Wednesday, December 13, 2023 – As you prepare for the winter holidays, the District of Sooke is reminding residents it is also the season of winter storms! In Sooke, this most commonly means increased rainfall, power outages, and potential snowfall along with accompanying black ice.
To enhance community resilience and promote emergency preparedness, households are asked to focus on their home emergency preparations and ensure they have three to seven days’ worth of emergency supplies available, along with a grab-and-go kit. Supply lists are available on the District’s website at sooke.ca/emergencyprep.
Additionally, residents are reminded that winter tires are required for travel west of Sooke on Highway 14 and, in the event of snowfall, it is important that you only drive should you be comfortable, and your vehicle is equipped to do so.
“Snowfall isn’t as common in Sooke as it is elsewhere in the country, so it’s understandable that many might not be confident driving in such conditions. Making use of Transit or talking with your employer about remote work options in the event of adverse weather conditions are things to consider when it comes to household and individualized emergency planning,” says District of Sooke Emergency Program Manager Jason Humphries.
One of the District-wide initiatives contributing to our community resilience is the utilization of the Alertable app. This mobile application, available for download on smartphones, provides real-time information and alerts regarding emergencies and incidents happening within the region. Sooke residents can access vital updates, warnings, and evacuation notices delivered directly to their devices, ensuring they stay informed and can take immediate action when required.
“Alertable can transform the way we disseminate critical information to our community,” shares Humphries. “It enables us to reach a wide or targeted audience quickly, ensuring that residents are aware of potential risks and have the necessary information at their fingertips. However, its reach is reliant on residents downloading the application.”
Alongside household preparedness and Alertable, the Emergency Support Services (ESS) also plays a vital role in supporting community resilience and emergency preparedness in Sooke. ESS volunteers provide initial response and assistance to individuals and families affected by emergencies, offering support such as lodging, food, and emotional care.
“Building awareness about our ESS group is crucial. When disaster strikes, knowing that help is readily available can alleviate anxiety and facilitate a swift recovery process,” says Humphries. “If you are interested in being involved in the ESS team, please reach out – we’re always seeking volunteers to assist with this important service for our community.”
Emergency preparedness is a collaboration between many partners, including residents along with the District of Sooke as the local government. By preparing households, embracing technology and raising awareness of emergency support services, the community is taking important steps towards fostering a safer and more resilient community for all.
To contact Jason about joining ESS, please call 250.642.5422.
For more information, check out these resources:
- Emergency Planning (sooke.ca)
- A Guide to Emergency Preparedness in the Capital Region (crd.bc.ca)
- Public Alert Notification System: Alertable (sooke.ca)
- Build Your Emergency Kit and Grab and Go Bag
- Flood Preparedness Guide (PDF)
- Severe Winter Weather Preparedness Guide (PDF)
- Get Prepared for a Power Outage