Chestermere, AB – On February 25 and 26th, members of Chestermere’s Emergency Management Agency (CHEMA) participated in a provincial mock disaster exercise along with eight other municipalities across the province. They set up an Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) at the Municipal Office and worked through a mock situation to test Chestermere’s preparedness.
“CHEMA meets regularly to review how we could respond to major emergency situations so participating in this event was a great opportunity for our team to practice our plans” said Director of Emergency Management Steve Bagley. “We were able to test our systems and learn some new things that will help make our response plans even better.”
All CHEMA members participated in the exercise including the City of Chestermere, Chestermere Fire Services, Emergency Social Services, Chestermere Public Works, and the RCMP. Other participating community agencies and members included the Alberta Emergency Management Agency, Alberta Health Services, the Alberta Animal Rescue Crew Society, ATCO Gas, the Calgary Catholic School Division, the Chestermere Public Library, Rocky View School Division, the Red Cross Chestermere, SYNERGY, and a number of trained community volunteers.
While the Reception Centre had some volunteers participate as actors, the other groups worked through coordinating the scenario at the Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) but did not take live actions.
The situation that the team practiced responding to was a regional snowstorm where power was out throughout the community.
“During the practice, we were reminded how important it is for residents to be prepared,” said Bagley. “Imagine if we didn’t have power or heat in our community and the roads were in terrible condition for even one day. Would your family be able to shelter at home? Having a 72 kit ready is a key part of being ready for an emergency.”
To ensure you are prepared, CHEMA requests that all residents prepare a 72 Hour Kit. Items in the kit should include water, food, a manual can opener, a flashlight, a battery powered or wind up radio, extra batteries, a first aid kit, blankets, prescription medications, extra keys, and cash.
Director Bagley will be presenting a short seminar on how to build a 72 Hour Home Emergency Kit at a free Lunch n Learn at the Chestermere Public Library on March 12 at 12:00 p.m. Everyone is welcome to attend to learn more.
Residents can also sign up for notifications that will be sent to their phone or email from Alberta Emergency Alerts www.emergencyalert.alberta.ca and from the City of Chestermere (www.chestermere.ca/notifyme) under ‘Local Emergencies’.
To learn more about CHEMA and creating a 72 hour kit visit www.chestermere.ca/chema and www.getprepared.gc.ca.
