Chestermere residents will soon have an opportunity to connect with the Chestermere Emergency Management Agency (CHEMA) and learn about emergency preparedness at a public open house on May 11.

“The open house will provide a great opportunity for our citizens to learn more about CHEMA, the emergency services that we offer and how the City can respond during an emergency,” says Brian Pomrenke, Chestermere Fire Chief. “It’s also a great way for residents to learn what they should do during an emergency and how they can be better prepared.”

The event will be held at the Fire Hall from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and will provide:

• A car seat/seat belt clinic

• Copies of the Chestermere household emergency guide

• Opportunities to subscribe to City emergency alerts

• A simulated Emergency Operations Centre

• Displays and information about evacuation and reception centres

• A raffle and door prizes

• Refreshments sponsored by Tim Horton’s

“Representatives from the Chestermere Fire Department, Alberta Health Services, the City’s Community Peace Officers, and the RCMP will also be in attendance,” adds Pomrenke. 

Since early April, CHEMA has also been encouraging residents to practice personal and family preparedness and Do 1 Thing to prepare for an emergency. The Do1Thing Campaign is an international program that makes it easier for individuals, families and businesses to be better prepared to respond to an emergency. The 12 goals are usually spread over each month of the year but CHEMA is encouraging residents to Do 1 Thing each week continuing through Emergency Preparedness Week into June. The City will be posting reminders on social media but families can also sign up at www.do1thing.com for reminders and more information.

To learn more about the Chestermere Emergency Management Agency, Do1Thing, and Emergency Preparedness Week (May 5 - 11), visit chestermere.ca/CHEMA.