Media Release
For Immediate Release

 

Saanich, BC – This year’s theme for Emergency Preparedness Week, May 7 to 13 is Plan. Prepare. Be Aware. The Saanich Emergency Program echoes the importance of these steps in preparing for emergencies.

“While emergency preparedness is a shared responsibility among all levels of governments, preparing ultimately starts at home,” said Deputy Fire Chief Frank Macdonald. “Families should make sure they create a plan that everyone in the house is a part of. The next step is to prepare and make sure your home has enough non-perishable food, water and medical supplies which are essential if something unexpected were to happen. Being aware refers to the need for individuals to understand local risks and how they can impact us and change, such as weather.”

Residents should be prepared to be self-sufficient for a minimum of 7 days based on lessons learned from events around the world. By adding one or two items to your kit each day this week, by the end of the week you will have built a solid foundation for your family’s emergency preparedness kit.

Saanich has many activities happening during Emergency Preparedness Week including the continuation of the Grade Four Emergency Preparedness program sponsored by Thrifty Foods, in which more than 1,000 grade 4 students learn how to better prepare.

On May 8, Saanich will also showcase its emergency notification page on Saanich.ca. When enabled, residents who visit the site will be instantly alerted to important information about a significant emergency when accessing any Saanich web page. The website, along with social media, are key communication channels during emergency situations.

Emergency Program volunteers will also be delivering an Individual and Family Emergency Preparedness presentation on May 17 at at Camosun College – Lansdowne Campus, Room 100, Fisher Building on Wednesday, 2:30 p.m. The session welcomes staff, students and members of the public. Registration is through Saanich Recreation, barcode #839154.

The Saanich Emergency Program is committed to increasing emergency preparedness for Saanich residents. In 2017, we have focused on our Neighbour Helping Neighbour Program. After a major emergency or disaster, neighbours are often the first help available. This guided discussion is available for groups of residents who have already attended the Individual and Family Preparedness presentation and want to further their preparedness.

Join us on Thursday, May 11, at 6:30 p.m. in the Emergency Program Annex or Tuesday, May 16 at 7 p.m. in the Kirby Room at 760 Vernon Avenue for a Volunteer Information Session. To learn more about emergency preparedness, educational courses, or to register for the Volunteer Information Session, contact call 250-475-7140.

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Media Contact:

Frank Macdonald, Deputy Fire Chief
Saanich Fire Department
250-475-5503