NEWS RELEASE
COUNTY OF SIMCOE
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MIDHURST - In light of the current COVID-19 pandemic, the County of Simcoe is reminding residents about the importance of preparing themselves and their families for a wide-range of potential emergency situations by once again observing Emergency Preparedness (EP) Week from May 3 to 9, 2020. EP Week is a federal-provincial-municipal initiative to promote emergency preparedness across Canada.
“During the course of the past few months, we have seen the impacts that emergencies can have on our way of life, and whether it’s a health pandemic or an environmental event, it’s important for everyone to spend some time to plan ahead,” said Warden George Cornell. “From tornadoes and flooding to data breaches and hacking, our Emergency Management Department provides a wide variety of programs, services and educational supports to help our residents, communities and partners in being prepared for all eventualities. While they have shown great leadership throughout this pandemic, it is important that individuals and businesses continue to plan ahead to keep everyone safe and healthy whatever the emergency.”
Ready or not, Canadians have been responding to the challenges brought on by the COVID-19 outbreak. People have had to make significant changes in their daily lives to help reduce the spread of the disease in our communities. They have risen to the challenge by adopting practices such as physical distancing and staying at home and adjusted to new conditions at workplaces and schools. People have also adapted to changes in getting groceries and other essential supplies.
While the COVID-19 pandemic continues to impact our region, it does not diminish our susceptibility to other annual weather events such as flooding or our predisposition to high winds and tornadoes. EP Week aims to remind residents that our region experiences environmental events every year. To be prepared for all eventualities, residents should know the risks in your area, make emergency plans for you and your family and put together an emergency kit. For more information on the steps to being prepared, or to download a copy of the County of Simcoe Emergency Preparedness Guide, visit here.
Stronger Together Campaign
Despite the challenges of the restrictions, there have been many acts of generosity and support in our communities. At the beginning of April, the County of Simcoe launched Stronger Together, an online campaign to help showcase the many acts of kindness, support and appreciation that our communities, businesses and front-line staff are showing during these unprecedented times. The actions highlighted in the Stronger Together campaign, help to build communities that are resilient when emergencies arise. Follow along on any of the County’s social media channels.
The County of Simcoe is composed of 16 member municipalities and provides crucial public services to County residents in addition to providing paramedic and social services to the separated cities of Barrie and Orillia. Visit our website.
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