Being prepared isn’t just about having the right supplies. It’s about working together – individuals, organizations, and governments – so we can all respond and recover better.
Emergency Preparedness Week, taking place May 3 to 9, is a national awareness campaign that encourages Canadians to take simple steps to become better prepared for emergencies. This year’s theme, “In it together,” recognizes that everyone’s readiness and resilience is strengthened when we look out for one another.
“Being prepared doesn’t have to be complicated,” said Jordan Wilkie, Director of Protective Services. “Even small steps can make a big difference in how we can be better prepared to respond as a community.”
Here are five simple actions you can take to be better prepared for an emergency:
1. Get to know your community: When disaster strikes, the most immediate help will come from those around you, your neighbours. Connecting and building relationships with them today will mean a better response and faster recovery.
2. Know the hazards in your community: Although the consequences of disasters can be similar, knowing the risks specific to our community and our region can help you better prepare. Golden’s top hazards include flooding, wildfire, transportation of hazardous materials (road/rail) and hazardous materials events.
3. Gather your supplies: When an emergency happens, you may need to stay at home with an emergency kit or leave immediately with your grab-and-go bags.
Add items based on your specific needs, and don’t forget to include items for your pets. Learn how to build an emergency kit and a grab-and-go bag at www.PreparedBC.ca/emergencykit
4. Make your home emergency plan: An emergency plan says how you and the people you live with will respond during an emergency. Having a home emergency plan will help you stay calm, connected, focused, and safe during an emergency.
5. Get organized: Engage your community in preparing together by identifying risks, sharing resources, and planning for emergencies collaboratively.
Locally, the Town’s Emergency Support Services (ESS) program plays a key role in this shared approach to preparedness. ESS volunteers support people who are displaced during emergencies by helping meet immediate needs such as food, lodging, clothing, and emotional support.
The program depends on trained volunteers and strong community connections to respond effectively when emergencies happen. If you’re interested in learning more, or volunteering with ESS, visit www.golden/ESS
During an emergency, it is important to stay informed and get your information from official sources.
“Reliable information is vital during an emergency,” said Wilkie. “We encourage residents to stay aware and plan ahead by signing up for the Alertable mass notification system. This system improves our ability to get critical and timely information to residents of Golden and Area A during an emergency.”
Sign up today at www.csrd.bc.ca/alertable to receive emergency alerts by mobile app, email, or voice call.
Emergency Preparedness Week events:
• On Thursday, May 7, from 8 to 9 p.m. the PreparedBC team, in partnership with Building Resilient Neighbourhoods, will host a free webinar on preparedness through connection, Learn more and register at www.PreparedBC.ca/EmergencyPreparednessWeek
• Meet local first responders and learn more about emergency preparedness at the Golden Farmers’ Market on May 16 in Spirit Square.
For more information, checklists and a family emergency plan that you can create online, visit www.preparedbc.ca.
For more information on our local Emergency Management Program and emergency preparedness, visit www.golden.ca/emergencyprogram
About the Golden and Area A Emergency Management Program
The Town of Golden works under a joint emergency program between the Town and the Columbia Shuswap Regional District and supports emergencies within the community of Golden and Area A.
The program is active year-round and incorporates training scenarios and preparedness exercises to respond to emergencies.
