Experts on emergency plans, kits and communications will share practical advice
The wildfires ablaze in Los Angeles have forced some 180,000 people out of their homes over the past week. In situations like this, when a fire moves quickly through a neighbourhood, residents may only have minutes to gather important documents and emergency supplies.
Central Saanich’s Emergency Program is hosting a series of free, hands-on workshops throughout 2025 for the community’s residents of all ages.
The next workshop is Wednesday, February 5, 2025, and covers two underestimated but key elements of preparedness: Emergency Plans & Kits.
Speakers for the workshop include Ted Olynyk, Community Relations Manager at BC Hydro, and Lisa Banfield, the District’s Emergency Program Manager. You will learn.
How BC Hydro prepares for severe weather events
How to create (or update) your emergency plan
What supplies to include in your emergency kit
What to gather for your grab-and-go-bag, workplace and/or vehicle(s)
Where and how to get information during an emergency
“It's important for every household to create an emergency plan that you share with your loved ones and update every year,” said Mayor Ryan Windsor. “Making the plan takes 20 minutes and it gives you peace of mind. If an extreme event happens in our community, you will know what to do.”
A written emergency plan is the first part of the picture. The second part is a well-stocked home emergency kit and grab-and-go bag.
In case of a shelter-in-place order, a home emergency kit makes sure that you and your household have what you need to be self-sufficient for at least 72 hours. Your kit should include enough water for drinking and sanitation (four litres per person per day, plus water for animals).
In case of an evacuation order, a grab-and-go bag makes sure you have portable essentials for all members of your household, including pets. The only last-minute additions should be on a checklist and quick to locate (like prescription medications).
“Emergency plans and kits do not need to be complicated or expensive,” said Lisa Banfield, Emergency Program Manager for Central Saanich. “This hands-on workshop shows participants what items they already have or might easily add to their grocery list.”
The third part of the picture is emergency communications. This includes knowing where to find trustworthy information during an emergency and planning for how you will get it. Your grab-and-go bag can include a wireless charging battery, for instance, so your phone stays charged for emergency use even if the power is out or you are evacuating.
All Central Saanich residents should sign up for the Saanich Peninsula Alert, which sends out local emergency information that complements the Province’s alert system. Residents and visitors can choose their neighbourhood(s) and opt to get recorded phone messages, text messages, and email alerts in the event of a local emergency.
Registration is required for the upcoming Emergency Plans & Kits workshop. There is space for 50 people and refreshments will be provided.
Date: Wednesday, February 5, 2025 POSTPONED TO Thursday, February 13, 2025
Time: 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Location: Central Saanich Fire Station 1, 1512 Keating Cross Road
Early registration is recommended. The latest workshop in October was full, and 98% of participants said they would recommend it to their neighbours, family and friends.
More information: Learn more and reserve your workshop spot(s) at CSaanich.ca/GetPrepared. Central Saanich residents can also register by calling 250.544.4238 or emailing EmergencyProgram@csaanich.ca. Sign up for the Saanich Peninsula Alert at SaanichPeninsulaAlert.connectrocket.com or by calling 250.544.4238.