It’s Emergency Preparedness Week from May 5 to 11, and both the Ontario government and municipalities in the Kawarthas region are reminding residents to “plan for every season” — the theme for this year’s national effort led by Public Safety Canada, provincial and territorial emergency management organizations, Indigenous organizations, non-governmental organizations, and the private sector.
“Plan for every season” underscores the importance of readiness for the unique challenges presented by Ontario’s changing seasons, including the increase of extreme weather events due to climate change, and highlights the opportunity for year-round practice of emergency preparedness.
Regardless of the season, residents are advised to be prepared for emergencies by taking the following steps:
- Understand the local risks from emergencies such as extreme weather events and power outages so that you can better prepare for them.
- Make an emergency plan so you and your family can respond effectively when faced with an emergency, including making and practising a home escape plan.
- Prepare a 72-hour emergency kit with essential supplies (including water) to support you and your family (including any pets) for at least three days during any kind of emergency that may occur.
As part of Emergency Preparedness Week and in advance of the summer, the Ontario government is hosting “Exercise Heatwave” from May 7 to 9. This large-scale simulated exercise, which will not affect the public or any provincial services, will reinforce provincial procedures and response to heat-related emergencies.
“Exercise Heatwave is a valuable opportunity to practise and plan for our response to potential extreme heat emergencies,” says Caroline Mulroney, Ontario’s minister responsible for emergency management, in a media release. “Planning exercises like this one will play a critical role in keeping Ontarians safe while reducing economic strain and minimizing impacts on our infrastructure and environment.”
In the Kawarthas region, the City of Peterborough is one of the municipalities that will participate in Exercise Heatwave, along with Guelph, Mississauga, Sault Ste. Marie, Thunder Bay, and Toronto, as well as three federal government departments and more than 50 non-governmental organizations.
“Emergencies can vary widely in nature, so it is important for us to adapt our preparations accordingly,” says Peterborough Mayor Jeff Leal in a media release. “Whether it’s a natural disaster, power outage, or other unforeseen event, having a well-thought-out emergency plan and supplies can provide peace of mind and increase our resilience in challenging situations.”
