The VPR wants you to be winter ready

NEWS RELEASE

SAULT STE MARIE INNOVATION CENTRE

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The Sault Ste. Marie Innovation Centre’s (SSMIC) Vulnerable Persons Registry (VPR), in partnership with the Canadian Red Cross and City of Sault Ste. Marie, today announced the launch of the 2014 Winter Preparedness Campaign, to be held on Monday, November 24 to Thursday, November 27 at various locations in Sault Ste. Marie.
 
The Winter Preparedness Campaign raises awareness for individuals and families on winter readiness as it relates to emergencies.

Disasters can strike at any time, and anywhere, in Sault Ste. Marie and the surrounding area.

Winter brings seasonal challenges to the entire community, and while many see the importance of being prepared, most have yet to take the necessary steps.
 
“We are thrilled to provide the public with tools that will help them get prepared for at least 72 hours in the event of a winter emergency. All Saultites become vulnerable during an emergency but some are at greater risk including seniors, people with disabilities and people relying on electricity for life-sustaining equipment” said Naomi Thibault, VPR Coordinator.

“The Vulnerable Persons Registry in Sault Ste. Marie acts as an additional safeguard for those at increased risk and we encourage anyone interested in registering or learning more to join us at a Winter Preparedness Campaign event.”

Join the VPR and community partners at any of the Winter Preparedness Campaign events listed below.

Visit the Community Emergency Management Coordinator, the Canadian Red Cross Disaster Management Coordinator and the Vulnerable Persons Registry (VPR) Coordinator to learn about:

• Family emergency communication plans
• Survival kits & ideal items to include for at least 72 hours
• How you can keep yourself informed about emergencies
• Local and provincial hazards
• Pets and emergencies    
• Emergency Preparedness for people with disabilities
• Vulnerable Persons Registry (VPR)

Winter Preparedness Workshops
Monday, November 24   7 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Tuesday, November 25  3 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Centennial Library (Program Room - 50 East Street in Sault Ste. Marie)

Workshops are free to the general public, and locations listed are accessible.

Attendees can enjoy light refreshments, and a chance to win a survival kit as part of a raffle!

RSVP is appreciated. To reserve your seat at a workshop, contact Naomi Thibault at (705) 942-6938 x 3041, or by email at [email protected].

Members of the community can also visit the Winter Preparedness Information Booths at one of the locations listed below.

Visitors will also be entered into a draw for a free survival kit.

Winter Preparedness Info Booth
Monday, November 24
Station Mall (Outside of Campus Crew)  
10 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Winter Preparedness Info Booth
Thursday, November 27
Walmart Supercentre
446 Great Northern Road
10 a.m. - 3 p.m.    

Throughout the day, the VPR Coordinator will be on-site to distribute registration kits and to register individuals interested in the Vulnerable Persons Registry.

The City of Sault Ste. Marie’s Emergency Preparedness Coordinator will also be on-hand to provide emergency readiness tips, and answer any winter preparedness questions.

“I encourage all our residents to visit one of the scheduled events and talk to our preparedness experts. While the recent weather may have prompted some people to prepare for the winter weather, they may not have considered secondary hazards such as prolonged power outages. Come and learn how a few simple steps can make a big difference in an emergency situation” said Lauren Perry, Emergency Management Coordinator with the City of Sault Ste. Marie.

If you, or someone you know, would like to register with the VPR, please contact the VPR Coordinator at (705) 942-6938 ext. 3041 or visit www.soovpr.com.
 
To date, the VPR has helped approximately 400 members of the community.

The VPR is a free, voluntary and confidential service that can help improve the safety of older adults, persons with disabilities and others living at home who rely on electricity for life-sustaining equipment.

Registering helps improve safety in all emergencies whether it’s a 9-1-1 call, power outage or large scale emergency.

During home emergencies, emergency services are aware of your unique situation when 9-1-1 is called to your address.

During power outages, if you require electricity for life-sustaining equipment, PUC will inform you of planned outages and Red Cross will contact you during major outages lasting six hours or more.

During large-scale emergencies, emergency services know the locations of those who may need assistance.

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