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 potassium iodide (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 Municipality of Kincardine residents and our neighbouring communities are given information they can keep handy,” said Shane Watson, Community Emergency Management Coordinator, Municipality of Kincardine. “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 businesses 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.
About Bruce Power
Bruce Power is an electricity company based in Bruce County, Saugeen Ojibway Nation Territory, Ontario. We are powered by our people. Our 4,200 employees are the foundation of our accomplishments and are proud of the role they play in safely delivering clean, reliable nuclear power to families and businesses across the province and cancer-fighting medical isotopes around the world. Bruce Power has worked hard to build strong roots in Ontario and is committed to protecting the environment and supporting the communities in which we live. Formed in 2001, Bruce Power is a Canadian-owned partnership of TC Energy, OMERS, the Power Workers’ Union and The Society of United Professionals. Learn more at www.brucepower.com and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram, and YouTube.
