NR CAER EP WEEK 2016 WEEK MEDIA RELEASE

April 25th, 2016 Fort Saskatchewan: May 1 - 7 is Emergency Preparedness Week in Canada, and if you haven’t spent much time on preparing yourself for emergency situations, Northeast Region Community Awareness Emergency Response (NRCAER), the region’s mutual aid emergency response organization, will be out in the community to provide tips. 

Upcoming Events with fire truck displays and giveaways:

• Monday, May 2, NRCAER will join Lamont County Fire Departments at the Lamont Hall from 4:00 - 5:30 p.m.
• Tuesday, May 3, NRCAER and the Fort Saskatchewan Fire Department will be serving up information and free hotdogs at the Fort Saskatchewan Co-Op parking lot from 4 – 5:30  

“Emergency Preparedness Week shines a light on what everyone can do to be prepared for emergencies,” says Brenda Gheran, Executive Director with NR CAER. “Being able to look after yourself and your family for 72 hours, regardless of the type of an emergency is key, as it allows responders to look after those in need.” She also stressed the importance of knowing where to obtain information in an emergency. “A number of municipalities have alert systems residents can register with, there’s the Alberta Emergency Alert, and our regional UPDATEline (1-866-653-9959) can also be called around the clock for current information.”  

Know the risks. Make a plan. Get a kit.

Emergencies often occur with little warning, and it’s important to know risks in your area. Locally, there’s potential for wildfire, severe weather and floods. There are also rail lines, dangerous goods transportation routes, industry and pipelines throughout the region. “It’s important to know the right safety actions to take for each type of emergencies. In most cases, that means either Shelter in Place or evacuate.”  

Other preparedness tips include having food, water, medications to last 72 hours; establishing a family emergency communication plan; and having plans for extended family members and pets. Check out NRCAER’s website for further information and short videos on Shelter in Place, emergency notification and mutual aid.  

NRCAER members include emergency management professionals from area industry and pipeline operators, chemical transporters and the municipal emergency response departments of Fort Saskatchewan, Bruderheim, Gibbons, Morinville and the counties of Lamont, Strathcona and Sturgeon. For twenty-five years, the group has been sharing best practices in emergency management and response, training, community safety education and notification. Further information can be found at www.nrcaer.com.