May 5 to 11 is Emergency Preparedness week in BC. On May 11, residents can learn how they can prepare for emergencies like wildfires, earthquakes or flooding, and about the “neighbours helping neighbours” approach that local community associations are taking in this area. A town hall information session will be held at the Sechelt Seniors Activity Centre (5604 Trail Avenue) at 1 p.m.
When it comes to being ready to help yourself and others should the need arise, the Sunshine Coast Regional District (SCRD) suggests every home have its own emergency plan. An email to Coast Reporter from SCRD communications reminded us that, “It only takes around twenty minutes to make one, so please try to take this week to get it done." Resources to help prepare such a plan for your household are available on SCRD.ca.
An important part of that plan, according to that local government, is having an appropriately stocked emergency kit; one that will help your family stay self-sufficient for at least 72 hours in an emergency. If you already have a kit stocked up, this is a good week to do a review of what’s in it, check if items like batteries in flashlights and portable radios are still good and that your food provisions have not expired.
Another basic and quick step residents can take to ensure they are prepared should an emergency occur, is to sign up for Voyent Alert. That system will send important emergency alerts in the region to your telephone or other electronic device.
Throughout Emergency Preparedness Week, the SCRD will be “thanking our incredible ESS (Emergency Support Services) volunteers, emergency communications team and local suppliers." SCRD staff explained that under that program, volunteers distribute and local suppliers agree to accept “vouchers” given to people needing assistance due to situations such as a residential fire or another hazard that has forced them out of their home. The vouchers can cover costs for food, clothing, or hotel accommodations and allow the local ESS volunteers to provide for victims without handling money. ESS is a provincial program supported by the SCRD.
