Local residents learned more about emergency preparedness during the Town of Stonewall Emergency Measures open house held May 4 at the Quarry Park Heritage Arts Centre.
Members of the Stonewall Cub Scouts stopped by the Canadian Red Cross station during the Emergency Preparedness Open House in Stonewall on May 4, where Emmanuel Opara and Christopher Plett shared information on how the Red Cross supports communities and families during emergency situations
The free community event was part of Manitoba’s Emergency Preparedness Week and featured information booths, emergency vehicles, safety demonstrations and opportunities to meet local emergency responders.
Children from École R.W. Bobby Bend School took part in activities during the day, while local Cubs, Scouts and Beavers attended in the evening to learn more about emergency preparedness, explore emergency vehicles and take information home to their families.
The event was designed to help residents and families better prepare for emergencies at home and in the community.
Participants also had the opportunity to create a take-home personal identification kit. Fingerprints were taken using an ink pad and imprinted on a sheet for families to keep. Organizers noted that no personal information was retained.
Several organizations partnered for the event, including the Stonewall-Rockwood Fire Department, RCMP, Manitoba Emergency Management Organization, Canadian Red Cross, Lifesaving Society, Interlake-Eastern Regional Health Authority, Commissionaires and the Town of Stonewall Emergency Measures Office.
Stonewall resident Bob Schkawritka, a regional emergency manager with the Manitoba Emergency Management Organization, was on hand to answer questions about emergency preparedness and community resilience. He also encouraged residents to register for MB Ready, an app that provides real-time, location-based emergency alerts for severe weather, wildfires, floods and other hazards to help Manitobans stay informed and safe.
Residents were also able to sign up for the Voyent Alert system to receive emergency notifications from the Town of Stonewall.
A colouring contest for students at École R.W. Bobby Bend School was also part of the open house. The grand prize, a bicycle, was won by Cyane Henry. Gift cards valued at $50 each were awarded to Mya Yurick (Kinsmen Lake), Ryder Fulton (Quarry Lanes), Theo Fischer (The Kiln Drive-In) and Fox (Flicks Cinema).
The event also included a free barbecue and family-friendly activities for residents of all ages.
