Emergency Preparedness Week: using technology before, during and after emergencies

Media release
For immediate release

Saanich, BC – The Saanich Emergency Program invites residents to take part in Emergency Preparedness week from May 5-11. This year, the theme is Using technology before, during and after emergencies. We increasingly rely on technology to keep in touch with our family, friends, and colleagues with a click of a button. But what happens in the event of a major emergency? Suddenly these tools can become vital in helping you and your family get in touch and stay informed.

“Technology plays an important role in emergency preparedness and can help enhance emergency planning before, during and after an event,” said Captain Erin Stockill, Emergency Program Officer. “I encourage you to take concrete actions this week to be better prepared. Experience shows that individual preparedness goes a long way to help people cope - both during and after a major disaster.”

Saanich could experience a number of emergencies including earthquake, tsunami, severe weather and pandemic, amongst others. Take time to consider how to stay safe during different types of emergencies and which types of technology may be utilized as part of your family’s emergency plan.

The Saanich Emergency Program is offering a few tech tips to help you get started:

Before an emergency (now!)

• Store important documents electronically: ensure you can access documents you need in an emergency by scanning them onto a password protected memory stick or uploading to secure cloud-based storage. This includes insurance policies, medical history, prescription list, contact information for friends and family, and photos of all household members (including pets!) – use this as your one-stop-shop for personal information in an emergency.
• Bookmark Saanich resources: in an emergency, Saanich will activate an Emergency Notification Banner and webpage on www.saanich.ca to share critical information. Follow emergency resource accounts, such as @SaanichEP on X, a trusted source of information in an emergency.
• Know the tsunami risk where you live, work, learn and play: visit the Capital Region Tsunami Information Portal at maps.prepareyourself.ca to learn more about your tsunami hazard risk. Use the Portal’s interactive map to type in any address in the Capital Region to best prepare you and your loved ones; you may be surprised to find you don’t have to travel far within Saanich to find yourself outside of the tsunami hazard zone.

During an emergency

• Radio – it’s not just for music anymore: if communications are disrupted, radio will be the most reliable medium. Officials will provide up-to-date and critical information to local broadcast media stations such as CHEK News, CBC, CFAX 1070 and the Q 100.3. Consider having a hand-crank or battery-operated radio in your kit (plus extra batteries!) to hear the latest updates.
• Have a backup charging option: keep a portable USB charger for cellphones and other mobile devices in your kit. If you know severe weather is coming, charge your phone in advance and centralize backup batteries to ensure you and your household can stay connected.

After an emergency

• Restock and Recharge: keep extra batteries (separate from devices) stored in your emergency kit to avoid battery leaks and damage to your technology. Check your kit twice per year - use the seasonal time change as a reminder to swap out existing batteries for new ones. For rechargeable items in your kit, set reminders to check and maintain the charge status to ensure you’re ready for any event, any time.

Get ready with us!

The Saanich Emergency Program invites you to attend a Preparedness 101 presentation on May 22 from 7 - 8 p.m. at G.R. Pearkes Recreation Centre. Register online or call G.R. Pearkes reception at 250-475-5400.

Additional learning opportunities:

There are lots of free activities to keep learning throughout Emergency Preparedness Week and beyond:

• Attend Preparedness 100 – Emergency Preparedness Speaker Series on May 7 from 7 - 8 p.m. at Cedar Hill Recreation Centre. We’re hostingTheron Finley, Ph.D. Candidate in the School of Earth and Ocean Sciences at the University of Victoria. Theron will discuss the recently discovered XEOLXELEK - Elk Lake fault, their research, the various associated seismic hazards and risks and how to best prepare for an earthquake or tsunami. Register online or call Cedar Hill Recreation Centre reception at 250-475-7121.
• Visit our YouTube channel and watch our videos on breaking down barriers to preparedness and how to make your very own dry toilet!
• Volunteer with the Saanich Emergency Program! Join us on May 15 from 7 - 8 p.m. for a Volunteer Information Session at Saanich Commonwealth Place. No experience is necessary, we provide all training. Register online or call Saanich Commonwealth Place reception at 250-475-7600. 
• Follow our 26 Weeks to Preparedness X (formerly Twitter) campaign. Each week we will share a simple preparedness tip leading up to The Great BC ShakeOut, hosted this year on Thursday, October 17 at 10:17 a.m. By week 26, your household will be prepared for at least seven days!

Find more information about the Saanich Emergency Program at saanich.ca/prepare or on X @SaanichEP and @SaanichFire.

-30-

Media contact:
Captain Erin Stockill, Emergency Program Officer
Saanich Fire Department
Erin.Stockill@saanich.ca
250-475-7124