When prepping for an emergency, people in the Regional District of Nanaimo area should think about all their loved ones – both people and pets.
Emergency Preparedness Week, from Sunday, May 7 to Saturday, May 13, promotes the importance of being ready for disasters, such as flooding, earthquakes and wildfires, with the general rule of thumb of being prepared for at least 72 hours.
Erica Beauchamp, RDN emergency services manager, said keeping a “grab-and-go” bag full of supplies is important. It should be stocked with food and water, a cellular phone charger and battery bank, battery-powered or hand-crank radio and flashlight, batteries, first-aid kit, toiletries, cash in small bills, seasonal clothing, emergency blanket, pen and notepad and a whistle.
Beauchamp also recommends people remember critical documents and information.
“I think it’s easy to forget to put in things like your insurance papers, medications, and phone numbers,” said Beauchamp. “We store all of our numbers in our mobile devices these days, but if you have to leave without that in a hurry, or if it gets lost, then you don’t have any of that information.”
She also recommends residents have an emergency plan.
“Where you’re going to meet other family members, if you’re going to be separated … if there’s alternative locations for you to stay, then set that up ahead of time,” she said. “Talk to people, make sure that you you have some options available.”
Communication may be sporadic in the aftermath of an emergency and residents can enrol in the Voyent Alert service to remain informed when lines are down. It’s a free app that residents can sign up for, and those holidaying in the RDN or travelling through the area can also sign up.
“Any [notices] that are going to come out for emergencies, critical alerts, will come out through Voyent Alert,” Beauchamp said.
Pet owners are advised to think about their furry friends, too, and plan to have pet food and other items that might be needed in case of emergency.”
“If your pet has any special medications or treatments that they need, you need to plan for that ahead of time,” said Beauchamp. “Also … food, water bowls, leashes, collars. For livestock, you need to think similarly. Have a transportation plan in place so that you know how you’ll move your animals to another location. Also have locations set up that you can house your animals in the event that you are evacuated.”
The City of Nanaimo issued a press release promoting Emergency Preparedness Week and reminding residents to know the risks.
“Although the consequences of disasters can be similar, knowing the risks specific to our community can help you better prepare,” the release noted.
For more information, go to www.rdn.bc.ca/emergency-preparedness and www.rdn.bc.ca/emergency-services.
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