Campaign reminds residents to be prepared

As the old saying goes — hope for the best, but prepare for the worst.

May 1 to 7 marks Emergency Preparedness Week across Canada, and local municipalities have advice for residents to prepare for an emergency.

With this year's theme of “be ready for anything,” the City of Windsor's emergency management team is reminding residents it only takes a few steps to get yourself and your family ready, whether for a human-induced emergency or a natural disaster.

First, residents should be aware of community- and region-specific risks. Second, they should make a plan for themselves and their families. Lastly, residents should buy or make an emergency kit for their family and be prepared to be without tap water for at least 72 hours.

Municipalities in Essex County are also marking Emergency Preparedness Week: Lakeshore residents can enter a draw for three emergency kits by replying to an Emergency Preparedness Week post on the municipality's Facebook or Twitter pages, by emailing a short story, video or photo to jpulleyblank@lakeshore.ca or creating a social media post with the hashtag #Getprepared and tag the municipality on Twitter or Facebook.

“The best time to get prepared is now because once an emergency hits, it could be too late,” said Lakeshore fire Chief Don Williamson. “This week is an opportunity to go over your emergency evacuation plans and 72-hour kits and to talk with your loved ones about what may happen during an emergency.”

Residents can find more information at Lakeshore. ca/prepare.

Not only will creating an emergency plan help during an emergency, but research shows that being prepared also helps people cope in the aftermath. One way to be prepared includes the City of Windsor's Windsor Alerts program, which provides event updates, warnings and instructions during a crisis. Residents can sign up at windsoralerts.ca or by calling 311.

Residents can find more details at citywindsor.ca and information from the City of Windsor and Windsor Fire and Rescue Service's Twitter and Facebook pages.