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‘Take the steps now’: Regional district issues emergency-preparation reminder

‘Identify where you and your family could stay if an evacuation order is issued,’ says the RDOS
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The Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen is urging people to prepare ahead of time before potential disasters prompt evacuation orders. (Jenna Hauck/ Chilliwack Progress file)

The Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen (RDOS) is ramping up its training efforts for staff and volunteers ahead of the start of National Emergency Preparedness Week.

Since 1996, the week has been dedicated to raising awareness within regions across the country about the importance of preparing for emergencies.

From May 1 to 7, the RDOS says it will continue to train staff and volunteers about emergency preparation, starting with three steps:

• Know the risks

• Make a plan

• Get an emergency kit

“You should also identify where you and your family could stay if an Evacuation Order is issued for an extended period of time, and make plans for pets and livestock,” the region’s emergency team wrote to Black Press about what people should be aware of.

Wildfires and floods have hit several communities across the province over the last 12 months, prompting the RDOS to issue a reminder about the importance of having an emergency kit.

Having a manual can opener, two litres of water per person every day, extra keys and important family documents are among the basic emergency kit items listed by the federal government.

Ahead of National Preparedness Week, the RDOS is also acknowledging the volunteers who have given their time to help people navigate through emergencies and evacuation orders.

READ ALSO: Volunteers across South Okanagan recognized with pancake breakfast in downtown Penticton

Information about emergency preparation specific to the South Okanagan is available here.


@lgllockhart
logan.lockhart@pentictonwesternnews.com

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