Brock University will be among institutions from across the country participating in Emergency Preparedness Week from Sunday, May 7 to Saturday, May 13.

To mark the national event, which this year carries the theme of “Be Prepared, Know Your Risks,” the University is encouraging the Brock community to take action to become better prepared for a range of potential emergencies.

The University will also be conducting a full-scale test of its Mass Notification System on the evening of Wednesday, May 10. The system is able to notify the Brock community through all University network computer screens, electronic message boards, emails, voicemail extensions and social media platforms, as well as the Brock Safety App.

On Thursday, May 11, the Niagara Regional Police Service, in partnership with Campus Safety Services and the Department of Residence, will conduct training exercises in and around Arnie Lowenberger Residence on Brock’s main campus.

The Brock community can expect to see a heavy police presence on campus during the exercises.

The University will conduct its own emergency training exercise the following day.

Brock is reminding its students, staff and faculty that a few simple actions can make a big difference when it comes to emergency response:

• 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.

Members of the University community are also encouraged to download the Brock Safety App, which contains useful links and emergency contacts, and is routinely used for sharing information, including advisories related to emergency situations.

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