Editorial
If the great southern Alberta floods of June 2013 showed anything it is that natural disasters can strike without warning and when they do, nobody is completely safe from the carnage that can result.
Flooding in particular can have far-reaching and long-term impacts on communities and families, upsetting regular routines without notice.
And while Mountain View and Red Deer counties received far less damage than communities further south in 2013, there was damage and disruption here, proving that disasters can and do happen any time and anywhere.
In an effort to prepare Albertans for possible flooding this spring, the theme of the 2014 Emergency Preparedness Week (May 4 – 11) is “Who Depends On You In 72.”
The 72 refers to the need for families in all parts of the province to have 72-hour emergency kits prepared and ready for immediate use should natural disasters strike. And that is because while emergencies are typically of the minor variety, they can sometimes quickly become life-threatening.
“Preparedness is a shared responsibility,” Alberta Emergency Management Agency (AEMA) officials say. “We know that in some cases when a disaster occurs, it can take up to three days for emergency responders to reach you while they deal with the response and the most critically injured.
“Make sure you take the time now to prepare yourself with the items necessary to survive for a 72-hour period.”
AEMA officials say 72-hour emergency kits should include at least two litres of water per person per day, food that won't spoil, a manual can opener, crank or battery-operated flashlight and radio, extra batteries, first aid kit, extra keys for cars and homes, cash in small bills, candles and matches, toiletries, garbage bags and changes of clothes.
Municipalities in the region have been working closely together over the past months to prepare and plan for possible future flooding – and as a result, should flooding occur this spring, the district should be well prepared to help meet the needs of communities.
This renewed multi-jurisdictional cooperation is good news for residents across West Central Alberta.
At the same time, individual residents can play their part by making sure family members are ready for possible emergencies. And that should involve taking a bit of time to prepare 72-hour emergency kits.
“It is vital to the community that you and your family are prepared to be on your own for the first 72 hours,” the AEMA says.
That is advice that everyone in the region is encouraged to take to heart.
