Just over one year into the COVID-19 pandemic, we know how critical it is to be prepared for all types of emergency situations. Few of us could have imagined that one year into the pandemic we would still be faced with the COVID-19 emergency situation. Through the ongoing pandemic, we have also seen London’s resilient emergency preparedness and the efforts of the community in being prepared for emergencies.
From May 2 to 8, the City of London and London's Emergency Management Partners are using National Emergency Preparedness Week as an opportunity to encourage Londoners to plan and take action to better protect themselves and their families during emergencies.
Emergency Preparedness Week is a national awareness initiative that has taken place annually since 1996. It is a collaborative event with provincial and territorial emergency management organizations supporting activities at the local level, together with Public Safety Canada and partners. This year’s “Be Ready for Anything” theme is about individuals and families being prepared for emergencies before they happen.
“Emergency preparedness is a shared responsibility,” says Mayor Ed Holder. “Each of us has a role to play to reduce the risks we face during an emergency by learning what these risks are; understanding how to prepare for them; and making plans to keep ourselves, our families and our communities safe, based on advice from the experts.”
Knowing our community’s unique risks, being prepared with an emergency plan and having an emergency kit ready will help to ensure Londoners are prepared during an emergency.
Understanding the risks and taking action against COVID-19
Now more than ever we understand and appreciate the vital role frontline personnel and first responders play in supporting our city during the COVID-19 pandemic. They have helped keep Londoners safe and have ensured that the community will come out of this crisis stronger than ever.
“Londoners can have confidence that the City is coordinated and responding proactively to the ever-changing circumstances of COVID-19. It is what we do,” says Dave O’Brien, Director, Corporate Security and Emergency Management. “Together, London’s emergency management partners, health officials, first responders and community partners are prepared to assist residents during all types of emergencies, including extreme weather, floods, power outages and utility disruptions, fires and health emergencies.”
Londoners also have an important role to play in emergency preparedness and community safety. During these times, this includes continuing to stay at home as much as possible, limiting close contacts to your household and following all public health measures to minimize transmission of COVID-19. Residents are also reminded that face coverings are mandatory in indoor areas of businesses and organizations that are open, with limited exceptions. Face coverings are also recommended outdoors in areas where physical distance can’t be maintained.
Alert London emergency notification test
We encourage residents to stay informed by signing up for the City of London’s public alerting system, Alert London. The system will issue a test alert on Tuesday, May 4 at 10:55 a.m., to Londoners who have signed up to receive alerts.
During a major crisis such as a large-scale flood, City of London officials will send warnings and instructions directly through text or call, depending on the contact information provided during Alert London registration. Londoners can register a home, place of work or children’s school, ensuring you are informed should an emergency take place in that area.
Sign up to receive Alert London notifications.
Visit the City’s emergency preparedness web page for emergency preparedness tips. Londoners are also reminded to check their emergency kits and replace any items that may be expiring, such as food or medication.