Emergency Preparedness Week

Emergency Preparedness Week (EPW) takes place May 3-9, 2026. The Town of BWG is proud to support this national event and raise awareness around the importance of being prepared during an emergency.

The annual event has been supported by Public Safety Canada for over 25 years and aims to give communities and their residents an opportunity to understand the possible risks in their area. This year’s theme is Be Prepared. Know Your Risks, and it encourages Canadians to learn what actions they can take to protect themselves and their families in the event of an emergency.

Person checking off emergency checklist with emergency kit items in the background
EP Week encourages Canadians to follow three simple steps to ensure they are protected:
Step 1: Know the Risks

In Simcoe County, the highest risks are extreme weather conditions including floods, tornadoes, hail, ice storms and blizzards. There are numerous alert systems available to download onto your electronic devices that will notify you of severe weather events in your area. Make sure to keep your notifications turned on, so you can be in the know before any severe weather impacts your area.

 

In addition to these risks you may encounter emergencies related to power outages and industrial or transportation accidents, so it is important to be well aware prepared for these situations.

Step 2: Make a Plan

Canadian households need an emergency plan to help them and their families be prepared in case of an emergency. Creating a document containing a plan for your family can help you navigate any emergency situation that may arise.

 

Keep this document in an easy-to-find, easy-to-remember place (for example, with your emergency kit). Photocopy this plan and keep it in your car and/or at work. If you completed your plan online, keep an electronic version on your phone or computer.

 

Click here to build your own emergency plan for your family.

Step 3: Prepare a Kit

Gather items you may need in case of an emergency and create a kit of basic supplies to help you be prepared in emergency situations.

 

You likely already have some of these items such as food, water and a battery-operated or crank flashlight. The key is to make sure they are organized and easy to find. Make sure your kit is accessible, and that everyone in your household can locate it easily.

 

If you have a larger family, you may want to separate your items into multiple duffle bags or backpacks to make your kit’s portability easier.

 

Click below to find detailed lists of items to include in your kit.

 

Safety Kit Checklist

 


 

BWG Celebrates Emergency Preparedness Week and National Police Week

In celebration of Emergency Preparedness Week (May 3–9, 2026) and National Police Week (May 10–16, 2026), BWG Fire and Emergency Services and the South Simcoe Police Service are joining forces to host a Community Open House. 

  • Emergency vehicle displays
  • Drone and Canine Unit demonstrations
  • Talk to Dispatch
  • Photos with Sparky the Fire Dog
  • Games, activities, and safety information booths

Date: Thursday, May 14, 2026
Time: 4:00 - 6:00 pm
Location: Fire Station 1 (77 Melbourne Drive)

Please consider bringing a non-perishable food item in support of the Bradford Helping Hand Foodbank.

Event Parking

With the exception of accessible parking, on-site parking is not available for this event. Please use the parking lot at Holy Trinity Catholic High School, located just across the street.

If you require accessible parking, please contact fireandemerg@townofbwg.com.

Address: Town of Bradford West Gwillimbury, 100 Dissette St., Unit 7&8, Bradford, ON, L3Z 2A7

Phone: 905-775-5366, Send an Email

By GHD Digital