the public during the week. To register for these, visit sherbrooke.ca/herosen30.ca.

Last year Sherbrooke set up three new emergency shelter locations and two others are planned for 2018. A revised civil security plan will be adopted by the city council in the coming days.

For more information relating to civil security, the public is invited to consult sherbrooke.ca/securitecivile.