On May 1, Halton Region’s emergency responders come together to celebrate the inaugural First Responder’s Day as an early kick off to Emergency Preparedness Week (May 4 to 10).
Showing their collaborative commitment to community safety, the Halton Regional Police Service, Halton Paramedic Services, local fire departments and Halton Region joined to promote three ‘Ps’ related to safety and being ready for emergencies: Prevent. Protect. Prepare. Together, they are hoping Halton residents will do their part to keep Halton a safe place to live.
I’d like to thank Halton’s first responders for their ongoing commitment to community safety and for keeping Halton Region the safest community in Canada. As a community we can make a difference too, by preventing harm, protecting each other, and being prepared for emergencies.
The three ‘P’s stress the actions residents can take to keep Halton region safe. Prevention includes simple actions such as making a fire safety plan and ensuring all smoke detectors are working; learning CPR and knowing how to use an automatic external defibrillator. Protection stresses the importance of thinking ahead and protecting yourself from potential risks, such as stopping on a red light or not using a mobile device while driving. Preparedness is about being ready for emergencies, no matter the scenario. Residents can prepare by taking three simple steps: know the risks; make a plan; get a kit.
The Province of Ontario designated May 1st as First Responders’ Day to celebrate the sacrifices and hard work of First Responders who have devoted their lives to public service. Emergency Preparedness Week (May 4 to 10) that follows is a national awareness initiative that encourages residents to take steps to be prepared for a range of emergencies.
For more information about Halton Region’s Paramedic Services, CPR/AED training videos, to download Halton’s Personal Emergency Preparedness Guide or instructions on emergency kits, visit www.halton.ca. You can also order a copy by dialing 311.
For fire safety tips, visit your local municipality’s fire department website. For fact sheets and information about how to protect yourself in any scenario, visit www.haltonpolice.ca.