OLDS — Town council has voted to declare May 4-9 as Emergency Preparedness Week in Olds.
Although this proclamation is made every year, staff and councillors agreed that the COVID-19 pandemic makes this year’s edition especially appropriate.
“I think it’s without saying that the importance of emergency preparedness has been demonstrated over the past month and a half,” CAO Michael Merritt said.
He noted that in order to deal with the outbreak, the town set up an Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) and made other changes, like conducting council meetings online in order to practise social distancing.
A memo accompanying the proclamation said Olds was one of the first municipalities in the province to set up an EOC.
“I think we’ve handled that situation very well,” Merritt said.
“No other situation in the past few years, I think identifies the importance of emergency management in that you have a solid plan in place when these events do take place, that you’re ready to deal with them.”
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Mayor Mike Muzychka congratulated town staff as well as local residents for handling the pandemic so successfully so far.
“This town has excelled during this unprecedented time and it is thanks to the hard work of CAO Merritt, his staff and all the people involved with the EOC. We cannot thank you enough,” he said.
“We minimize the work that’s gone into this, but the residents have followed this incredibly well.
“So thank you to all the residents of Olds and surrounding area and especially thank you to Mr. Merritt and his entire team.”
The town memo also paid tribute to all those involved.
“Through the work of agencies, community partners and essential workers who support and serve our citizens during this crisis, our community has remained resilient,” it said.
“We want to celebrate our citizens and local businesses who have committed to adhering to public health directives which help to keep our community safe. It has not been easy but together, we are making a difference.”
