EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS WEEK EVENTS MAY 5 – 11, 2024

The Strathcona Regional District (SRD) encourages residents to take part in Emergency Preparedness Week from May 5 to 11. This annual event aims to raise awareness about the importance of being prepared for emergencies and disasters.

The SRD will be hosting a series of events and workshops throughout the region to provide residents with valuable information and resources.

Household Preparedness Sessions – Strathcona Gardens Recreation Complex (Dogwood Room)
Please register at https://strathconard.perfectmind.com or call 250-830-6777

•  Preparing Your Household for a Wildfire Evacuation Monday May 6 | 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm OR 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm
  The probability of damaging wildfires has increased in recent years, due in part to the effects of climate change. This session will help you prepare your home, protect your property, and understand what to do if a wildfire is close.
  
•  Disaster Preparedness for Pets Tuesday May 7 | 3:00 pm – 4:00 pm OR 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm
  The failure to evacuate and care for pets during an emergency has negative implications for the emotional and physical well-being of both the owner and the animal. Making arrangements before the chaos of an emergency can increase your pet’s chances of survival and greatly reduce the fear and anxiety your pet will experience.
  
•  Pet Evacuation Crate Handling Wednesday May 8 | 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm
  This session will be facilitated by a professional Dog Behavioral Specialist and focus on best practices for safely handling and transporting your furry friend in the event of an evacuation.
•  Inclusion Based Approach to Household Emergency Planning Thursday May 9 | 3:00 pm – 4:00 pm OR 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm
  This session will help you better prepare your household to integrate the needs of people with disabilities into your family emergency plans.

Preparing Your Household for a Wildfire Evacuation – REGIONAL LOCATIONS

The probability of damaging wildfires has increased in recent years, due in part to the effects of climate change. This session will help you prepare your home, protect your property, and understand what to do if a wildfire is close.

• Tuesday May 7   |   2:30 pm – 3:30 pm OR 6:30 pm – 7:30 pm Area D – Oyster Bay Resort (4357 South Island Highway)
• Wednesday May 8   |   2:30 pm – 3:30 pm Sayward Village – Kelsey Centre (652 H’Kusam Way)
• Wednesday May 8   |   6:30 pm – 7:30 pm Sayward Valley – Heritage Hall (1257 Sayward Road)
• Thursday May 9   |   3:00 pm – 4:00 pm Tahsis Seniors Centre (299 Alpine View Road)
• Thursday May 9   |   7:00 pm – 8:00 pm  Gold River – Community Hall / Gerry Morgan Memorial Centre (350 Muchalaht Drive)
• Saturday May 11   |   3:00 pm – 4:00 pm OR 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm Cortes Island – Mansons Hall (983 Beasley Road)
• Sunday May 12   |   7:00 pm – 8:00 pm Quadra Island Community Centre (970 West Road)

“Together, let’s build a safer and more resilient community,” said SRD Chair Mark Baker. “Emergency Planning is everyone’s responsibility. By taking simple steps now, we can all better protect ourselves and our loved ones during times of crisis.”

The SRD also has several online resources to help residents better prepare for a disaster including downloadable workbooks, flood maps, handbooks, checklists, and links to other emergency preparedness websites. For more information about volunteering for SRD’s regional emergency program and how to better prepare your family for a disaster, please visit www.srd.ca/emergency-planning.

When emergencies occur, the SRD sends alerts to inform people in affected areas so they can take the necessary steps to stay safe. This free service notifies residents, visitors, and businesses about emergencies through text messages and phone calls to subscribed landline or cell phone numbers. Sign up at srd.ca/alerts to stay informed.

Be prepared, stay informed, and take action during Emergency Preparedness Week.

Media contact: Shaun Koopman, Emergency Services Manager 250-830-6702 | skoopman@srd.ca