This Emergency Preparedness Week, be ready for anything

Clarington Emergency and Fire Services would like to remind residents to be ready for anything as we mark Emergency Preparedness Week. Everyone has a role to play in an emergency, and you must be prepared to protect yourself, your family, and your community.

"Emergency Preparedness Week serves as an important reminder for us to be prepared, have a plan and know what to do in an emergency. When first responders are tied up helping those in urgent need, you need to be ready to take care of yourself and your family for up to 72 hours," said Clarington Fire Chief Mariano Perini.

This year's Emergency Preparedness Week theme is ‘be ready for anything.’ Here's how to get started and how to get your loved ones ready:

1. Know the risks: In Canada, our climate can be unpredictable, and we can face a number of hazards that will affect our lives, such as flooding, strong winds, and tornadoes. All of these can cause power outages, major accidents, and emergencies. Be aware of the risks in your community.
2. Make a plan: It takes just 20 minutes to make an emergency plan online with eight easy steps. Create a plan with your family, so they know what to do in an emergency and where to meet if you are separated.
3. Make an emergency kit: In case of an emergency, you will need some basic supplies to be self-sufficient for at least 72 hours. Make an emergency kit and let everyone in your home know where it is. Read our Emergency Preparedness page for a list of items to include in your kit.

We have a list of resources to help you get started:

Read our Clarington Emergency Planning Booklet.

Government of Canada Emergency Preparedness Guide.