The message is old, basic and as common-sensical as it gets, but don’t let that stop you from listening: preparation can save your life and lives of your loved ones.
It’s a message the Ladysmith Kinsman club is pushing hard with an emergency preparedness information meeting that you are invited to join May 5 in Ladysmith.
“Families, individuals, and businesses, who know their vulnerability and the actions to take to prepare, reduce the effects of a disaster and saves lives,” Kinsmen spokesperson Duck Paterson said in a media release. “These actions can save lives and protect property anywhere - at home, in schools, in your neighbourhood, and in the workplace.”
Sybille Sanderson, emergency co-ordinator for the Cowichan Valley Regional District will speak on how to make your home and family as safe as possible, including supplies and escape plans.
Members of the RCMP, Ladysmith Fire/Rescue, Marine Search and Rescue, Neighbourhood Watch, Citizens on Patrol and other service and emergency organizations are expected to be on hand to answer questions.
Some of the messages being stressed will include:
Know your risk: Understand how emergencies can affect where you live, work, go to school and play and how they could impact you, your family and your community.
Take action: Pledge to develop an emergency plan and practice how and where you will evacuate if instructed by your emergency management officials.
Be an example: Once you have pledged and taken action, be an example by talking to your family, friends, colleagues, and neighbours on what you have done to prepare and to inspire others.
“Recent studies show that many people use social media in the event of a disaster to let relatives and friends know they are safe,” Paterson said. “This is an important trend because people are most likely to take preparedness steps if they observe the preparations taken by others. Social media provides the perfect platform to model preparedness.”
The free event is scheduled to run from 1-3 p.m. at the Aggie Hall. Call Paterson at 250-245-2263 for more.