Are you prepared?
Last month, the University’s Office of Emergency Preparedness hosted activities on the Keele campus to promote Emergency Preparedness (EP) Week, including an information kiosk, an emergency response team appreciation open house, free giveaways and a draw.
Many students, staff and faculty took a moment from their day to visit the information kiosk in Vari Hall on May 8, where they learned about individual and family preparedness.
Everyone that dropped by the Emergency Preparedness Program’s information kiosk was given an opportunity to enter a draw to win either a personal preparedness kit, first aid kit or emergency roadside car kit.
The winners are:
- Linda Troitino, customer service representative, Sport & Recreation, won an emergency roadside car kit.
- Scarlett Farquhar, aquatics supervisor, Glendon Athletic Club, won a personal preparedness kit.
- Mary Lehane, resource sharing manager, Scott Library, won a first aid kit.
Volunteers participating in the Emergency Response Warden Program continue to provide a vital role in ensuring safety for University community members. The emergency response team members, including wardens, building captains and emergency preparedness coordinators, conduct training in how to assist students, staff and faculty to evacuate buildings during an emergency or practice drill.
As part of the week's activities, the Office of Emergency Preparedness hosted an open house to show appreciation to the volunteers who contribute their time to the Emergency Response Warden Program. The open house celebrated the dedication of all emergency response team members who completed training between May 1, 2011 and April 30, 2012.
“Many thanks to all those who participated in Emergency Preparedness Week activities,” said Katherine Branton, manager of York’s Emergency Preparedness Program. “I encourage everyone to be prepared year round.”
Emergencies can happen any time and occur anywhere, many times without much warning. The following tips can help you be prepared for emergencies on campus:
- Know your building’s evacuation plan and assembly point.
- Take part in exercises and drills.
- Attend information sessions in your area.
- Volunteer as an Emergency Response Warden.
- Learn how to put together an emergency survival kit.
To find out more, visit York University’s Emergency Preparedness Program website.