Emergency kits. ShakeOut. Call alerts. It's Emergency Preparedness Month

Summary

From earthquakes to storms and potential floods, the City of Nanaimo wants everyone to be prepared. To help raise awareness, the City is sharing messages throughout October to help residents and businesses with emergency preparation.

Where and when a disaster may hit isn't predictable, but there are steps we can take to be ready. These include preparing an emergency kit and stocking enough food and water to last you and your family for a week, developing an escape plan with a muster point outside of your home and workplace, signing up for the City's Voyent Alert! emergency alert system and knowing how to react in an emergency such as an earthquake (drop, cover and hold on).

There are a few emergency related events this month as well, including the Great BC ShakeOut on October 15, 2020. Visit www.shakeoutbc.ca for details. During the pandemic, we encourage businesses and residents to ensure all COVID-19 Health and Safety protocols are followed as part of the Great BC ShakeOut drill.

The City of Nanaimo will be sending out an emergency alert test on October 27 through the Voyent Alert! system. If you haven't signed up for an alert yet, go to www.nanaimo.ca/goto/alerts

Messaging throughout October will be shared through the City's various social media channels, through radio and print and online on the City's website at www.nanaimo.ca/goto/emergencymanagement

Link to Strategic Plan: Providing effective emergency management communications supports a safer and more livable community.

Key Points

  • To help raise awareness, the City is sharing messages throughout October to help residents and businesses with emergency preparation.
  • Messaging throughout October will be shared through social media, radio and print and online on the City's website at www.nanaimo.ca/goto/emergencymanagement
  • A test of the City's emergency alert system, Voyent Alert! will take place on Tuesday, October 27 at 10:15 a.m.
  • As we are in a pandemic, we encourage residents and businesses to participate in the drill through education. This can be done by reviewing your earthquake plans, refreshing your emergency kits or a virtual office meeting. The Great BC ShakeOut drill will be aired on 102.3 the Wave and 106.9 the Wolf.

Quotes

"We live in an active seismic zone, and with our changing climate and unpredictable weather systems, we can no longer just wait and see what happens. Each and every one of us needs to plan ahead and be ready for a potential worst-case scenario."

Mayor
City of Nanaimo

"Although we are in the middle of a pandemic, other emergencies can still occur at any time. We want everyone in Nanaimo to be prepared. Take the time to create an emergency kit, have an escape plan for your home and your office and participate in the Great BC ShakeOut. Should disaster strike, a bit of preparation could be life saving."

Emergency Program Manager
City of Nanaimo
-30-

Contact:

Shelley Legin
General Manager of Corporate Services
City of Nanaimo
250 755 4460 Ext: 5346

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