Emergency Preparedness Week is an annual event held across Canada to encourage Canadians to be prepared personally, as an individual, a family and in the workplace.
In 2019, the week is recognized as May 5 to May 11.
Disasters may be beyond our control, but there are ways to reduce the risk and the impact of whatever emergency we might face. Residents and business owners are encouraged to join Oceanside Emergency Management in becoming prepared. Emergencies can strike at any time, with very little warning and with no time to make plans about what to do. Being prepared is critical since it can take time for help to arrive. By taking a few simple steps, you can become better prepared to face a range of emergencies.
RELATED:Emergency prep consultations to be held throughout Parksville Qualicum Beach
It is important to:
Know the risks – although the consequences of disasters can be similar, knowing the risks specific to our community and our region will help you be better prepared.
Make a plan – being prepared ahead of time will help you cope with an emergency more effectively and enable you to make a faster recovery.
Prepare a kit – assemble an emergency kit with items to be self-sufficient for at least 72 hours of an emergency. Ideally you will have a seven-day basic emergency kit, vehicle emergency kit and if required, a pet emergency kit. Kits should be checked at least once each year and a good time to do this is during EP week.
Parksville residents can get involved during Emergency Preparedness Week with one-on-one or individual consultations.
EMO emergency program co-ordinators will be available to meet with the public for one-on-one consultations; a great opportunity for residents and businesses to ask questions about individual plans and how to be better prepared for emergencies including emergency kit demonstrations and handouts.
Tuesday, May 7: Lighthouse Community Centre ESS exercise and consultations, 10 a.m. to noon.
Wednesday, May 8: Qualicum Beach Town Hall, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Thursday, May 9: Parksville City Hall, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
— NEWS staff, submitted
