Chilliwack – A natural disaster could happen at any time, but having the right supplies and knowing what to do can help reduce stress for you and your family in an emergency. Emergency Preparedness Week is May 1-7 this year, and the Chilliwack Fire Department is encouraging community members to make sure they are prepared in case of emergency.
“As our region recovers after the extreme weather events last November, we know people are more concerned than ever about future emergencies,” said Assistant Fire Chief Chris Wilson, the City of Chilliwack’s Emergency Program Coordinator. “Making an emergency plan, having an emergency kit and grab-and-go bags for all your family members, and learning where to look for credible information during an emergency are important steps that everyone can take to prepare their families for an emergency.”
In an emergency, the City will activate the Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) to support and coordinate responders. The EOC gathers information from first responders on-site to share with the public. Emergency information about City services is posted online, on social media, and sent to local news and radio outlets. If you lose your internet connection or don’t have power, use a battery powered radio to tune into local radio stations. If there is an evacuation, crews will go door-to-door to make sure no one is missed.
Everyone has a role to play in emergency preparedness. Learn about the risks in your area, how to make an emergency plan and emergency kit, and where to find information at chilliwack.com/prepared.
