Brampton - The City of Brampton has proclaimed May 4 to 10 as Emergency Preparedness Week. A highlight of the annual event will be the Emergency Preparedness Expo at Shoppers World on May 7 and 8, held during mall hours. Numerous community partners, including Brampton Fire, Peel Regional Police, Canadian Red Cross and St. John Ambulance, will set up information booths at the mall. Emergency vehicles will also be on display.

In addition, the Brampton Emergency Measures Office (BEMO) will be hosting free seminars on Business Continuity Awareness for small and medium-sized businesses on May 6, 7 and 8. Registration is required, visit www.ccep.ca/seminar.

The aim of Emergency Preparedness Week is to raise awareness of individual preparedness, and inform the public about ways in which it can prepare for an emergency. Visitors are encouraged to participate in the Preparedness Challenge and win prizes that include tickets to the Rose Theatre Brampton, bikes and helmets and emergency kits. The "Preparedness Challenge Passport" will be available at the Shoppers World Customer Service desk starting May 3 or from any of the participating exhibitors during the expo.

"This is an opportunity for our citizens to learn how to prepare themselves and their family in case of an emergency. The City of Brampton's Emergency Measures Office is one of the best in the country, exceeding the standards set by the Federal and Provincial Governments. Brampton is a leader in providing emergency services to its citizens and businesses and operates exceptional Fire and Emergency Services," said Brampton Mayor Susan Fennell.

BEMO works in co-operation with many community partners, including Brampton Safe City, the school boards, Red Cross, St. John Ambulance, the Region of Peel and Peel Regional Police. BEMO also works closely with Brampton Fire and Emergency Services to provide a comprehensive emergency response program that will ensure the resilience of our city in case of a crisis.

For more information about Emergency Preparedness in the City of Brampton, visit www.brampton.ca/emergency_measures and www.bramptonfire.com.