British Columbia joins jurisdictions across Canada in marking May 6 to 12 as Emergency Preparedness Week.

Emergency Preparedness Week is a national awareness campaign co-ordinated by Public Safety Canada, in close collaboration with the provinces, territories and municipal partners. Since 1996, the campaign has served to educate Canadians of the value in emergency planning and preparedness for emergencies and disasters of all kinds.

British Columbia faces many hazards, most stemming from natural disasters. While the Province works closely with other levels of government to help ensure public-safety response and emergency management, safety begins at home with individual and family preparedness.

When disaster strikes, emergency workers may not reach everyone immediately, or even for several days. Families should be prepared to take care of themselves for a minimum of 72 hours. The impacts of any emergency or disaster can be lessened by knowing what to do before, during and after an emergency and by identifying the risks, having a plan and a kit prepared.

During Emergency Preparedness Week, British Columbians are encouraged to take three simple steps to become better prepared to face a range of emergencies:

• Know the risks specific to your community.
• Develop a family emergency plan and practise it.
• Prepare emergency kits for your home and your vehicle.

To learn more about how you can be prepared for a disaster, visit the Emergency Management BC website at: www.pep.bc.ca

and the Public Safety Canada website at: www.getprepared.gc.ca

Contact:

Ministry of Justice
Government Communications and Public Engagement
250 356-6961