East Kootenay residents can learn what they need to do to keep their family and friends safe during wildfire season, during National Emergency Preparedeness Week.
Starting May 4, the Regional District of East Kootenay (RDEK) will share critical information about emergency preparation online, and assist residents in signing up for the Regional Evacuation Notification System Voyent Alert before the annual system test on Friday, May 9 at 2 p.m.
The week concludes with a fair in Invermere on May 10, run by the East Kootenay Emergency Management Program.
"It's important for people to know which risks we face in this area and what they can do to help not only their family prepare, but their neighbours as well," said RDEK protective services manager Christina Carbrey. "It's important to discuss with those around you the risks that exist and identify those people in your circle who may need extra support. This fair will help residents learn which services are available to help and how they can start to formulate those necessary emergency plans for their households."
The fair will run in the back parking lot of Eddie Mountain Memorial Arena in Invermere (502 13 St.) from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. There will be kids games, prizes and a display of emergency response apparatus, to suit the event's theme "In It Together".
In attendance at the event, is East Kootenay Emergency Management Program, East Kootenay FireSmart Program, Columbia Valley Rural Fire and Rescue Service, Columbia Valley Search and Rescue, FireSmart Invermere, East Kootenay Amateur Radio Club, First Nations Health Authority, Invermere Fire Rescue, Columbia Valley RCMP, Health Emergency Management B.C, Interior Health, United Way B.C, Salvation Army, Canadian Red Cross.
RDEK is sharing emergency-related information throughout the week. Find info at www.rdek.bc.ca.
