Emergency Preparedness Week: We’re in it together
Central Okanagan, B.C. – As we approach Emergency Preparedness Week, the Central Okanagan Emergency Operations Centre urges residents to take proactive steps to prepare for the upcoming season. This annual awareness campaign, held from May 4 to May 10, is essential for individuals and families to dedicate time to prepare for any emergency.
To encourage and recognize the need for this collective effort, this year’s theme for Emergency Preparedness Week is “In it together.”
"Local governments and first responders prepare constantly to support emergency incidents throughout our community. It is up to residents to follow steps to emergency preparedness at home or work,” said Fire Chief and Emergency Program Coordinator Dwight Seymour. “By knowing the risks, making a plan, connecting with your neighbours and preparing an emergency kit, you are taking responsibility for your safety and the safety of your friends and loved ones."
Three steps to emergency preparedness
1. Know the risks: Understand the types of emergencies that can occur in your area, such as wildfires, floods and severe weather. Familiarize yourself with the local hazards and how they can impact the community.
2. Make a plan: Develop a comprehensive emergency plan for your household and neighbours. This includes identifying safe locations, establishing communication methods and ensuring everyone knows what to do in case of an emergency.
3. Prepare an emergency kit: Assemble an emergency kit with essential items such as food, water, medications and important documents. Ensure your kit is easily accessible and can sustain your family and pets for at least 72 hours.
Peace of mind: Check insurance policies
Check your home, tenant and business insurance policy to confirm your coverage. Home insurance policies may include shelter and food allowances when residents are out of their homes for a period of time during an evacuation. Business continuity plans and proper preparations in the event of an emergency are critical to recover sooner in an emergency. Find more information through the Insurance Bureau of Canada at ibc.ca.
Emergency Support Services
During an evacuation, Emergency Support Services (ESS) provides short-term basic support such as accommodation, food and clothing to those impacted by disasters. Residents are encouraged to sign up using the BC Services Card app to streamline the process of receiving these supports. By creating a profile on the Evacuee Registration and Assistance (ERA) tool, residents can reduce the steps needed to access essential services during an emergency. For more information, visit ess.gov.bc.ca.
Connect with your neighbours
Being prepared is about more than the supplies you have. Resilience improves when everyone works together: individuals, organizations and governments. To respond and recover better in emergencies, connect with neighbours, identify those who may need extra support and take steps to be personally prepared.
Residents are encouraged to subscribe to emergency notifications from cordemergency.ca to stay informed and receive timely updates during emergencies. This service provides critical information directly to your inbox, ensuring you are always aware of the latest developments and safety instructions.
PreparedBC toolkit
Residents can also access the PreparedBC toolkit, which offers downloadable guides and fill-in-the-blank plans to help you prepare for emergencies. This toolkit includes resources such as the Home Emergency Plan, Wildfire and Flood Preparedness Guide, and more. Visit PreparedBC for more information.
Stay connected
Follow @CO_Emerg on X (formerly Twitter) and CORDEmergency on Facebook for the latest updates and preparedness tips. Subscribe to receive email notifications during an emergency at cordemergency.ca.
About the Central Okanagan Emergency Operations Centre
The Central Okanagan Emergency Operations Centre is a multi-government Emergency Management Organization committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of residents across the Central Okanagan through comprehensive emergency management and preparedness initiatives. Emergency Preparedness Week is a key component of this effort, providing valuable information and resources to help the community stay safe and resilient.
