It’s Emergency Preparedness Week in BC, and the Regional District of Central Kootenay is offering advice on how to prepare for emergencies.
Tanya Pauls, Emergency Program Coordinator with the RDCK, emphasizes a common misconception about emergency preparedness—thinking it won’t happen to them.
“Thinking an emergency won’t happen to you is the biggest mistake a resident can make. You can never predict what’s going to happen or where. It’s a responsibility of all of us to be as prepared as possible.”
Pauls said that the RDCK faces the same level of emergency risk as anywhere else in the province, which is why RDCK officials are using Emergency Preparedness Week to promote the importance of proactive planning.
“Anywhere that a human lives alongside nature, there’s a higher risk of an emergency situation. I think the key is to know the hazards you need to prepare for in your area and make a plan. Emergencies are stressful, and the more prepared we are in advance, the less we have to think about when something occurs. We just know what to do.”
Pauls says the first action residents should take to be prepared is by signing up for the RDCK’s Voyant Alert! Emergency Notification system, which sends out alerts to warn residents of hazards in their area.
Residents are also strongly encouraged to develop an emergency plan for themselves, families, and pets, as well as a grab-and-go bag which, according to the BC governments website, should include the following items:
- Food and water
- Phone charger and battery bank
- Small battery-powered or hand-crank radio
- Battery-powered or hand-crank flashlight
- Extra batteries
- Small first-aid kit and personal medications
- Personal toiletries and items, such as an extra pair of glasses or contact lenses
- Copy of your emergency plan
- Copies of important documents, such as insurance papers and identification
- Cash in small bills
- Local map with your family meeting place identified
- Seasonal clothing and an emergency blanket
- Pen and notepad
- Whistle
For the most part, Pauls says emergency preparedness seems to be top of mind for most residents, but those who don’t know where to start are advised to reach out to the RDCK for some help.
“As warmer weather begins, it’s [emergencies] top of mind, whether it’s floods or wildfires. But we definitely understand that preparing can feel overwhelming, and we’re happy to be here to help. We have lots of resources to help residents, and we would love to see everyone prepared, and we’re happy to help you.”
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