Personal Preparedness Program Launches Region Wide!

March 1, 2011 - Do you have a personal or family emergency preparedness plan?  Not to worry, the Peace River Regional District, in cooperation with your local municipalities, is proud to be launching a region wide education campaign in 2011.  

Throughout the year there will be lots of fun and interactive ways for individuals and families to become more prepared.  Keep an eye out for the interactive home emergency kits at a variety of community events, take part in contests through YouTube, Facebook and our local media like Energy FM’s "Smartest Person in the Peace” and listen for some great tips and ideas coming to you from Peace FM. Whether you live in Fort St John, Upper Cutbank, Chetwynd or Prespatou we will have lots information to help you and your family become more prepared in 2011.

In the Province of British Columbia regional districts and municipalities are required to plan and respond to emergencies in their area.  In the Peace River Regional District each of the municipalities are responsible for their own emergency planning, while the Peace River Regional District conducts emergency planning for the unincorporated rural areas (Area B, C, D and E). For more information on personal and family preparedness contact the Peace River Regional District at 250 784-3200.

Preparing a Family Emergency Kit

Is your family prepared to be self-sufficient for 72 hrs? During an emergency, you and your family could be on your own for an extended period of time. Emergency services may not be readily available, as increasing demands are placed on responders. It may take emergency workers some time to get to you as they help those in most critical need. The Province of BC and the Government of Canada recommend that individuals be prepared to be self-sufficient for 72 hrs. Here are some of the basics required for an emergency kit.

• Water: at least 2 litres* of water per person per day

• Food that won't spoil and should be replaced annually

• Manual can opener

• Wind-up or battery-powered flashlight

• Wind-up or battery-powered radio

• First Aid Kit

• Cash in smaller bills and change for payphones

• Copy of your emergency plan and contact information

• Prescription medication, pet food, baby formula, etc.

• Candles and a lighter

• Sleeping bags

• Toiletries

• Provincial Emergency Program

• BC Pandemic Influenza Preparedness

• Emergency Social Services

• Canadian Red Cross

• Provincial Radio Communications Service

• Civil Air Search and Rescue

• BC Search & Rescue Association

• Amateur Radio