Emergency Preparedness Week May 5-11

This week marks Emergency Preparedness Week, which serves as an opportunity to remind Canadians to get prepared for future emergency situations and to make preparedness part of their regular routine.

The 2024 campaign is “Be Prepared. Know Your Risk!” which encourages everyone to understand the risks in their area and learn what actions they can take to protect themselves and their families.

Emergency types can range from natural or weather-related disasters like fires, tornados and heat waves, to long-term power outages or large-scale accidents such as chemical spills or industrial explosions. By their nature, emergencies are unpredictable and can profoundly impact our community.

Natural disasters may be beyond our control, but there are ways to reduce the risk and the impact of whatever emergency we might face. Residents are encouraged to bolster their readiness for unexpected emergencies.

“All residents are urged to take this opportunity during Emergency Preparedness Week to learn, assess, and prepare,” says Jamie Anderson, Emergency Planning Administrator with the City of Lethbridge.

“At a minimum, we encourage residents to have a 72-hour emergency kit ready and to sign up for Alberta Emergency Alerts,” says Anderson, “Remember to have a plan for your medical needs, pets, dependents, or vulnerable loved ones that you care for.”

Every household is asked to take action by creating a 72-hour emergency preparedness kit so that you and your family are prepared for emergencies. Emergency kits are crucial for ensuring safety during the initial hours of an emergency. Kits should include water, non-perishable food, a first aid kit, and other essentials tailored to your family’s specific needs (including medication and pet supplies).

If you already have an emergency kit, now is a good time to review and refresh your kit to ensure readiness.

Check out Your Emergency Preparedness Guide for more information and additional resources about planning and tips to develop an emergency kit.

Throughout Emergency Preparedness Week, city staff will be available at various locations to engage with residents. Outreach events will highlight the importance of emergency preparedness, providing an opportunity to enter a prize draw to win a 72-hour emergency kit. The outreach will also encourage residents to sign up for Alberta Emergency Alerts and to consider joining the City of Lethbridge’s Emergency Social Services volunteer team.

• Wednesday, May 8 at LSCO (Fritz Sick), 9:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
• Friday, May 10 at Cavendish Farms Centre Arean, 9:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
• Friday, May 10 at Cor Van Raay YMCA, 1:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
• Saturday, May 11 at Downtown Lethbridge Public Library, 10:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.

Additional local resources are available online at https://www.lethbridge.ca/emergency-services-public-safety/preparing-for-an-emergency/

By increasing awareness and preparedness, our community will be better equipped to respond effectively to emergencies, contributing to a safer and more resilient community.

For Public Inquiries:
Call 311 | Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.