(Cochrane, AB) - With Emergency Preparedness Week taking place May 3–9, the Town of Cochrane is encouraging residents to take simple steps now to be better prepared.
This year’s theme, “If it happened today…”, invites residents to pause and consider an important question: Would you be ready?
Emergencies such as wildfires, floods, severe storms and other disasters can happen with little warning. While these events are often unpredictable, taking a few simple actions ahead of time can make a significant difference in response and recovery.
“Emergency preparedness starts with awareness and small, practical steps,” says Jay Judin, Director of Community Safety, Town of Cochrane. “The theme ‘If it happened today…’ encourages residents to reflect on their own readiness and take meaningful action. Building individual preparedness is a key part of strengthening family and community resilience during an emergency.”
During Emergency Preparedness Week, the Town will highlight key actions and encourage residents to ask. If it happened today…
- Would you know the risks? Emergencies can happen quickly and without warning. Understanding local risks helps you act quickly and confidently when it matters most.
- Would you get the alert? Receiving accurate, timely information during an emergency is critical. Download the Town of Cochrane App and Alberta Emergency Alerts to stay informed.
- Would you know what to do? An emergency plan helps your family stay connected and safe, with clear communication, evacuation routes and meeting points.
- Would you have what you need? Emergency kits and grab-and-go bags help keep your household safe and comfortable during an emergency for a minimum of 72 hours. Keeping emergency kits stocked is one thing you can do to help your household better manage disruptions, big or small.
Throughout May, the Town of Cochrane will be supporting community emergency preparedness through several initiatives:
- Cochrane Trade Show (May 2–3): Cochrane emergency services will share emergency preparedness information and conduct a fire prevention survey at the Town of Cochrane booth.
- Cochrane Search and Rescue door-to-door exercise (May 3): with support from the Town, Cochrane Search and Rescue will conduct a door-to-door exercise in Heritage Hills to assess community readiness and share important preparedness information with residents.
- First Responders Expo (May 31): Cochrane emergency services will be on site to share information on emergency preparedness and fire prevention and provide opportunities for residents to connect with local first responders.
Emergencies don’t come with warning, but taking simple steps today can help residents be better prepared for whatever comes next. Whether it’s updating emergency plans, checking supplies or connecting with neighbours, every action helps strengthen individual and community resilience.
For more information on how to prepare and help build a resilient community, visit cochrane.ca/emergencypreparedness.
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