Our emergency preparedness session at Lauriston Park Retirement Village drew an unexpectedly large crowd, turning a planned medium sized workshop into a full and lively room full of 150 residents. The strong turnout showed just how much residents care about being ready for the unexpected.

A hands‑on exercise

The highlight of the session was an evacuation simulation where residents had to choose which belongings they would take if they had only minutes to leave. The room filled with laughter, friendly debate, and a surprising amount of strategy as people weighed essentials against sentimental treasures. The exercise brought a sense of fun while still making the seriousness of preparedness feel real and relatable.

Conversations that brought the community together

After the activity, the microphone made its way around the room as residents shared stories, clever ideas, and thoughtful questions. The discussion was warm, energetic, and full of practical wisdom. People wanted to share their own experiences and pass on what they had learned to one another.

Turning Awareness into Action

Many residents thanked us afterward and said they planned to put together their own grab‑and‑go bags at home. That commitment, sparked by a mix of learning, laughter, and shared experience is exactly what we hoped to inspire.  If the community is better prepared because of this session, then the time we spent together was worthwhile and meaningful.  We hope to receive an update on their progress with preparations!