A disaster can happen at any time, with very little warning.

To ensure Brock is better prepared should any unexpected event occur, the University will join institutions across the country by participating in Emergency Preparedness Week.

Running from Monday, May 3 to Friday, May 7, this year’s theme is ‘Be ready for anything,’ encouraging Canadians to take action to become better prepared for the range of emergencies they could face in their region.

George Bench, Brock’s Manager, Emergency Management and Life Safety, hopes faculty, staff and students will reflect on the week and plan ahead.

“Although many people are working from home or studying remotely as a result of the pandemic, this remains an ideal time for everyone in the Brock community to take steps to be better prepared should they be impacted by an unforeseen emergency,” he said.

To do this, Bench and his team recommend taking a few simple actions:

• Know the risks: Although the consequences of a disaster can be similar, knowing risks related to a specific community can help its members better prepare. For example, some areas may be subject to flooding conditions or other weather-related events.
• Make a plan: This will help individuals, members of their family and/or coworkers respond effectively.
• Prepare an emergency kit: Consider basic supplies that may be required (including access to cash funds in the event of a failure related to technology) and remember that individuals should be prepared to be self-sufficient for at least 72 hours during an emergency.

Department emergency co-ordinators at Brock are also encouraged to review department-specific emergency plans to ensure they remain current.

To further prepare for unexpected occurrences, the University has enhanced its mass notification system to ensure early notification to the Brock community in the case of an emergency situation.

Those who download the Brock Safety App will receive notice of an emergency situation at the University on their smartphones. In addition, the mass notification system has the capacity to deliver messaging on all Brock network computer screens and electronic messaging boards, as well as over email, SMS text messaging and telephone messaging.

All members of the Brock community are encouraged to download the Brock Safety App.

For more information on Emergency Preparedness Week, visit getprepared.ca