Be prepared, not scared
A free emergency preparedness workshop for people with disabilities or special needs will be held March 29 at Latcham Hall.
The event is presented by the public education unit of Emergency Management Ontario, and sponsored by Whitchurch-Stouffville’s Emergency Management Program Committee and the Accessibility Advisory Committee (AAC). “It’s designed for professionals in the field as well as people with disabilities and special needs, and would be of interest to the general population,” said Heather Andrews of the AAC.
This type of workshop may not be presented again for some time as a result of funding cutbacks and organizers have invited all communities in the region to attend. The workshop will give information on how to prepare for an emergency, disaster or blackout; how to plan ahead, and how to assist people with special needs. It will also provide information about mobility and visual, hearing, cognitive and developmental impairments, as well as offering tips on travel and dealing with emergency situations in high-rise buildings.
“As part of this we would really like to encourage the buddy system. Do you know someone in your community, on your street, in your neighbourhood you might be able to help in an emergency?” said Ms. Andrews. “This is an opportunity to find out what you can do.” Workshop materials include a comprehensive handbook which outlines emergency strategies and gives a survival checklist.
The event goes from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on March 29 and the presenter is Maxine R. Marz, MA. For more information call 640-1910 ext. 228 or email gioia.garro@townofws.com.
Leave a Reply