Emergencies are unpredictable, but preparedness is within our control. Whether it’s wildfires, severe storms, or power outages, the time to act is before disaster strikes. As emergency preparedness week approaches from May 5 to 10, the Town of Cochrane is calling on residents to take immediate and decisive action to protect themselves, their families, and their community. Emergency preparedness goes beyond just the responsibility of the municipality; it’s a shared commitment. When individuals take charge of their own readiness, the entire community becomes stronger, more resilient, and better equipped to respond and recover in times of crisis.
Cochrane faces unique challenges, from wildfires and severe weather to power outages and floods. Understanding these risks is the first step in ensuring the safety of both individual households and the wider community. By creating an emergency plan, assembling a 72-hour emergency kit, and staying informed, residents can play a vital role in protecting themselves, their neighbors, and Cochrane as a whole.
As wildfire season approaches, FireSmart practices are one of the critical components of Cochrane’s emergency preparedness strategy. Taking proactive steps, such as removing flammable debris, creating defensible space around properties, and using fire-resistant landscaping helps not only to protect individual homes but also to safeguard the broader community. By reducing fire risks, residents play a pivotal role in building a safer, more prepared Cochrane.
"While we can’t prevent natural disasters, we can work together to reduce risks and minimize the impact on our homes, families, and community," says Jay Judin, Director of Community Services and Emergency Management for Cochrane. "Emergency preparedness week is a time for all of us to take action, review our emergency plans, refresh our emergency kits, and ensure that we are as prepared as we can be for a disaster impacting our community."
Throughout the week, the Town of Cochrane will share valuable emergency preparedness tips across social media and other communication channels, reinforcing this year’s theme: “Be Prepared. Know Your Risks.” Residents are encouraged to assess their own preparedness and take meaningful steps toward protecting themselves and their community.
For more information on how to prepare and help build a resilient Cochrane, visit cochrane.ca/EmergencyManagement or explore additional resources at www.getprepared.ca and www.alberta.ca/emergency-disaster-preparedness.
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