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Stock photo of items in an emergency preparedness kit (Image Credit: ID 148847776)
Ready for Wildfires, Other Situations

City of Vernon urging action under Emergency Preparedness Week

May 4, 2026 | 2:57 PM

The City of Vernon is asking people prepare for wildfires and other emergency situations.

May 4 marked the start of Emergency Preparedness Week in B.C., and the city suggested that could serve as a reminded for people to take action and ensure they are ready for a serious event.

  • Know the Risks: Understand the hazards specific to the region, especially wildfires, and use that information to make decisions and plans
  • Make a Plan: Have an emergency plan that applies to all members or the household, including pets, that includes evacuation routes, communication strategies, and meeting points, and review that plan regularly
  • Resource the Plan: Have emergency supplies at the ready by building an emergency kit and preparing grab-and-go bags consisting of essential items including medication, copies of important documents, food and water, and first aid items

The city also advised people follow the FireSmart guide to protect their properties, and to create an Emergency Support Services profile in case they need to evacuate during an emergency.

The City of Vernon will also co-host Community Preparedness Workshops with the Youth Climate Corps to provide practical tools, local insights and guidance to help the public be prepared in the event of a significant incident. The Community Workshop for residents was scheduled for Tuesday, May 5, while the Service Provider Emergency Workshop for organizations and professionals would go Thursday, May 7.

Additionally, the City of Vernon would test its Alert Ready system and the Predator Ridge siren Wednesday, May 6. The tests would go at 1:55 p.m. and align with the testing of the provincial Emergency Alert system. The testing of the provincial system will see messages sent to all compatible cellphones and radio and television broadcasts being interrupted briefly.

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