​Community Safety Guide, KI distribution enhancing emergency preparedness in region

A regular initiative to enhance emergency preparedness practices in Grey, Bruce and Huron counties is progressing as Bruce Power updates its Community Safety Guide and prepares for distribution of potassium iodide (KI) tablets.

The guide, designed in partnership with the Municipality of Kincardine, neighbouring counties and health units, is set to arrive at homes throughout all three participating communities in the coming months. In addition, improvements to the ‘Be prepared’ website, distribution of KI tablets within a 10-kilometre radius of the Bruce Power site, and upgrades to public emergency notification tools, are also planned.

“It’s important that Kincardine residents and our neighbouring communities are given information they can keep handy,” said Shane Watson, Kincardine community emergency management co-ordinator. “Being prepared for a range of potential emergencies is key. While a nuclear event is extremely unlikely, having this information all in one package alongside more likely occurrences, such as severe weather, helps people feel confident in knowing what to do in all situations.

“The comprehensive guide helps residents familiarize themselves with emergency phone numbers, create a fire escape plan, know how to deal with severe weather, and what to pack in their 72-hour emergency grab-and-go kit. Preparedness and information are paramount when it comes to emergency response.”

The guide also contains a voucher for residences and businesses within 50 kilometres of Bruce Power who would like to pick-up KI tablets from participating local pharmacies, to keep in their homes and offices. While this is an option available to residents within these counties, it’s important to note that these tablets are stored around the region and could easily be accessed, if ever required.

“Distribution to residences and businesses within 10 kilometres of Bruce Power began in January and should be complete this spring,” said Jeff Steven, Bruce Power’s division manager, emergency and protective services.

Residents and business owners within 10 kilometres of Bruce Power can expect a package mailed to their home address that will have an updated package of KI to replace their soon-to-expire package that was issued in 2015. Also enclosed in this package is a copy of the safety guide along with information on emergency preparedness for the region and how to safely dispose of the previously stored KI.

“Although it’s highly unlikely that KI tablets would ever be needed, we also want to reassure people that they’re readily available within the region,” Steven said.

More information about emergency preparedness in Grey, Bruce and Huron counties can be found on-line at www.bepreparedgreybrucehuron.com.