The first full week in May is Emergency Preparedness Week in Canada. The purpose is to raise awareness with all Canadians about risks they may face and how to prepare for them.

This year, the province of Alberta theme is “In It Together,” reminding us that our strongest asset during an emergency is our community.

Industries and municipalities in Alberta’s Industrial Heartland have a 35-year history of being “In It Together” as members of Northeast Region Community Awareness Emergency Response (NRCAER).

Since 1991, the mutual aid emergency response association’s members have worked together to maintain emergency response readiness through resource and information sharing, multi-agency training, response planning and collaboration on initiatives to enhance regional safety. Successes over 35 years include:

• Activation and deployment of mutual aid resources through 9-1-1
• Responder radio communications interoperability
• Community and emergency notification: UPDATEline 1-866-653-9959, regional road message signs, notification system.
• Shelter in Place public safety education and awareness

Members build ongoing connections through meeting regularly, site familiarization tours, emergency response exercises and sharing best practices. These dedicated efforts result in a safe and effective response.

When an emergency happens, we are in it together. Take preparedness steps today by talking with your neighbours and learning more about risks and response plans in your community. Several free resources are available online.