Sarnia marks Emergency Preparedness Week from May 3 to 9 with a focus on family planning, local risks, and community engagement.
As Emergency Preparedness Week gets underway, the City of Sarnia is asking residents to rethink how they approach planning for unexpected situations at home.
Running from May 3 to 9, this year’s national campaign centres on the idea that preparedness works best when it is shared. Local officials say emergency planning should not fall to a single person in the household, but instead involve everyone who lives there.
Sarnia’s emergency management team is encouraging families to sit down together and talk through what they would do in different scenarios. That includes deciding where to meet if separated, how to get out safely in an emergency, and how to stay in contact.
Putting together an emergency kit is another priority. The City recommends making sure supplies reflect the needs of the entire household, including children and pets. Food, water, medications, and identification are all key items, along with anything else that would be difficult to replace in a short time.
Understanding local risks is also part of the process. In this region, that can mean preparing for situations such as flooding, industrial incidents, fires, or service interruptions. Knowing what is possible can help people respond more quickly and confidently if something does happen.
The City has additional resources available online, including guidance on building emergency kits and creating a household plan.
The week will also feature a hands-on opportunity for residents to learn more. EP Day is set to return to Lambton College on Saturday, May 9 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The free event brings together emergency responders and community organizations, offering demonstrations, activities, and information focused on safety and preparedness.
Organizers say the event continues to grow each year, giving families a chance to ask questions, explore resources, and build practical knowledge in an interactive setting.
Emergency Preparedness Week has been recognized across Canada for more than two decades, with the goal of helping communities better understand how to prepare for and respond to emergencies of all kinds.
