SIMCOE MUSKOKA – Severe storms, flooding, and power failures are examples of types of emergencies that can happen in Simcoe Muskoka. During Emergency Preparedness Week, May 5-11, 2024, the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit encourages the public to take steps to prepare themselves and their families for any emergency.

Preparedness goes a long way to help people cope better during and after a minor emergency or a major disaster. It can also help you reduce the impact on your family and property. By following a few simple steps, you can become better prepared to face a variety of emergencies ranging from natural disasters such as fires and extreme weather, to infrastructure and social crises such as an explosion or civil disorder. 

To be prepared anytime, anywhere, it is important to:

• Know the risks specific to your community and region to help you be ready for different types of emergency situations. You can find information on local municipality’s website to help you further understand the risks in your local area.
• Make a plan so that you and your family know what to do if an emergency occurs. This should include identifying a safe place for the members of you household to meet, emergency contact information for trusted neighbours and friends, and designating routes to evacuate your home and neighborhood.
• Prepare an emergency kit with some basic supplies that will get you by without power or tap water for at least 72 hours in an emergency. It can include such items as a flashlight, radio and extra batteries, bottled water, canned and packaged foods that won’t spoil, and prescription medications. Your kit should be easy to carry and be easily accessible and don’t forget to make a kit for your pets.

Information and resources to help you and your family prepare for all types of emergencies, including a full list of items you should have in your emergency kit, is available on the health unit’s website as well as at getprepared.ca.

For more information about emergency preparedness, visit smdhu.org/BePrepared or call Health Connection at 705-721-7520 or 1-877-721-7520 weekdays between 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. 

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