As British Columbians prepare for the holidays, individuals and families should also take time to prepare for winter storm season.

Small businesses in the Regional District of Kootenay Boundary (RDKB), which were affected by flooding this past spring, will be able to apply for part of $2.9 million in provincial funding through a small business financial grant.

At 1:55 p.m. on Nov. 28, 2018, a test of the new wireless alerting system will be conducted for a second time as part of the national Alert Ready system to improve public safety in the event of emergency.

Mike Farnworth, Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General and Minister Responsible for Emergency Preparedness, has issued the following statement on the upcoming Alert Ready test:

The Government of British Columbia has announced an additional $10 million in provincial funding to support communities in their recovery from the 2018 wildfire season.

The Province has released its action plan in response to the government-commissioned, independent Abbott/Chapman report on the unprecedented 2017 wildfire and flood seasons in British Columbia.

Jennifer Rice, Parliamentary Secretary for Emergency Preparedness, has issued the following statement regarding National Fire Prevention Week, Oct. 7-13, 2018:

Mike Farnworth, Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General, has issued the following statement regarding assistance with this year's wildfires:

Thanks to cooler weather and progress in containing wildfires, the Government of British Columbia has decided to cancel the provincial state of emergency that currently covers the entire province.

Whatever your activities this Labour Day long weekend, remember there are wildfire crews working hard in the bush.