Flooding in Manitoba and Quebec, forest fires in Alberta and severe storms across the country have recently reminded us of the importance of emergency preparedness.  Remember the power outage of Summer 2003? Many people I talk with actually tell me how much they enjoyed it.  It was a chance to fire up the barbeque, connect with neighbours, enjoy the August weather.  I always ask: what would you have done if the outage had happened in January instead?  Would you have had a way to keep warm?

If there is another power outage, or maybe a flood, or a tornado here in Halton, will you know what to do?  We all know emergencies can happen any time and any place, but many of us haven’t sufficiently planned for one.

As Community Emergency Management Coordinator for Halton Region, I work hard with Halton’s emergency partners to keep residents safe. But as a parent, I know that I also have an important role to play. Emergency preparedness is a shared responsibility. Is your family prepared?

Take three steps to protect yourself and your family from all types of emergencies.

My daughter drew our evacuation plan

• Step 1. Know the Risks: Although the consequences of different disasters can be similar, knowing the risks in your area can help you better prepare.
• Step 2. Make a Plan: You and your family need a plan to know what to do in case of an emergency. Your family may not be together when an emergency occurs.
• Set 3. Get a Kit: In an emergency, you will need some basic supplies. Make a Go-Kit for your family and pets in case you must evacuate your home and a survival kit for your car.

To learn how to deal with emergencies and minimize the impact to your family, visit www.halton.ca/beprepared  Being prepared really is your best defence!

Show your commitment to emergency preparedness! Until May 31, 2011, visit www.ontario.ca/beprepared and Take the Emergency Preparedness Challenge. This provincial quiz has three entry categories – children, youth and adults. Let’s see if we can beat last year’s record of 321 entries and show we are the most prepared community in Ontario!

~Nick Buczynsky

PS: thanks to everyone who stopped by to say hello at our booth at Police Day in May. Congratulations to our three draw winners.  The winning ticket numbers are: 032507, 032551 and 032553. Please send an email to haltoncemc@halton.ca or dial 311 and ask for Emergency Management to claim your prize (Highway Help Sign).

PPS: Take our Halton quiz for a chance to win a Family Emergency Go-Kit.  New quiz, new winner every month!

About this guest blogger:

Nick Buczynsky is the Community Emergency Management Coordinator at Halton Region.  He has over 10 years experience in emergency management.  His interests outside of work include cycling, motorsports, gourmet cooking, home improvements and of course, making sure that he and his family are prepared for any emergency.

Share your experience:

For more tips and hints about emergency preparedness, or to share your experience, there are many ways you can talk to one of us directly:

• Leave us a comment below – we’d love your feedback
• Talk to us on Twitter: @haltonparents
• Email us at haltonparents@halton.ca
• Dial 311 or 905-825-6000 for parenting information or to speak directly to a Public Health Nurse every Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.