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vw e Emergency Preparedness Week May 4 - 1O,2008' by Regional Chair Gary Carr Each May we recognize Emergency Preparedness Week, however Halton Region staff work year round to ensure the safety and à well-being of the community. Our responsibilities include making sure we are prepared in consultation with our municipal partners and the Halton Regional Police Service to launch a coordinated response in the event of a wide-spread emergency. Public education also forms a large part of the emergency management program. We emphasize the '72 hour rule' - that residents should prepare themselves to be self-sufficient for the first 72 rn hours of an emergency while responders are on- site, managing the specific un incident. iors. Halton is comnmitted to is ourlailyprpard, providing information on the steps individuals and familles can take to lessen the impact and stress of an emiergency. The Personal Emergency Preparedness Guide is a key resource for residents. Complementing the guide is a short, personal emnergency preparedness video which can he viewed on-line at www.haltom.ca/beprepared. In March, we added to our libras y uf materials with the officiai launch of our new emergency management resources that focus on individuals with special needs. I'm proud to say that the materials we developed have met with wide approval from community organizations, the general public and various stakeholders. Based on a publication produced by Emnergency Management Ontario, a series of topic-focused pamphlets on the following sublects were developed: " Hearing " Highrise Safety " Mobility " Non-Visible Disabilities *Seniors with Special Needs *Travel Considerations *Vision This information was also prepared in an audio format, while the Vision pamphlet was transcribed to Braille. Our program is designed to ensure that Halton is a disaster-resilient community ready to deal with any emergency. Each of us has a role to play and I encourage you to do your part. Access our resources and prepare now! Major emergencies like a power failure, flood or severe storm can happen where you are. Knowing the risks in your region, making an emergency plan and having an emergency kit will help you and your family fake care o yourselves for af leasf 72 hours. lf's as simple as it is essential. Public Safety Canada Did you know? e Citizens should be prepared to, be self suifficient for "72 Hours" following an emergency, while responders are on the scene dealing with the incident. a InvoIVing your children in the development of your home escape plan is a good way to teaCh themn about the importance of If yo would flke planning for an to arrange for a emergency. Dresentation to, *Hav.ing a Family Emergency SurVi Val Kit prepared ahead of time makes it easy to 'grab and go' if you are asked to evacuate your home Launch of Emergency Preparedness Resources for people with special needsldisabilities held on March 18, 2008. Left to right: Karen Charles, Canadian Red Cross; Alan Jordan, Halton Accessibility Advisory Committen (seated); Halton His Mayor Rick Bonnette; Joan Gallagher-Bell, Halton Accessibility Advisory Committee; Burlington Mayor Cam Jackson; Milton Mayor Gord Krantz; and Halton Regional Chair Gary Carr. Haitn ReionUpon request by calling Halon eginOnline at 905-825-6000 (toli free 1-866- Halon egona Plic Srvie, www.haiton.ca 442-5866) or by dialing 311 from and Local Municipal Offices anywhere within Halton jPersonal Emergency Preparedness Guide 5s Personal tmergency Preparedness DVD V/so groups or organizations Pamphlet Series for people with special needs/disabilities: Hearing, Highrise Safety, Mobility, Non- $5 Visible Disabilities, Seniors with Special Needs, Travel Considerations, Vision Vision Pamphlet -Braille Version Audio CD (includes ail seven pamphlets) ...................e.a. Cotc Ac 0s Hat . at ace 0 «tn@ al. c 90-2-00eTl re: 1-664-56 * T:.. 90-87-83 -s *: whitn Th e .*na Mu icil of Hion-15 Bronte Rd . Oavile Ontri L 3 your group or organization on any aspect of Halton Region's Emergency Management Program, please contact us. e Drivers should always carry a Car Survival Kit for assisltance and comfort in the ev.ent of an emergency. a "Shelter in place" is the practice of remaining indoors during the release of an airborne hazardous material. For more information, please refer to your Personal Emergency Preparedness Guide. Watch the Personal Emergency Preparedness Video at www.halton.ca/ beprepared - May Meetings and Closures at Halton Regîon Headquarters May 7, 9:30 arn. Regional Council Meeting May 19 Offices closed for Victoria Day May 21, 9:30 arn. Planning & Public Works Committee May 21, 1:30 p.m. Administration & Finance Committee May 22, 9:30 arn. Health & Social Services Committee May 28, 9:30 arn. Regional Council Meeting This page has been donated by this newspaper ta communîcate important information ta Halton residents an no cost ta, taxpayers. I