There are a number of volunteer groups poised to offer emergency help to the people of the Sunshine Coast, but they need more volunteers.
"We need volunteers badly. Whoever wants to get involved we want them to come out to a meeting," said Marilyn Pederson, the new Sunshine Coast Emergency Social Services director.
The volunteer Sunshine Coast Emergency Social Services group led by Pederson is responsible for looking after people after a disaster, whether a single family house fire where no insurance is in place or a natural disaster affecting the greater population.
"We provide the essentials like food, shelter and clothing for families and individuals after a disaster on the Sunshine Coast. Depending on the size, we are also responsible for setting up the reception centre and keeping track of everyone so the Red Cross database is up-to-date. That means people can call the Red Cross and find out if their loved ones on the Coast are okay," Pederson said.
The group is one of five volunteer organizations ready to help in an emergency. Others include Search and Rescue, the Coast Guard Auxiliary, the emergency radio operators and the Animal Disaster Response Program.
All have their roles to play in the event of a disaster and all need help, but Pederson notes being prepared is as helpful as volunteering with one of the organizations.
"The more people who are prepared when something happens the better it is for everybody. Disaster can strike in a moment, leaving people helpless," she said.
A great way to get prepared is to assemble your own emergency kit with food, water, clothing and emergency supplies to make sure you are self-sufficient until help arrives.
Next week (May 7 to 13) marks Emergency Preparedness Week. Sunshine Coast emergency program co-ordinator Bill Elsner hopes more people will take the time to prepare and volunteer with an emergency group.
He'll be holding an open house on Tuesday, May 9, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Sunshine Coast Regional District (SCRD) offices, 1975 Field Road in Wilson Creek. The open house will highlight the different emergency volunteer programs and give helpful tips on getting prepared. He hopes the community will come out and get involved.
"We want people to be aware of our emergency programs and realize the volunteers are a key component and we need more of them," Elsner said.
If you want to volunteer, contact Elsner at 604-885-0738. And for more information about how to put together an emergency kit of your own, go to the SCRD's website at www.scrd.bc.ca. Click on the community services heading to view the district's 26 Weeks to Preparedness program.
