I encourage all my constituents to participate in the 15th annual Emergency Preparedness Week (EP Week) from May 2 to 8, 2010. A major emergency – such as a blackout or severe storm – can happen anytime, anywhere. Emergency Preparedness Week is an important reminder of the need to take action and encourages Canadians to be ready for the first 72 hours of an emergency.

Emergency preparedness is a shared responsibility among all levels of government, but ultimately, emergency preparedness starts at home. Emergencies can strike at anytime and anywhere, often with little or no notice. Everyone has a role to play in being better prepared.

With a little planning and preparation, there are ways we can minimize the impact of emergencies on ourselves and our families. Here are a few simple things we can do:
Know the Risks – Although the consequences of disasters can be similar, knowing the risks specific to our community and our region can help us better prepare.
Make a plan – Every Canadian household needs an emergency plan. It will help you and your family know what to do if disaster strikes. Practice what to do in different emergency situations, and decide where your family would reunite if an emergency strikes.
Get a kit – An emergency kit should contain food, water, a radio, a flashlight, batteries, and other essentials to help ensure you and your family are ready to cope on your own for at least the first 72 hours of an emergency.

Being prepared can make a world of difference during an emergency. By ensuring that you are your family are prepared for an emergency by being self-sufficient for at least the first 72 hours on an emergency, your community’s capacity to respond to an emergency will be strengthened by allowing first responders to help those in urgent need.

For more information on how to prepare for emergencies, visit www.GetPrepared.ca.

Leon Benoit MP