The saying, “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure,” coined by Benjamin Franklin, has never been so timely as it is right now. Especially when it comes to unforeseen events.

Right here in the County, we have already experienced record temperature highs and lows; more rain and longer droughts; more snow, and flooding caused by rapid melting; ice storms; record windspeeds, and even fires in our fields and forests. 

We are also feeling the impact of rising costs in food, fuel, fertilizer, and building materials as a result of supply chain disruptions around the world.

The worst part of it is, these extreme events and supply disruptions have all occurred within the last few years. The near future is now less predictable, and less stable than ever before.

So now what? How do we move forward as a community in the face of assaults from both climate change and global instability? 

Preparedness is the key. And that’s where ReadyPEC comes in. 

There are actions to take now to ensure we will be able to withstand what comes next. The first step is to organize the way we respond to emergencies, and, most importantly, the way we communicate during times of crisis. 

ReadyPEC is a community-led initiative to strengthen emergency preparedness both within individual households, and to connect those households across neighbourhoods, so residents are able to help one another in an emergency.

READYPEC.ca is a website and shared resource, to help us all better understand the risks and impacts of unexpected disruptions and emergencies — and learn how to expect the unexpected. It offers a common point of contact for the entire community. The material on the site comes from trusted national resources, local leaders, and the County Foundation to ensure it is local and pertinent. 

The only thing ReadyPEC needs is you!  Every one of us has a role to play in looking after each other. Start by knowing the risks and making some simple changes both around your home and to ensure you stay connected to others in a crisis.

If you would like to do more, volunteer for local groups and services to share your time and knowledge.  Go to www.READYPEC.ca and find out what you can do to help.

Finally, plan to attend ReadyPEC’s Emergency Preparedness Event. Sunday 3 May, 3:30-5:30pm, in Picton at the Prince Edward Community Centre.