View Royal Fire Rescue

Protecting View Royal Since 1948

Home of the Westshores Bravest

Emergency Preparedness Week 2008, May 4 - 10

In the event of a disaster you could be on your own for an extended period of time.  Being prepared for at least 72 hrs (preferably 7 days) will alleviate many difficulties and aid in the recovery process.

 

During Emergency Preparedness Week this year, there are many things you can do to prepare yourself and your family for emergencies. 

 

Know the hazards in your area:  In View Royal some of the most prevalent hazards that exist are earthquakes, fires (including wildland), power outages, hazardous material spills, winter storms, and more.   Assess what hazards apply to your neighborhood.

 

Make a plan:  After you have determined what hazards may affect you, you need to plan to react effectively if an emergency or disaster should occur.  What resources do you have ready to go at a moments notice to make life easier if you must evacuate your home?  How will you get out of your house or your neighborhood?  Do you have a meeting place and emergency contacts?  It is important to be able to answer these questions, so formulate a plan and practice it with your family.

 

Prepare a Kit:  If you need to evacuate or if you are unable to return home in an emergency, it is important to have essential items at hand to ensure recovery from an emergency is less difficult. Consider having a kit for your home, vehicle, and place of work.  Here are a few items you will want to make sure you have in your kit:

 

- food and water                     - first aid kit                               - flashlight and batteries

- radio                                          - extra clothing                         - candles and matches

- medications                            - emergency blanket              - orange garbage bags

- special needs items             - can opener                             - basic tools

 

For more detailed information, check out the PSC Emergency Preparedness website at http://www.epweek.ca/index_e.asp

 

 

Local Events for Emergency Preparedness Week:

 

May 4, Sunday 10am-3pm– Regional Emergency Vehicle Display - Juan de Fuca Rec Centre

 

May 6, Tuesday 6:45 - 9 pm – “Emergency Preparedness Starts with YOU!” individual & family preparedness workshop, at Windsor Park Pavilion, Oak Bay (sign-in).

 

May 9, Friday 7pm-8:30pm - Individual and Family Preparedness info session – View Royal Community Association, 279 Island Hwy (please register at 479-7322 to reserve a seat).  Bring your family Emergency Plan.

 

May 9, Friday 1130-2pm, Emergency Preparedness display and barbeque, Oak Bay Avenue in front of TD Canada Trust