Next week, May 5 to 10, is Emergency Preparedness Week for the Town of Cochrane, and the Town is calling on residents to take immediate and decisive action to protect themselves, their families, and their community.
“Emergencies are unpredictable, but preparedness is within our control,” the Town of Cochrane says on its website. “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.
Whether it be from severe weather events like wildfires to power outages or floods, Cochrane has the potential to face some unique challenges. The Town believes that understanding the 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.,” the Town said in a statement on its website.
FireSmart practices are one of the critical components of Cochrane’s emergency preparedness strategy as wildfire season approaches. Taking proactive steps, like removing flammable debris, creating defensible space around properties, and using fire-resistant landscaping can “help to protect individual homes but also to safeguard the broader community.”
The Town says that “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 in a statement on the Town’s website. "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 next week, the Town of Cochrane will share emergency preparedness tips across social media and other communication channels, reinforcing this year’s theme of “Be Prepared. Know Your Risks.” The Town states that residents are encouraged to assess their own preparedness and take meaningful steps toward protecting themselves and their community.
