Emergency Preparedness open house an eye opener
by Michelle Minnoch

Jim Ferry and Cherette from the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit told Councilor Lynn Dollin about emergency preparedness during the open house in the council chambers.

The Town of Innisfil held an Emergency Preparedness Open House, proving residents with a plethora of information of what to do in times of an emergency, including natural disasters and others, such as a pandemic flu out break and more.

"You have to be prepared," said Deputy Fire Chief Jim Ferry. "It is not a question of if, but when."

Ferry said the whole key is investing inn a 72 hour kit, which is the first step in emergency preparedness.

He said 9/11 was a real eye opener, as well at the blackout which saw the lights go out in Southern Ontario and parts of the United States.

Deputy Fire Chief Ferry is also the town's Community Emergency Management Coordinator (CEMC). He said every municipality has a CEMC, as well as an emergency response plan.

"Slowly we are developing a public education program," Ferry said, "we are always going forward."

If you would like more information about emer- gency preparedness, you can contact Ferry at 436- 2763.