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May 02, 2017 - 2:15 PM
Have you prepared a personal or family ‘Grab and Go’ kit?
If you answered no, you might want to do something to change that during Emergency Preparedness Week May 7th through 13th.
Members of the Regional Board have taken up the challenge and are going to lead by example.
“They’re preparing kits containing essential items that they would need to survive on their own for at least 72 hours in any emergency. At the next meeting Thursday, May 11th, they’ll bring their emergency kits to display showing their support for the regional emergency program," Chair Gail Given says.
All of the suggested items for emergency kits can be found in the Public Safety Canada Emergency Preparedness Guide on the Get Prepared website or through links on the www.cordemergency.ca Be Prepared page.
The Regional Emergency Program Coordinator for the Central Okanagan hopes the Board Directors action is mirrored by citizens across the region. Many have first-hand experience with being asked to leave their home with little notice due to a threatening wildfire or other emergency.
Deputy Kelowna Fire Chief Travis Whiting says those who prepared their families in advance, by knowing the risks, making a plan and getting a kit, aren’t left scrambling when an evacuation order is issued.
“During an emergency, first responders and supporting rescue workers will be focusing their efforts on the immediate threats. They won’t necessarily be able to offer assistance to residents that may be in harms way. That’s why during Emergency Preparedness Week, we encourage everyone to consider what they’ll do in any emergency. Review your family emergency plan and think about how your family will communicate with each other if you are in different locations or are separated," Whiting says.
“It’s the perfect time to update and refresh your family’s emergency ‘Grab and Go’ kit. It should be easy to access and carry and should contain important documents, medications, clothing and personal equipment to meet the basic needs for each member of your family," Whiting says. "As well, remember your plan should include any pets or family members requiring special considerations.”
Start by visiting the Central Okanagan Regional Emergency Program website www.cordemergency.ca.
You can subscribe to receive email information updates whenever the Emergency Operation Centre (EOC) is activated. Subscribers received real time notices whenever any new information is released including detailed maps showing evacuation alerts and orders. You can also follow the program’s Facebook (www.facebook.com/CORDEmergency) and Twitter (https://twitter.com/CO_Emerg) accounts.
The cordemergency.ca website also has links to the wealth of emergency planning information available through the provincial Prepared BC and federal GetPrepared.ca programs.
A selection of emergency preparedness pamphlets is available at the Regional District of Central Okanagan office (1450 KLO Road in Kelowna) and the main Kelowna Fire Hall (2255 Enterprise Way).
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