It’s Emergency Preparedness Week in Lloydminster, happening now until May 13.
This is a great opportunity for residents to think about how they and their loved ones can be prepared for emergencies.
One important step is to know the hazards in the area and make a plan. By understanding the potential risks, such as wildfires, floods, or power outages, residents can take steps to protect themselves and their loved ones. Make a plan and practise it with family to ensure everyone knows what to do in an emergency.
Do you know how many bottles of water or non-perishable food items you have safely stowed in the basement? Do you know where your flashlight is, along with extra batteries?
Another key step is to prepare emergency supplies. Having a well-stocked emergency kit can help everyone stay safe and comfortable in the event of an emergency. Be sure to include food, water, medication and other essentials. Remember, cellphone batteries may not last the entire time.
Don’t forget to also include supplies for your pets if you any.
There are many guides and resources available to help you prepare. Check out Alberta.ca/BePrepared for information on how to make a plan, prepare a kit, and stay informed about emergencies in our area. You can also sign up for alerts and warnings through Alert Ready – the national emergency alert system.
It's also important to learn what happens in an evacuation. If you need to leave your home in an emergency, know where to go and what to bring with you. Make sure also to have a plan for how to communicate with your loved ones if you're separated during an evacuation.
Taking the time to prepare for emergencies can make all the difference in keeping ourselves and our loved ones safe. Remember to know the hazards and make a plan, prepare emergency supplies, find guides and resources, learn what happens in an evacuation, and know about financial assistance options.
Let's work together to build a more resilient Lloydminster.