Natural disasters may be beyond our control, but there are ways to reduce the risk and the impact of whatever emergency we might face – whether natural or human-induced.
Emergency Preparedness Week encourages Canadians to take concrete actions to be better prepared to protect themselves and their families during emergencies. This special week is a national effort of provincial and territorial emergency management organizations, and Public Safety Canada. The District will be highlighting tips and resources throughout the week on the District website and Twitter pages, and the Sooke Emergency Program Facebook page.
Everyone has a role to play in an emergency. Emergency Preparedness Week is an opportunity for you to take action to ensure you are prepared to protect yourself, your family and your community during an emergency. This year, the theme is Emergency Preparedness: Be Ready for Anything. The intent of this theme is to encourage Canadians to take action to become better prepared for the range of emergencies they could face in their region.
By taking a few simple steps, you can become better prepared to face a range of emergencies – anytime, anywhere. It is important to:
- Know the Risks – Although the consequences of disasters can be similar, knowing the risks specific to our community and our region can help you better prepare.
- Make a Plan – It will help you and your family know what to do
- Get an Emergency Kit – During an emergency, we will all need some basic supplies. We may need to get by without power or tap water. Be prepared to be self-sufficient for at least 72 hours in an emergency.
Matt Barney, District of Sooke Emergency Program Director and Deputy Fire Chief, shares this local advice:
“The District has an excellent team of professional and volunteer emergency responders, however, in larger events such as lengthy power interruptions due to storm activity, it’s important households are prepared.
It can take time to mobilize resources, so having an emergency kit to support needs for several days is important. If you already have a kit, during Emergency Preparedness Week is a good time to check your supplies.
When you are looking to stay informed, seek reliable information sources such as the District’s public notification system and the website. As new information for residents is available, it will be shared through these channels first. ”
Come and visit the Sooke Emergency Support Services team and the FireSmart Coordinator at the Duck Race at the Sooke River Flats on May 7th between 11am and 2pm.
The team will be easy to find, just look for the Fire Truck! Pick up your Emergency Preparedness resources and have your questions answered. Each visitor will get one ticket to ENTER TO WIN a Premium 72 Hour Earthquake Kit for two (valued at $380) or a WASP Wildfire Sprinkler Protection Kit (valued at $165) to help protect your home from flying embers.
Learn more:
- prepareyourself.ca
- FireSmart BC
- District of Sooke Emergency Planning Information page
- Alterable – District of Sooke Emergency Community Notification System (Opt-in)
Mark your calendars:
- FireSmart Information Session: Wednesday, May 18, 2022: Learn about the threat of wildfire within our local community in a FireSmart Information Session from 7:00-8:30 PM. Advance sign up required here: https://forms.office.com/r/1bmXjM1N4X
- Sooke Wildfire Preparedness Day: Saturday, May 28, 2022: Located at the Sooke Country Market near the municipal hall. Grab some FireSmart resources and play a FireSmart game. Book a free FireSmart Home Assessment for a chance to win some prizes!
Contact:
Matt Barney, District of Sooke Emergency Program Coordinator and Deputy Fire Chief
250.642.5422
mbarney@sooke.ca