Emergency Preparedness Week

Emergency Preparedness Week

Emergency Preparedness Week (EP Week) in Canada began in the mid-1990s as a national initiative to raise public awareness about the importance of planning and readiness for emergencies and disasters. Coordinated by Public Safety Canada in collaboration with provinces, territories, municipalities, and private and non-profit partners, the campaign is held annually during the first full week of May.

Its goal is to encourage individuals, families, and communities to take concrete steps to be better prepared for a range of hazards, including natural disasters, technological accidents, and human-induced events. Over the years, EP Week has evolved into a cornerstone of public safety education, promoting resilience through themes such as “Be Prepared, Know Your Risks,” and reinforcing the message that preparedness is a shared responsibility.

Firesmart

FireSmart Canada is a national program that helps communities, homeowners, and industries across the country reduce the risk of wildfire damage. Backed by over 20 years of research and practical experience, FireSmart provides proven tools, guidelines, and educational resources aimed at increasing wildfire resilience.

The program focuses on proactive actions such as creating defensible space around homes, using fire-resistant building materials, managing vegetation, and planning for evacuation scenarios. Through its seven FireSmart disciplines—including education, vegetation management, and emergency planning—the program fosters shared responsibility among residents, local governments, and fire agencies.

Central to FireSmart Canada’s approach is community engagement and empowerment. Programs like the FireSmart Neighbourhood Recognition Program encourage neighbourhoods to take collective action in reducing wildfire hazards, while training and certification opportunities help professionals and volunteers implement fire-smart practices effectively.

The initiative is managed by the Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre and supported by partners such as Natural Resources Canada and provincial wildfire agencies, making it a key part of Canada’s strategy to adapt to growing wildfire threats due to climate change.

Access the webpage here: 
https://firesmartcanada.ca/

The Ember program, led by FireSmart Canada, features Ember the FireSmart Fox—a friendly and engaging mascot designed to teach children and families about wildfire safety. Ember embodies traits like alertness, adaptability, intelligence, and community-mindedness, making her an effective messenger for promoting FireSmart principles. Through interactive resources such as coloring books, comics, and games, Ember helps young audiences understand how to protect their homes and communities from wildfires.

Ember's Den, the dedicated section on the FireSmart Canada website, offers a variety of educational materials and activities tailored for children. These resources aim to instill wildfire awareness and preparedness from an early age, fostering a culture of safety and resilience within communities. By engaging with Ember's content, children learn practical steps they can take to contribute to wildfire prevention and safety efforts.



Access Children's Resources here:
https://firesmartcanada.ca/ember/

Ember, The Firesmart Fox Video:
https://youtu.be/eLh7B65X7So

Ember, The Firesmart Fox Colouring Book
https://firesmartcanada.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/FireSmartCanada_Ember-Colouring-Book-Final.pdf

Firesmart Kids' Home Assessment
https://firesmartcanada.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/FSC_Ember_Kids_Home_Assessment.pdf