With the arrival of May comes Emergency Preparedness Week (May 7 to 13). This year’s theme is Be Prepared. Know Your Risks.

This annual event encourages all Canadians to pause, reflect, and take action around being better prepared for a major emergency.

At school, it’s the perfect time to give thought to your school’s emergency preparedness status:

• Do your emergency supplies need reviewing or replenishing?
• Are your emergency preparedness procedures up-to-date?

At home, if you have been thinking about getting prepared but aren’t sure where to begin, start with these important steps:

• Stock up on bottled water: 4 litres per person per day, for a minimum of 3 days.
• Stock up on emergency food: Have a minimum 3-day supply of ready-to-eat foods that do not require refrigeration or cooking. Don’t forget the pet food!
• Gather emergency supplies: Supplies include a First Aid kit, flashlight with extra batteries, battery-powered radio, work gloves, personal sanitation supplies (i.e., garbage bags, moist towelettes), whistle, and dust mask. Put it all together in one spot that is quickly and easily accessible. 
• Make a family plan: Where will you meet? Who will pick up your children from school if you aren’t able to get there? Talk this through with your family.

For additional information about Emergency Preparedness Week, visit the Government of Canada's About Emergency Preparedness Week or the Province of British Columbia's Emergency Preparedness Week.