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Experts to share tips on fire emergency preparedness in Central Saanich

A hands-on workshop on creating emergency plans and kits takes place on Feb. 5
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The District of Central Saanich logo on the Central Saanich Municipal Hall and Police Service building.

What would I do if I had only minutes to gather critical documents and emergency supplies?

This is the burning question raised by the wildfires that destroyed the Pacific Palisades in Los Angeles on Jan. 7, forcing thousands of people to flee their homes.

In their free, interactive workshop on Feb. 5, Central Saanich's emergency program will assist in answering this question by discussing how to update or create emergency plans and stock grab-and-go emergency kits.

“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.”

Ted Olynyk, community relations manager at BC Hydro, and Lisa Banfield, the district’s emergency program manager, are facilitating the workshop.

“This hands-on workshop shows participants what items they already have or might easily add to their grocery list," said Banfield. 

The workshop outlines key elements in emergency preparedness to make sure your household has what it needs to be self-sufficient for at least 72 hours.

Central Saanich residents should sign up for the Saanich Peninsula Alert, which sends out local emergency information that complements the province’s alert system. In the event of a local emergency, potentially life-saving alerts will be sent to anyone who has registered.

The workshop will be held at Central Saanich Fire Station 1, 1512 Keating Cross Rd., Feb. 5 from 6 to 8 p.m.

Reserve your workshop spot at CSaanich.ca/GetPrepared. Central Saanich residents can also register by calling 250-544-4238 or emailing EmergencyProgram@csaanich.ca.