Media release
For immediate release

 

Saanich, BC – This year’s theme for Emergency Preparedness Week, May 6 to 12, is “Be Emergency Ready.” The Saanich Emergency Program emphasizes the importance of readiness for emergencies. 

“While emergency preparedness is a shared responsibility among all levels of governments, preparing really starts at home,” said Deputy Fire Chief Frank Macdonald. “Families should ensure they create a plan that includes everyone in the household. Most people have almost everything they need to prepare and it is simply a matter of centralizing items.” 

Important considerations for emergency preparedness are non-perishable food and a first aid kit, which are essential if something unexpected were to happen. An area people need to focus on is storing enough water to support everyone in the home, including pets. The recommended amount to store is four litres of water, per person, per day for a minimum of seven days. 

To ensure the message reaches as many households as possible, the Saanich Emergency Program has many activities happening during Emergency Preparedness Week: 

• Third and final week delivering emergency preparedness programs to more than 1,100 grade four students in 23 elementary schools.
• 26 Weeks to Preparedness Twitter campaign kickoff.
• On May 7 Saanich’s emergency notification web page will be showcased on Saanich.ca. The website, along with social media, are main communication channels for the District of Saanich during an emergency.
• On May 16 at 7 p.m. there is an Individual and Family Emergency Preparedness presentation in the Kirby Room, Saanich Fire/Police Building. Call 250-475-7140 for more information.
• Seven day Twitter #getyourkittogether video campaign kickoff. Retweet for a chance to win a grab-and-go bag.

Learn more about the Saanich Emergency Program at saanich.ca or on Twitter @SaanichEP and @SaanichFire.

 

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Media contact:

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