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By Liam Verster
Emegrency Preparedness

Workshop to help prepare older adults ahead of summer heat, fire season

Apr 20, 2026 | 1:21 PM

The Okanagan could be facing another hot and dry summer, so a local agency is taking steps to prepare older residents for potentially high-risk scenarios.

NexusBC will host an Emergency Preparedness Workshop for Older Adults on May 5.

The workshop, falling in Emergency Preparedness Week which has the theme of Be Prepared. Know Your Risks. aims to highlight the importance of understanding local hazards and having the tools and the confidence needed to respond to emergencies such as wildfires, extreme heat, and power outages.

“This workshop is about helping older adults feel informed, prepared, and supported,” Lee Brinkman with NexusBC said.

“Emergencies can happen quickly, but with a bit of planning, people can protect themselves and their households.”

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The Okanagan snowpack was last recorded at 58 per cent of normal on April 1, and the agency said that coupled with a developing El Niño system bringing above-normal temperatures to B.C. could lead to early heat, drought, and elevated wildfire risks for the Okanagan this summer.

“Preparedness is more important than ever,” Brinkman stated.

“Understanding your risks and having a plan in place can make all the difference during an emergency. You only need to take this workshop once to be prepared.”

The Emergency Preparedness Workshop for Older Adults will be held at the NexusBC Community Resource Centre from 1 to 2 p.m. May 5. People can register for the workshop online here.

by Liam Verster
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