The Town of Drumheller is helping get residents informed about how to be prepared should disaster strike.
    Residents are encouraged to take a look at a 72 hour survival guide, which teaches how to survive an extended period without power or basic services.
    Last November, Drumheller was hit with a large power outage after ice buildup on power lines shut down the town and large parts of Alberta. As the outage dragged on, the relief some felt for some time off work was replaced by trepidation about having to face the possibility of an extended blackout.
    Town and emergency staff convened and began making plans to cope should the power remain out for an extended period.
    The power, in large part, was working again the next day, but discussion did not stop in Town Hall regarding Drumheller’s preparedness in a disaster.

Dave Powell winds up a flashlight during a power outage in Drumheller last year. A wind-up flashlight is among a list of recommended items residents should have should disaster strike.

    One initiative is to get Drumheller residents informed about what they’ll need in an emergency.
    “There are specific things people should have on hand to carry them through an emergency in the community,” said Fire Chief Bill Bachynski, coordinator for Drumheller Disaster Services.
    The 72 hour emergency preparedness guides help residents plan for the worst. Items they recommend include:
    Water  – at least two litres per person per day. Placed in small containers that can be carried easily in the event of an evacuation order.
    Food – non perishable items such as canned food, energy bars, and dried foods. Both food and water should be replaced at least once per year.
    Manual can opener.
    Wind-up or battery powered flashlight and radio, with extra batteries.
    First aid kit.
    Extra keys to your house and car.
    Some cash in small bills and change.
    Any medication, infant formula, equipment for persons with disabilities, and pet food.
    A copy of your emergency plan or contact information.
    The Town is also making sure it’s prepared. Recently, Town staff and emergency services went through a disaster planning scenario coordinated by a representative from Alberta Emergency Management.
    “We have it once a year. There are always lessons learned about how to improve your disaster services response. Specifically, there were no big issues that came out of the meeting,” said Bachynski. “The exercises happen in every municipality. It’s something done to prepare Albertans for any type of disaster they may be confronted with.”
    The exercise had participants work through what they would do were a tornado to rip through town.
    “It’s something we want to be prepared for. It was the first time we have done a tornado exercise. I thought we did extremely well. It made everyone think about their roles and responsibilities in an emergency,” said Bachynski. “We have to be prepared the best we can for any type of disaster that could affect the community,”
    The guides can be found here.

    The momentum is starting to build for the 2013 MS Walk after the designation of a new walk coordinator.
    The Drumheller MS Society recently named Shauna Brown as the new MS Walk coordinator. She replaces Dianne Snyder who held the position since November 2011.
    Brown is already thinking big for the upcoming walk, which is being held on May 5 this year.
    “My focus this year is getting as many teams involved as we can. It’s more fun to walk with a team, and it gives businesses and organizations a way to expose themselves. We’ve also added a fun run aspect to it as well. Those who are fit enough can go out and run the route as well,” said Brown.
    Another change for the walk this year will be its new location. Previously the walk had been held at the Drumheller Memorial Arena. Now, it will take place at the Badlands Community Facility.
    “I think it’ll give us a really nice area to work with and give the outlying people a chance to see what the facility offers,” said Brown.
    Like many involved in the MS Society, Brown has a personal connection with multiple sclerosis.
    “I like this type of work and last year I lost a friend from school to MS. There’s also a couple of other girls from my tiny home town that suffer from it too. When you have a town of 500 and two have MS, it impacts every one,” said Brown. “A lot of the money that goes into research comes from the MS Walks.”
    With the appointment of Brown, it is hoped the walk will grow.
    “She’s a really enthusiastic woman and will do great,” said Holly Guterson, secretary/treasurer of the Drumheller MS Society. “The walk has held its own each year, but as the population is aging, we need to get young people involved.”
    The money raised by the MS Walk helps fund research to combat the disease and support those afflicted with MS in Drumheller in the form of support groups and financial assistance.
    “Half of money raised in Drumheller, after expenses, goes to research and the other half stays in Drumheller,” said Guterson. “They’ve made huge strides in MS research over the past 20 years. It’s amazing what they can do for some and what they know about the disease.”
    Anyone who is interested in participating is encouraged to register early. To register, click here.