May 1, 2007
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MR07-023

MAY 6 - 12 IS EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS WEEK
Are You And Your Family Prepared?

It’s been quite a winter around the world and on Vancouver Island with wind storms, flooding, and power outages. One never knows when disaster can strike but we do know that the better prepared you are, the better your chances are of getting through it safely. Questions you might ask yourself are:

• At any given time do you have access to clothing, food, water, and needed medication? Are you able to walk to your home or a shelter over the next 24 hours? (grab and go kit)
  
• If you are at home do you have the same items as above and are you able to take care of your family for up to one week? (stay and survive kit)
  
• Are you prepared to leave your pet at home with food and water while you evacuate to a shelter?
  
• Does everyone in your family know how to use a fire extinguisher, turn off the water, hydro and gas to your house?
  
• Do you know the safest place in each room of your house or workplace to protect yourself if there is an earthquake?
  
• Does your family have an out of province contact to call if you are separated from each other so you can relay messages if you can not talk to your family directly?
  
• Is your house earthquake and fire protected?
  
• Do you know what the Comox Valley Emergency Preparedness Committee and emergency social services will do for you in preparing for a major disaster?

If you can’t answer positively to the questions above you are invited to attend a free presentation sponsored by North Island College and the Comox Valley Neighbourhood Emergency Preparedness program to be held on Wednesday, May 9th, 6:30 – 9:00 pm, Komoux Hall, North Island College, Comox Valley Campus.

For information on North Island College First Aid Programs call 334-5092 or email paul.gurr@nic.bc.ca .

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For further information contact:

Susan Toresdahl
Director College Relations
(250) 334-5271

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