Residents Encouraged to Be Prepared and Know the Risks During Emergency Preparedness Week

In recognition of Wildfire Preparedness Day on May 3, Kenora Fire and Emergency Services invites the community to a free BBQ at Fire Station One, located at 100 Fourteenth Street North, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. During the event our team will share recommendations about making your home and property safe from wildfires. The BBQ is provided by FireSmart™ Canada in support of Wildfire Preparedness Day. 

Following Wildfire Preparedness Day, we will also observe Emergency Preparedness Week from May 4 to 10. This national campaign aims to increase awareness about the actions you can take to get prepared for emergencies. Kenora Fire and Emergency Services encourages you to know the risks, make a plan, and get a 72-hour emergency kit for your home. 

Our community has many potential risks, including wildfires, flooding, and extreme weather. Experience has shown that preparedness goes a long way in handling the challenges during a major disaster and recovery afterwards. 

Fire Chief Howard emphasizes, “Preparedness is a shared responsibility. When we take the time to equip ourselves with knowledge and resources, we strengthen our community's resilience in the face of emergencies. I encourage everyone to take action now to be fully prepared for any emergencies that may happen.” 

By taking a few simple steps, you can make sure you are better prepared to act when facing an emergency or disaster. It is important to: 

• Know the risks – Understanding the specific hazards in our region helps you better prepare for potential emergencies. 

• Make a plan – It will help you and your family know what to do in case of an emergency, especially if you are not together when an emergency occurs. 

• Get an emergency kit – Get prepared to be self-sufficient, possibly without power, for at least 72 hours. The kit should include basic supplies, such as non-perishable food, water, a first aid kit, a flashlight, batteries, a radio, and any necessary medications. 

We all have a role to play in keeping our community safe. Emergency Preparedness Week is an opportunity to learn about risks, build a kit, and create an emergency plan. If you need assistance with building an emergency kit or other emergency planning, contact Fire Station One at 807-467-2090. 

About FireSmart™ Canada

FireSmart™ Canada is a national program that helps Canadians increase neighbourhood resilience to wildfire and minimize its negative impacts. It was founded in 1993 to address common concerns about wildfire in the wildland urban interface. 

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