Hello, Poundmaker band members. As some of you may know there is a Emergency Preparedness Week, in the beginning of May every year. It is a national awareneness initiative to encourage Canadians to enhance their personal preparedness activities for emergencies that may impact their families and communities.
National guidelines for emergency preparedness suggest that individuals should be prepared to look after themselves and their families for a minimum of 72 hours during an emergency if they are able to remain in their home.
You can take four (4) simple steps to enhance your preparedness:
1. Know the risks: know the risks in your community and how to respond; contact your local authority's office (Band Office) to learn about its emergeny plan and for advice on identifying the risks in your area.
2. Prepare a plan: prepare an emergeny plan for you and your family, so everyone is aware of what to do in an emergeny situation, who to contact, and where to go during an emergency, and then practice it regularly. Also become familiar with your community's emergency plan so you are aware of what the processes in place during emergency situations.
3. Put together a 72-Hour kit: assemble a 72-hour kit with non-perishable food items, water, medication, warm clothing, and comfort items. The kit should be prepared in case you need to evacuate quickly. Every vehicle should also be equipped with an emergency kit.
4. Keep yourself informed: before and after an emergency by learning where to access information from your community and emergency officials. Listen, watch, and follow local media and stay connected with family, friends and neighbors.
As emergency management starts at the local level, AANDC encourages First Nation communities to know the risks within your community and develop/update, and implement emergency plans in response to those risks.
Additional publications pertaining to being prepared for various emergencies be found on the Government of Canada's "Get Prepared" website at the following address:
I encourage you to visit the above mentioned website to learn more about emergency management at the local level.