Emergency Preparedness Week runs from May 5 to 11, and is a good reminder to prepare for hazards such as flooding, drought, wildfire and extreme weather. Knowing your risk to potential hazards in the Central Okanagan and taking steps to reduce impacts will increase the safety and resiliency of communities.
“It can be as simple as making an emergency kit with items found around your home, creating a family emergency plan or becoming more informed about the hazards in your area,” said deputy fire chief, Sandra Follack, with the Regional Emergency Program. “Residents and businesses can access some great online resources through PreparedBC.ca, including building your own household emergency kit and how to make a plan.”
The Regional Emergency Program Ask an Expert video series, which focuses on topics related to post-wildfire hazards, emergency preparedness and FireSmart activities, will start the week with important information for communities in the Central Okanagan to help take action and be ready for anything.
Along with emergency preparedness resources from PreparedBC, FireSmartBC programs are also an option for residents to help protect their properties. To learn more, visit your local government’s website to learn about FireSmart programs, events, and activities.
The Central Okanagan Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) reminds residents and businesses about the Community Readiness Public Engagement initiative underway. EOC officials encourage community members of Westbank First Nation, Peachland, West Kelowna, Kelowna, the District of Lake Country, and the RDCO Electoral Areas to share their insights into emergency preparedness before May 12, 2024. Visit yoursay.rdco.com to complete a short questionnaire to share your level of preparedness and enter a draw for one of four emergency preparedness kits valued at $170.00. Ideas for emergency preparedness and stories of neighbours helping neighbours in times of need are also being requested. Paper copies can be picked up at any Central Okanagan Regional Library location, Main Fire Station in Kelowna, District of Lake Country, City of West Kelowna and the Regional District of Central Okanagan (RDCO).
Completed paper questionnaires must be received by May 31, 2024, at the RDCO office at 1450 KLO Road, Kelowna, and marked to the attention of the Communications Department.
For more information and to share your input, visit yoursay.rdco.com.
Sign up for emergency notifications in the Central Okanagan at cordermergency.ca.