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Be prepared: Simcoe County residents urged to plan for emergencies

Running from May 5 to 11, Emergency Preparedness Week is a federal-provincial-municipal initiative
BradfordToday Staff
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NEWS RELEASE
COUNTY OF SIMCOE
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The County of Simcoe is once again reminding residents about the importance of preparing themselves and their families for a wide range of potential emergency situations by observing Emergency Preparedness (EP) Week from May 5 to 11, 2024. EP Week is a federal-provincial-municipal initiative to promote emergency preparedness across Canada.

The theme for EP Week 2024 is Plan for Every Season, reminding us of the importance of planning for a number of different scenarios. From winter storms and floods, to extreme heat, fires and everything in between, Ontarians can face many hazards throughout the year. During EP Week 2024, the County is actively encouraging residents to take preparedness steps to keep you and your household safe. To be prepared for all eventualities, residents should know the risks in your area, make emergency plans for you and your family and put together an emergency kit. For more information on the steps to being prepared, or to download a copy of the County of Simcoe Emergency Preparedness Guide, visit the website.

“Each year we try to encourage residents across the County to be aware of the risks that face our area every season,” said Warden Basil Clarke. “We know that it remains important for our residents to ensure they have the tools needed to withstand an emergency situation for up to 72 hours should something unexpected occur. I encourage residents across the region to stay safe by practicing your emergency plan in advance and be prepared with an emergency kit.”

In the spirit of the theme, Plan for Every Season, the County encourages residents to check their emergency kits to make sure they have items required for the current season, and that all non-perishables, medications, and other items are up to date. Previous experience shows that by getting or preparing an emergency kit in case of natural disaster, families and individuals are able to reduce the risk and impact, as well as cope better both during and after a major disaster.

Follow @simcoecountyemc on Twitter and Emergency Management Simcoe County on Facebook for tips throughout EP Week 2024.

Simcoe Emergency Response Committee (SERC)

Preparing for emergencies takes planning, coordination and partnerships. In 2005, the County of Simcoe established a committee to bring together emergency managers and response personnel from local municipalities and partner organizations to coordinate emergency planning in the area. 

Today the Simcoe Emergency Response Committee (SERC) has grown to include representatives from over 45 organizations including local municipalities, emergency services, volunteer organizations, hospitals, public health, education sector, conservation authorities and utilities. SERC will meet on Friday, May 10th and will include presentations on Wildfire events and how they may relate to county forests, the impact of wildfire smoke on the Air Quality Health Index, and a review of the updated Emergency Social Services plan for the County.

About the County of Simcoe

County of Simcoe is composed of 16 member municipalities and provides crucial public services to County residents in addition to providing paramedic and social services to the separated cities of Barrie and Orillia. Visit our website at simcoe.ca.

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