Emergency Preparedness Week is May 5 - 11 and this year’s theme is Plan for Every Season. Oxford County Paramedic Services is taking this opportunity to remind our communities that emergencies can happen any time of the year, and that through a few simple steps they can prepare and plan for every season.

When planning for every season, remember to swap out seasonal items in your emergency preparedness kit, like winter hats and gloves, in favour of sunscreen and bug spray. It’s important to note that every household is different: your emergency plan should consider everyone’s needs, including your pets, and divide up responsibilities to help keep your household safe during an emergency.

In some cases, emergency responders may tell you to shelter in place for your safety. Whether it be severe weather, a chemical spill or other air quality emergency, sheltering in place means you find a safe space indoors and stay there until the situation improves. To learn how to shelter in place including what to put in your emergency kit, watch Oxford’s latest emergency preparedness video. For more information on emergency preparedness for your community, visit www.oxford72hours.ca.