Community Readiness public engagement extended to May 31

CENTRAL OKANAGAN, BC – For the past few weeks, the Central Okanagan Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) staff has been speaking with community members across the Central Okanagan about how prepared they are in the event of an emergency.

Knowing your risk to potential hazards and taking steps to reduce impacts will increase the safety and resiliency of our communities.

“Due to the community's high interest in emergency preparedness, the Community Readiness engagement period will be extended,” said Deputy Fire Chief Sandra Follack from the Regional Emergency Program. “This will allow residents who have not yet provided their input to have the opportunity to do so before May 31.”

The input received will support public communications with the communities of Westbank First Nation, Peachland, West Kelowna, Kelowna, Lake Country and the RDCO Electoral Areas before, during, and after an emergency.

Visit online at yoursay.rdco.com to complete a short questionnaire about your level of preparedness and enter a draw for an emergency kit valued at $170.00. You can also share ideas for emergency preparedness and stories of neighbours helping neighbours.

Although Emergency Preparedness Week wraps up on May 11, resources are available year-round. The EOC continues to support communities in preparing for hazards such as flooding, drought, wildfire, and extreme weather. Additional emergency preparedness resources are available through the Ask an Expert video series. Learn more about:

The Province of B.C.’s Emergency Management & Climate Readiness Blog recently announced an Interactive Emergency Ready Planner to make it easier to complete a home emergency plan.

Visit cordemergency.ca to subscribe to emergency notifications.