FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Prince George, B.C – The City of Prince George is encouraging people to get involved in Emergency Preparedness Week, which runs from May 5 – 11.
Emergency Preparedness Week encourages everyone to take concrete actions to be better prepared to protect themselves and their families during emergencies. The key for emergency response is knowing the risks and making a plan.
Tanya Spooner, Manager of Emergency Programs at the City of Prince George, said understandably there is concern about what the summer months may have in store, and that is why it is more important than ever before to be prepared.
“There’s three main points here for people, preparing your home using some of the FireSmart tips, preparing your family with things like your plan and your emergency kit, and then preparing for an evacuation like having your Service BC app set up and registering for the City’s alert system,” Ms Spooner said.
Ms. Spooner stressed the importance of proactive planning: "It's crucial for families to devise a clear plan of action tailored to their specific circumstances. The City is actively planning for how we would respond to a wildfire event, as well as preparing for evacuees from other areas.”
“Being educated, understanding the risks and paying attention are vital.”
As part of Emergency Preparedness Week, the City is organizing a competition on its website and via social media, offering residents the chance to win a 72-hour emergency kit for their household, a Mr. PG prize pack, or a hand-crank radio:
How to Enter:
- 'Ask an Expert' Activity: Engage with our emergency programs team by posing questions related to emergency preparedness and the City's role during crises. You can email questions to getinvolved@princegeorge.ca or comment on social media.
- Colouring Sheet Submission: Participate with your family by completing a colouring sheet! Download it on our website: www.princegeorge.ca/BeReady and email it to getinvolved@princegeorge.ca.
The winner will be selected randomly on May 17.
An essential component of emergency preparedness is the assembly of an emergency kit, containing provisions to sustain individuals for the initial 72 hours of an emergency. A grab-and-go kit, a condensed version designed for immediate evacuation, is also crucial.
Key items to include are:
- Phone charger and battery bank
- Portable radio
- First aid kit and necessary medications
- Household emergency plan
- Seasonal clothing
- Non-perishable food and potable water
- Flashlight
- Whistle
For more information, visit www.princegeorge.ca/BeReady and https://firesmartbc.ca/.
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Media contact:
Claire Thwaites, senior communications advisor
Mobile: 778-349-1386
Email: media@princegeorge.ca