The past year presented B.C. with a heat dome, drought, forest fires, heavy rain and record, devastating floods, alongside the pandemic. The world is changing, and we need to be ready for anything.
The theme for Emergency Preparedness Week 2022 is “Be Ready for Anything.” Emergency Management Oceanside (EMO) said it encourages residents to consider their family and work situation and prepare for anything which could change or disrupt a normal day.
“Why would we put this responsibility on you? Only you know what you need to help you and your family get through the stress and trauma of an emergency or disaster,” reads a media release by EMO.
To get through an emergency or disaster and return to normal faster, there are three groups who need to work together and ensure their preparedness, according to EMO. To be ready for anything, families need to be prepared with a plan and supplies to get through the emergency.
Local government must have a plan on how to provide support to residents, deal with the emergency and recover while providing as much regular day-to-day service as possible, according to EMO. The province must also have a plan on how it will support local governments with people and supplies when needed.
EMO is continuously working to improve plans to support Oceanside residents and businesses for any emergency or disaster. It is now working with the City of Parksville and Town of Qualicum Beach to improve business continuity plans to ensure Oceanside residents will have reliable, essential service in an emergency.
“We purchased new technology through a provincial grant to make our Emergency Support Services program more efficient; providing displaced residents the help they need faster,” the release reads. “We are reviewing and renewing all our emergency hazard plans to ensure they reflect current regional hazards and their impacts. The province is working to improve their readiness, EMO is doing the same. We urge you to work with us to be ready for anything.”
