Not sure what to do in case of an emergency?
The city and St. Albert RCMP are holding their second annual public safety open house on Sunday, June 8.
The event promotes municipal and regional services, and teaches residents what to do in times of need.
Organizers of the event hope to double or triple visitor numbers this year, with new displays and useful information. Last year, the open house attracted over 400 people, said fire chief Ray Richards.
“It’s just a family event so people can come out and see what services are available in the city for their protection and safety,” he said. “And secondly it’s to educate them in some of the areas they are maybe not familiar with.”
Some of the activities that day include an interactive display that teaches children how to use 911 properly, a bike rodeo that tests riding skills and teaches the rules of the road, and a hazard house.
Resembling a slightly enlarged, two-storey dollhouse, the hazard house shows children and adults how to prevent common household incidents.
This includes everything from poisons hidden under the kitchen sink, and showing the dangers of electricity, said Richards.
“It’s a full array of hazards that are in a home that can either be health related or create an electrical shock,” said Richards.
But it’s not all about educating the youth.
Adults can visit different displays that will teach them how to prepare against fire, flood and 100 different hazards at home. The city and province will show what they have in store in case of an emergency.
Families can also learn how to put together their own 72-hour emergency kit, or enter a raffle to win one, said Richards.
“When an actual disaster occurs people need to be responsible for those first 72 hours,” he said.
Other, fun-related activities that day include a chance to get behind the wheel of a police car, fire truck or ambulance, or to check out the patrol truck and jet boat from Alberta’s Fish and Wildlife branch.
Families can also get their young children fingerprinted and have the prints kept on file, or take them home.
Altogether, the event includes several city departments, such as fire services, municipal enforcement and family and community support services, as well as the local RCMP, and multiple local and provincial partners such as the Salvation Army and Alberta Health Services Emergency Medical Services.
A barbecue will collect donations for St. Albert Victim Services.
“We just hope the community comes out and uses this chance to meet their neighbours and learn a little more about public safety,” said Richards.
The second annual Public Safety Open House takes place on Sunday, June 8 from 1 to 4 p.m. at St. Albert Place, 5 St. Anne Street. For more information, visit stalbert.ca/beprepared.
