Emergency preparedness in Canada: The role of recreation

Abstract

Emergency management has traditionally been led by an attitude to react and respond and implement effective recovery efforts. The focus has now shifted to a preparedness perspective, promoting measures which encourage the public and responders to be better equipped leading to an increased level of resiliency. Effective use of Recreation-based stakeholders and facilities, in emergency planning, boasts a number of positive elements to all phases of emergency management. A literature review will focus on the importance of Recreation in relation to preparedness. Findings will seek to articulate how the involvement of Recreation, in the realm of preparedness, builds community resilience, enhances response and recovery operations and provides a unique leadership and knowledge base regarding the use of recreational infrastructure. This effort in turn leads to a community more capable of managing an incident and returning to normalcy.