Emergency Preparedness Week starts; Canadians encouraged to ‘be prepared’
May 7-13 is Emergency Preparedness Week (EP Week), and this year’s theme is “Be Prepared. Know Your Risks.”
Canadians are encouraged to make sure they are always prepared to protect themselves, their families, and community during an emergency, according to the federal government’s website.
The purpose of the “Be Prepared. Know Your Risks” theme is to make sure Canadians know the risks in their areas and how to take action to tackle them in case of an emergency.
Advertisement
Jasper National Park took to Twitter to share simple steps to be prepared:
- Know the risks
- Make a plan
- Get an emergency kit
It's Emergency Preparedness Week – May 7-13, 2023
Take a few simple steps to become better prepared to face a range of emergencies – anytime, anywhere. It is important to:
✅ Know the risks
✅ Make a plan
✅ Get an emergency kit???? https://t.co/bSaPju3bcx#EPweek2023 pic.twitter.com/QwP17iVkfN
— Jasper National Park, Parks Canada (@JasperNP) May 7, 2023
This also comes as Alberta declared a state of local emergency Saturday due to “unprecedented” wildfires.
The Alberta Emergency Management agency has moved from a level 3 to a level 4, meaning it’s fully staffed and on alert.
Alberta UCP Leader Danielle Smith says the provincial state of emergency allows for a higher lever of intergovernmental coordination, accessing discretionary funds and mobilizing supports. She adds the safety of Albertans is a priority.
Public Safety Minister Mike Ellis adds all Albertans should be prepared in case of evacuation.
Advertisement
There were 110 active wildfires in Alberta as of 5:20 p.m. Saturday, according to Alberta Wildfire.
More than 24,000 Albertans have been evacuated from their homes.
Some buildings have been destroyed, including 20 homes, a police station and a store in Fox Lake in northern Alberta.
READ MORE:
-
Alberta declares state of emergency due to wildfires
-
More than 100 active wildfires burn across Alberta
Anyone affected by the wildfire is asked to call the wildfire resource line at 3104455 or visit alberta.ca for more information and updates.
EP Week is a national annual event for over 25 years, where Public Safety Canada along with provincial and territorial emergency management organizations, Indigenous organizations, non-governmental organizations, and private sector organizations work together to support activities at the local level.
