Emergency Preparedness Week is a national initiative coordinated by Public Safety Canada and provincial and territorial partners, designed to help communities plan for and respond to emergencies. The 2026 theme, “Be Prepared. Know Your Risks.”, framed the discussions throughout the event.

Organized by ReadyPEC, a community-led initiative focused on strengthening household preparedness and neighbourhood connections, the event brought together resource tables, volunteer opportunities, and an expert panel discussion.

Community Resource Tables included:

• Prince Edward County Fire & Rescue – fire safety information
• Picton Rotary – fire extinguisher fundraiser and safety awareness
• 99.3 County FM – emergency communications and local information sharing
• ReadyPEC – household preparedness checklists and emergency kits (limited supply)
• Neighbours Helping Neighbours – building local support networks
• Volunteer Opportunities – pathways for community involvement

Door prizes included six crank radios to support emergency communications during outages.

Expert Panel Focus

The panel discussions explored:

• Local risks and why preparedness matters in everyday life
• Practical steps households can take
• How neighbours can support one another during disruptions
• Ways to reduce pressure on emergency services during crises
• The importance of staying connected and informed

Speakers highlighted that preparedness is not about fear, but about simple, practical actions that increase safety and resilience.

Panel Speakers included:

• Carson Arthur – Media personality, landscape designer and advocate for sustainable agriculture and food security, focusing on practical food preparedness for households
• Tim Kraemer – Deputy Fire Chief, discussing common preventable fire and safety risks and how residents can reduce emergency service demand
• Dr. Margaret Tromp – Family and emergency physician with rural and northern experience, speaking to health system pressures and community adaptation to environmental change
• Craig Mills – General Manager of 99.3 County FM, highlighting the role of local radio in emergency communication and public information during disruptions

Overall message

The event emphasized that Prince Edward County has experienced a range of disruptions in recent years—from severe weather and wildfires to infrastructure and safety incidents—and that while the community has adapted well, emerging risks make ongoing preparedness increasingly important.

The key takeaway: prepared households, connected neighbours, and reliable local communication all contribute to a more resilient community.