Bill Blair, Federal Emergency Preparedness Minister
Fort Macleod and district residents and people across Canada were urged last week to prepare for emergencies.
Federal Emergency Preparedness Minister Bill Blair urged people to take steps in an Emergency Preparedness Week speech.
“Over the past year, Canadians have witnessed historic floods, wildfires, storms and other disasters,” Blair said. “We’ve seen the tragic impact on lives and communities, and billions of dollars in damages.”
Blair said climate change means Canadians can expect more such events, which will likely be more intense.
Blair also noted Canada went through two years of challenges presented by the global pandemic.
“The most important message I can give is that we need to prepare ourselves and our loved ones,” Blair said.
Emergency Preparedness Week is an annual reminder to Canadians to prepare for any emergency.
“Be ready for anything” was the theme of 2022 Emergency Preparedness Week.
Blair urged people to take the following steps:
- Prepare an emergency kit with basic items.
- Prepare for heavy rains by clearing debris from eavestroughs and gutters.
- Create a family emergency plan.
Information about emergency preparedness is at www.getprepared.ca.
Blair concluded his message by thanking first responders and emergency management professionals.
“They are true heroes who are there for us when disaster strikes,” Blair said.
Emergency kit
In an emergency, basic services such as water, electricity, gas and phone could be interrupted.
An emergency kit is designed to provide essential items.
The following is a list of items for an emergency kit:
- Four litres of water per person, per day.
- Food that won’t spoil.
- A can opener.
- Baby food, if necessary.
- Pet food, if necessary.
- Flashlight with extra batteries.
- Radio with extra batteries.
- Chargers for mobile devices.
- Basic first aid kit with bandages, antiseptic wipes, pain relievers and face masks.
- Prescription medication to last two weeks.
- Cash to cover basic needs for two weeks.
- Copies of important documents such as wills, passports, birth certificates and insurance.
- A copy of your emergency plan with contact information for friends and family.
Maintain the kit at least annually by replacing items that may expire, such as food, batteries and medication.
