Visitors to the District of Saanich’s website on Tuesday were greeted by a dedicated emergency alert page in place of the website’s standard home page.
The website, along with social media, are the key Saanich-led communication channels during emergency situations.
The annual emergency test page is rolled out during national Emergency Preparedness Week, May 7 to 13. This year’s them is to: Plan – Prepare – Be Aware.
More than anything, Emergency Preparedness Week serves as a reminder to residents to ensure the home has enough non-perishable food, water and medical supplies to last seven days, said Deputy Fire Chief Frank Macdonald.
“While emergency preparedness is a shared responsibility among all levels of governments, preparing ultimately starts at home,” Macdonald said.
Saanich is running several ‘emergency preparedness’ activities this week including the continuation of the Grade Four Emergency Preparedness program sponsored by Thrifty Foods, in which more than 1,000 Grade 4 students learn how to better prepare.
On Wednesday, May 17, Emergency Program volunteers will deliver an Individual and Family Emergency Preparedness presentation at 2:30 p.m. in Room 100 of the Fisher Building at Camosun College’s Lansdowne Campus.
Registration is free through Saanich Recreation, barcode #839154.
Saanich is also looking for emergency program volunteers.
Those interested in volunteering are invited to a volunteer information session, Thursday, May 11, at 6:30 p.m. in the Emergency Program Annex or Tuesday, May 16 at 7 p.m. in the Kirby Room at 760 Vernon Ave.
To learn more about emergency preparedness, educational courses, or to register for the Volunteer Information Session, contact call 250-475-7140.