A Moment with the Mayor: Planning Ahead

Planning is a word many of us use every day. You may be planning your activities at work, your family's meals for the week, or your annual holiday to visit a new destination or spend time with family and friends. Here at City Hall, planning is also a part of our daily work. From budgets and development projects to community events and long-term infrastructure investments, planning plays a role in what we do every day, week, month, and year.

Recently, we participated in Emergency Preparedness Week. I hope you had an opportunity to review your household emergency plans and discuss how you and your family would respond in the event of a major disaster or even a smaller emergency.

Many of us rely on essential services every day without giving them much thought. We expect water from the tap, lights when we flip a switch, and heating or cooling when we need it. While these services are generally reliable, interruptions can occur for a variety of reasons, including severe weather, equipment failures, accidents, or infrastructure issues.

That is why it is important to have a basic emergency plan and supplies on hand. Consider keeping bottled water, non-perishable food, flashlights, batteries, a first aid kit, and any medications your family may need. Think about how you would communicate with loved ones, stay informed, or manage for a period of time if utilities were unavailable.

Each season brings its own challenges and potential emergencies. Whether it is a power outage, severe storm, wildfire, transportation disruption, or another unexpected event, a little preparation can go a long way.

Take some time to think about how you and your family would respond if essential services or necessities were temporarily unavailable. Then take the steps needed to prepare. A small amount of planning today can make a significant difference when the unexpected happens tomorrow.

Mayor Gerald S. Aalbers
City of Lloydminster