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Although the first of April is a day for silly pranks, ensuring that your family is prepared for a large scale emergency is no joke.
With the onset of spring and summer, the City of Kelowna is reminding families that it's important to be prepared for a potential large scale emergency to hit the Central Okanagan.
Living in a mountainous and dry region, interface wildfires and even landslides pose a real threat to Okanagan communities.
For example, last summer several thousand West Kelowna residents were forced from their homes while crews battled the Smith Creek wildfire.
In light of being prepared, Communications Officer for the Central Okanagan Emergency Operation Centre, Bruce Smith, said now is a good time for citizens to sit down with their family and devise a plan in the event of an emergency.
“Know the Risks, Make a Plan and Get a Kit are the simple messages to start your family preparing to deal with possible emergencies,” explained Smith. “It’s a good time for all Central Okanagan residents to review and revise their family emergency plans or if you don’t have a plan, get your family together to make one.”
“You should be prepared to cope on your own for at least the first 72 hours of an emergency, while first responders and rescue workers fight the immediate threats and help those in urgent need. By taking a few simple steps, you can become better prepared to face a range of emergencies, anytime, anywhere,” added Smith.
To help prepare for an emergency in the Okanagan, Smith recommends checking out the Central Okanagan Regional Emergency Program website.
“The cordemergency.ca website and social media channels have been valuable direct information sources during past emergency events in the region,” said Smith. “You’ll also find links on the website to a wide variety of information for your family to use as you make your own emergency plan. It’s better to prepare and take stock of your family’s needs now, in a calm, stress-free and rational way, then panicking when you’re told you have to leave your home.”
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