Emergency Preparedness Week is underway across Northumberland County, with all municipalities encouraging residents to take steps to be ready for emergencies.
The national campaign runs from May 3 to 9 and is led by Public Safety Canada. This year’s theme, “Be Prepared. Know Your Risks,” focuses on helping residents understand potential hazards and take practical steps to protect themselves and their families.
In Cobourg, officials are encouraging residents to focus on three key actions: knowing local risks, making a family emergency plan, and preparing an emergency kit that can sustain them for at least 72 hours without power or running water.
To support those efforts, Cobourg’s Emergency Planner will be at the Farmers’ Market on Saturday, May 9 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., providing information, answering questions, and offering fillable emergency plans. Residents can also learn about Alertable, the Town’s emergency notification system, which delivers alerts about critical events and service disruptions.
The free Alertable app allows users to receive notifications based on their location or home address and customize alerts for weather, health, and safety issues.
In Port Hope, Fire and Emergency Services are also participating in Emergency Preparedness Week, with staff visiting local grocery stores to share information and resources with residents.
Brighton Fire & Rescue have provided a list of essentials you should have in your 72-hour Emergency Kit:
Backpack/duffel bag/small suitcase (to hold kit items)
Non-perishable food and can opener
Bottled or bagged water (4L per person per day)
Medication(s)
Toilet paper and other personal items
Personal protective equipment (PPE)
Cell phone charger and power bank
Cash in small bills
Flashlight, headlamp, or glow stick
Officials say while emergencies can happen at any time, taking simple steps now can help reduce risks and ensure families are better prepared.
More information is available through municipal websites.
(Written by: Joseph Goden)
