Halton’s Emergency responders kick off Emergency Preparedness Week at First Responder’s Day celebration
By Staff
May 2, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
The only time an emergency matters – is when that emergency is on your doorstep – and far too often that is just a little too late.
Being prepared – without getting bent out of shape is what the Region is promoting with the emergency responders events planned for the celebration of First Responder’s Day and kick off the 2015 Emergency Preparedness (EP) Week -May 3 to 9.
This year’s Emergency Preparedness Week theme is: I am Ready. We are Ready.
Back row (left to right): Firefighter Kevin Dudek, Captain Trevor Edmond, Firefighter Mano Kruger, Firefighter Alex Shipley, Halton Regional Police Chief Stephen Tanner, Halton Paramedic Services Deputy Chief Christine Barber, Oakville Fire Department Deputy Chief Brian Durdin, Regional Chair, Gary Carr Front Row (from left to right): Zerezghi Haile, Raine Montgomery (age 9), Andrea Montgomery, Jayden Montgomery (age 7), Don Goshgarian
“Community safety remains a top priority for Halton Region and I would like thank all of Halton’s first responders for their ongoing efforts and for helping to keep Halton the safest community in Canada,” said Regional Chair, Gary Carr.
“This year’s Emergency Preparedness Week theme serves as a great reminder that emergency preparedness is everyone’s responsibility. I ask all our residents to reach out to others who may be vulnerable or unable to support themselves during an emergency, including family, friends and neighbours.”
Reaching out to others means knowing your neighbours and letting them know about you.
The Province of Ontario designated May 1 as First Responders’ Day to celebrate the sacrifices and hard work of First Responders who have devoted their lives to public service. Emergency Preparedness Week is a national awareness initiative that encourages residents to take steps to be prepared for a range of emergencies. It aims to raise awareness of the three key steps to being prepared for an emergency:
Step 1: Know the hazards and risks in your area;
Step 2: Make a plan to protect your family in the event of an emergency; and
Step 3: Get an Emergency Go-Kit so that you and your family are self-sufficient for at least 72 hours.
Do you think that you could survive for 72 hours in the home you live in now? Do you have what you need? Think what would happen if you were suddenly told that you could not leave your home for the next three days due to some catastrophe?
For more information on instructions and what should be included in the emergency kits you should have. You do have one – don’t you?
In photo
Back row (left to right): Firefighter Kevin Dudek, Captain Trevor Edmond, Firefighter Mano Kruger, Firefighter Alex Shipley, Halton Regional Police Chief Stephen Tanner, Halton Paramedic Services Deputy Chief Christine Barber, Oakville Fire Department Deputy Chief Brian Durdin, Regional Chair, Gary Carr
Front Row (from left to right): Zerezghi Haile, Raine Montgomery (age 9), Andrea Montgomery, Jayden Montgomery (age 7), Don Goshgarian
