Are you ready for an emergency?
As we travel through the routine of our daily lives, it is often forgotten that emergencies, natural or man-made, can happen anytime, anywhere.
Even here.
Which is why Public Safety Canada works with provinces, territories and local governments to remind Canadian residents during Emergency Preparedness Week to prepare for the unthinkable.
The program advises people to prepare an emergency kit, have a family or even street-wide plan, and know what might be an immediate risk in the area should a disaster strike.
Being ready for an emergency can help reduce injuries or fatalities in the moments following a disaster.
Karen Lindsay, emergency program manager with Nanaimo Fire Rescue, said Emergency Preparedness Week is a reminder of the unpredictability of emergency situations and the importance of being ready.
“In a disaster affecting a community, some services we take for granted might be unavailable for several days or even longer,” she said. “Families should be prepared to take care of themselves at the very minimum for 72 hours but it is recommended people prepare for seven days.”
Experts advise people to mark Emergency Preparedness Week, May 5-11, by making a kit, on which more information can be found at fire.nanaimo.ca.
It is also recommended that for those who haven't already done so sign up for Nanaimo's free emergency call alert system at www.nanaimo.ca, which notifies people by phone about the nature of the emergency.