We live in a time when it is becoming increasing difficult to rationalize what we should truly worry about. In this Lunch and Learn, look to gain insights into the hazards that present a risk to York University and develop an awareness and understanding of the strategies and initiatives that the Community Safety Department employs to bolster disaster and emergency resilience of our community.

Takeaways: Participants will gain an understanding of how to achieve personal and community disaster resilience. Increase awareness and understanding about the strategies and initiatives the Community Safety Department employs to prepare for Disasters and Emergencies, and learn how to be part of the program, including incident management training, emergency warden training and business continuity planning.

Presented by Mike O'Brien

Mike O’Brien is the Manager of Emergency Preparedness for York University. He spent twenty years in the Canadian Forces where he deployed on operations as diverse as peacekeeping in the Balkans, the Manitoba Flood of the Century and Afghanistan. His operational experiences inspired him to transition into a career in Emergency Management where he has previously worked a variety of positions in the municipal sector. Mike has completed a Master’s Degree in Disaster and Emergency Management at Royal Roads University and is a Certified Business Continuity Professional, and he is also the President of the Ontario Association of Emergency Managers. In his spare time, he perpetually drives his kids to-and-from sporting events, and he also runs slowly and gardens badly.