Safe Communities/Guelph-Eramosa Township aims for a safer life for residents

To date, 65 Canadian communities have received the designation of “Safe Communities,” with more communities applying every year.  

The international movement began in 1989, but the Canada national safe-life efforts started in 1996.  A designation is a formal public affirmation of and testament to a community’s aspiration to create a safer life for all of its citizens.

The Canadian safe communities effort is orchestrated by Parachute Canada, a charitable organization helping Canadians stop the clock on predictable and preventable injuries.

Safe Communities- Wellington County received its designation in June 2013, and in early 2014, Safe Communities Guelph-Eramosa Township joined as a sub-committee of the Wellington County group.

The local program recognizes that in Wellington County the three main injury issues are those related to falls, motor vehicle accidents and self-inflicted causes.

Communities who have obtained the Safe Community designation have shown considerable commitment to promoting injury prevention and safety promotion locally.  

Wellington County has brought local officials to the leadership table, including representatives from local government, public health, police, fire and emergency services, educational institutions, local business and health and safety organizations.  

Following that lead, Safe Communities Guelph-Eramosa Township is also comprised of residents from the township, the local OPP detachment, the fire department, EMS and local business interests.

Presently, the local group is distributing magnetic health record files to residents through the EMS File of Life Health Record program.

The group is also developing a “Snow Angels” snow removal program planned for kick-off in late 2015. This program will help seniors and handicapped residents who need assistance keeping their driveways free of snow buildup during major snow emergencies.

For more information contact Safe Communities chairman Robbin Wood at 519-835-6994 or jrobbinwood@gmail.com.

 

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