As Manitoba marks Emergency Preparedness Week, residents across the Interlake are being encouraged to take steps now to prepare for emergencies before disaster strikes.
The Manitoba Emergency Management Organization’s (EMO) new “MB Ready” campaign focuses on helping Manitobans become informed, create emergency plans and build emergency kits that can sustain households for at least 72 hours during a crisis.
The campaign now includes the launch of the new MB Ready mobile app, announced by the Manitoba government on May 4 as part of Emergency Preparedness Week activities.
Transportation and Infrastructure Minister Lisa Naylor, who is also the minister responsible for EMO, said the app is intended to help Manitobans stay informed and better prepared during emergencies.
“Emergency Preparedness Week is a reminder of the importance of preparation in helping keep all Manitobans safe, and this year we are pleased to announce the rollout of the new MB Ready app to support that effort,” said Naylor. “Planning ahead makes a real difference during emergencies, and this app will help keep Manitobans informed with clear, accessible and up-to-date information.”
The MB Ready app provides real-time, location-based notifications for emergencies and incidents such as severe weather, wildfires, floods, road closures and power outages. Users can set alerts for specific addresses or geographic areas, allowing them to stay informed about conditions that may affect their home, workplace or other important locations.
The platform is available in both official languages and also includes guidance on building emergency kits, creating household emergency plans, understanding local risks and accessing safety information during emergencies.
For residents in the Interlake, emergency preparedness is not a new concept.
Communities throughout the region have experienced repeated spring flooding, severe storms, blizzards, extended power outages and growing concerns related to wildfire smoke and evacuations in recent years.
The Manitoba government says the MB Ready initiative is designed to help families better prepare for emergencies before they happen by understanding local risks and developing household emergency plans.
The MB Ready app allows users to receive location-based emergency notifications for areas where they live, work or travel. The platform also includes preparedness checklists, emergency planning information and safety guidance for before, during and after emergencies.
For rural Manitobans, preparedness can be especially important due to longer emergency response times, rural road conditions and the potential for communities to become isolated during major weather events.
Interlake residents are often encouraged to prepare for emergencies by:
• maintaining a 72-hour emergency kit
• keeping extra food, water and medications on hand
• ensuring backup charging options are available
• having plans for pets and livestock
• monitoring emergency alerts and weather warnings
• checking on seniors and vulnerable neighbours during emergencies
The province notes that emergency preparedness is a shared responsibility between governments, organizations and individual households.
The MB Ready campaign coincided with Emergency Preparedness Week, held nationally from May 3 to 9.
Residents can learn more about emergency preparedness resources or download the MB Ready app through the provincial emergency preparedness website.
