STOUGHTON - The Stoughton Emergency Measures Organization (EMO) was busy gathering data and information for a barbecue it held on May 6.
Originally the event was to be held at the green space on Main Street in Stoughton, but due to rain and high winds the Stoughton Tecumseh Fire Department (STFD) opened their doors for the event.
The EMO is comprised of members from Stoughton town council, the RM of Tecumseh council, local emergencies services and many volunteers from the community.
Shirley Coderre, EMO chairperson and Stoughton town councilor, has been working diligently with Danielle Hoffman, Stoughton town administrator and the emergency operations centre co-ordinator, and Jade Larose, who is the town clerk and the information officer for the EMO.
The barbecue’s purpose was to provide crucial information to the public in case an emergency were to take place.
At the barbecue, packages were handed out to those who attended, and they were filled with all the information needed to be prepared for such an emergency. They will also be available at the town office free of charge.
Aiden Baker had a table set up with multiple items. He gave people 60 seconds to pick 15 items from the table and place them in the emergency bucket. If a person had all 15 correct, they won a small prize; those who were close received a free bottle of water.
Baker is in Grade 12 at the Stoughton Central School, and it is his plan to become a paramedic and follow in his mom Gayla Gilbertson’s footsteps. She is a first responder in Stoughton.
The Stoughton Pool group was on hand to cook the burgers and serve drinks to the large crowd. The proceeds from the barbecue will go towards the pool.
Sparky the Fire Dog was a big hit with the kids. They had a chance to shake his paw and get some hugs.
Branda Calibaba won the door prize of an emergency preparedness kit.
The purpose of an emergency plan is to provide for a prompt and organized response to emergencies affecting the Town of Stoughton, Villages of Forget and Heward, and the RM of Tecumseh 65. It is the hope of the committee to reduce human suffering and loss or damage to property.
There is certain protocol that needs to be followed in a disaster or emergency situation.
The Emergency Measures Act is invoked only after it is determined that the situation is beyond the capacity or resources of the local EMS to manage. Regional or provincial EMO authorities would be consulted for advice and/or assistance before a state of emergency is declared. This all needs to be done in a timely, organized fashion as during a situation that is considered dangerous or unsafe, seconds matter.
The Town of Stoughton offers a program to assist in faster notification of an emergency situation, precautionary drinking water advisories, water disruptions and other town information.
It is done through an automated phone call or text to a person's cell phone. If a person wishes to be added to this list, this can easily be done by contacting the Stoughton town office.
Coderre was pleased with the exceptional turnout and said that Larose was a huge part of getting the event organized.
Coderre is very thankful to the STFD for allowing them to use the fire hall on such short notice.
They are looking for one more person to join the committee. If interested, please contact the town office.
