Emergency kit (Stock photo ID 148847776 © Roger Brown | Dreamstime.com)

By Liam Verster

May 5-11

Public encouraged to plan ahead during Emergency Preparedness Week

May 6, 2024 | 11:45 AM

The City of Vernon is advising residents to take steps to protect and prepare themselves for emergency situations.

May 5 -11 is Emergency Preparedness Week, and this year’s theme is Be Prepared. Know your Risks.

“In times of crisis, being prepared determines our resiliency,” Mayor Victor Cumming said.

“By knowing the risks and having plans in place, we can ensure that when faced with an emergency, we are not just reacting, we are protecting what matters most—our people, our homes and our community.”

Being prepared for emergency situations includes knowing the specific risks the community and region faces, making a plan with everyone in the household, and organizing supplies into grab and go bags that can support self-sufficiency for a 72 hour period.

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The city noted wildfires are a very real threat for communities in the Interior, and people should prepare evacuation plans as well as familiarize themselves with the additional living expenses clause in their insurance coverage to better understand what supports are available during an evacuation.

“Evacuations, by their very nature, are disruptive,” Sue Saunders, Emergency Program Coordinator, said.

“When people prepare for a known risk, such as the possibility of being evacuated from their homes, they feel more confident and comfortable about their ability to manage the situation.”

Vernon and area residents are also encouraged to FireSmart their properties to make their homes more resilient to wildfires; to set up the BC Services Card app on their mobile device to better access Emergency Support Services if needed; and to sign up to Alertable and follow the City of Vernon to receive updates on local emergency situations.