Waterloo region's Emergency Preparedness Week all about taking 'small steps'
CBC
In Waterloo region, National Emergency Preparedness Week is all about taking "small steps" toward being ready when disaster strikes.
"A little planning can make a big difference," said Ryan Maeck, the emergency management advisor for Waterloo region.
"Residents can take small steps now so they're ready when it counts," he said, adding "being prepared is a mindset."
The region's events officially started Sunday and will run all week.
This year's theme is: Be prepared. Know your risks.
Waterloo region has lined up several events where people can come in and hear from organizations involved in disaster and emergency response about how to prepare for emergencies.
"This is really about starting with being informed, knowing what types of risks and hazards are in our community, and looking at making a small plan about how we're going to deal with those things as an individual or a family when they happen," Maeck said.
Waterloo region also has an alert service specifically catered to residents of this region.
On their website, Alert Waterloo Region is described as "a service that allows you to receive important public safety messages in the event of a large-scale emergency such as a flood, severe weather, or other emergency situations."
Maeck says opting in to the service is as simple as going to the website and subscribing.
"It just asks for some straightforward information just about setting up a profile there and subscribing via text, getting alerts through e-mail or your phone," he said.
Those availing of the service may incur "standard text message rates," according to the website.
Still, Maeck encourages people to check Waterloo region's website for emergency preparedness.
"You can find preparedness information on preparing before, during and acting during and how to recover after an emergency as well," he said.
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