Small emergencies to large-scale disasters can happen anytime, anywhere, but a few simple steps, such as making an emergency kit, having an emergency plan and being aware of the risks associated with different kinds of emergencies is the best way to prepare for the worst while hoping for the best.
Emergency Preparedness Week runs May 6-12 when people can take the opportunity to plan, prepare and be aware, but while about 85 per cent of Canadians agree that having an emergency kit is important in ensuring their family’s safety, just 40 per cent have prepared or bought an emergency kit, a survey shows.
“Families should be prepared to take care of themselves at the very minimum for 72 hours, but more realistically, we need to prepare for seven days given our geographic location,” said Karen Lindsay, city emergency program manager. “During Emergency Preparedness Week we encourage residents to make an emergency plan and kit for your loved ones and pets.”
Throughout the week, Nanaimo Fire Rescue crews will distribute information on how business and residents can prepare for emergencies and throughout the month of May, city emergency program volunteers will be at the RCMP open house on May 12.
Emergency Preparedness Week is a good time for people to create or buy an emergency preparedness kit or update and renew dated supplies in kits they already have.
For more information about how to prepare for emergencies, visit the City of Nanaimo website at www.nanaimo.ca and go to the city’s Emergency Management page or visit the B.C. government’s Prepared B.C. web page at www.gov.bc.ca/preparedbc.