Kamloops residents advised to plan ahead during Emergency Preparedness Week

May 8, 2023 | 5:12 PM

KAMLOOPS – This is Emergency Preparedness Week (May 7 to 13) in Canada. During the week, Canadians are being asked to take steps to prepare themselves for a range of emergencies.

The federal campaign has been taking place since 1996 and encourages residents in all provinces to know the risks, make a plan and get an emergency kit.

“Any small emergency that someone would have around the house, something that could be dealt with, with say a fire extinguisher, that’s great — if you went out and got one and you have one and you know how to use it,” Jamie Chase, Kamloops Fire Rescue life safety educator told CFJC News. “But if you don’t, and you haven’t done that preparedness, then that could turn that small thing into a big event”

In addition to thinking ahead about smaller emergencies, Chase said the simplest thing people can do to prepare for major events is to pack a ‘go’ kit. This kit should be ready year-round, in case you have to evacuate. And while many know to pack food and water in their go bags, items like medication, electronic chargers and bank records are just as important nowadays.

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“The biggest thing people should take away and think about during this week is to think about small steps they can take to get themselves ready for the unknown or something happening in an instant. Maybe there isn’t any help available, and they need to be a little bit self sufficient — which is something we’re not really used to in this day and age,” said Chase.

For more information on Emergency Preparedness Week, visit www.getprepared.gc.ca

by Sydney Chisholm

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Kamloops residents advised to plan ahead during Emergency Preparedness Week

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