City urges residents to be prepared for potential emergencies at all times

By Lethbridge Herald on May 6, 2025.

Alejandra Pulido-Guzman
Lethbridge Herald

This week marks National Emergency Preparedness Week, with the theme “Be Prepared. Know Your Risks,” and the City of Lethbridge is urging residents to take action and be prepared. 

Jamie Anderson, emergency planning administrator with the city of Lethbridge, says everyone has a role to play in emergency preparedness. 

“The theme this year, ‘Be prepared. Know your risks,’ and that implies both the risks in the city of Lethbridge which include winds, floods and fires, but also fostering communications about emergency preparedness,” says Anderson. 

Residents are encouraged to have conversations about their own individual risks and family dynamics.  

“Whether you have small children in your household, or pets in your household, we want to drive awareness to the fact that, that changes what your emergency plan looks like, and what goes into your emergency kit.”

To spread awareness and to answer questions, Anderson says she’ll be attending various events across the city this week, along with Eric Foster, who is also an emergency planning administrator. 

“As we are out engaging with people, we will have a draw for a 72-hour emergency kit,” said Anderson. 

Anderson and Foster will be at the following events to engage with residents: 

• Today at Downtown Lethbridge Public Library, 11 a.m. to noon as part of the Parent Connect Program.

• Wednesday at Lethbridge Seniors Citizens Organization (LSCO), 9 a.m. to noon.

• Friday at Nordbridge Seniors Centre, 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.

Residents are encouraged to build a 72-hour emergency kit with essential items such as water, non-perishable food, a flashlight, first aid supplies, medications and pet care items.

They are also encouraged to make a plan and know where to go, who to contact and how to communicate in an emergency. Include plans for children, seniors, pets and anyone in their care.

Residents who already have an emergency kit are encouraged to take time this week to check expiration dates, restock supplies and update their family’s emergency plan.

Visit Lethbridge.ca/BePrepared for local resources, emergency planning tools and preparedness tips. 

By increasing awareness and preparedness, our community will be better equipped to respond effectively to emergencies, contributing to a safer and more resilient community, says Anderson.