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EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS WEEK PLANNING
May 4-10, 2008
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Emergency Preparedness Week?
Emergency Preparedness (EP) Week is
an annual, national event that takes place during the early part of May.
The main objective is to promote this week as an opportunity to increase
awareness about emergency preparedness through activities and events
that will help to reduce the risks and lessen the consequences of a
disaster.
Who participates in EP
Week?
All provinces and territories
participate. All levels of governments, first responders (police
officers, firefighters, paramedics, etc.), emergency management
organizations, First Nations, private industry, schools, colleges and
universities, public safety volunteer groups, and non-government
organizations may all plan activities for EP Week. Activities may
include: open houses, emergency exercises, school activities, trade
shows, mall exhibits, special events and public displays, parades,
distribution of public safety information etc.
How did the idea of EP Week
come about?
The federal, provincial and
territorial governments adopted the concept of EP Week in 1995 as a
means of promoting activities that would increase the capacity of
individuals and groups to be prepared before, during and after a
disaster. The first Emergency Preparedness Week took place in 1996.
What is the theme of EP Week?
The theme of EP Week is personal and family emergency
preparedness. If a disaster happens in your community, it may take
emergency workers some time to get to everyone as they attend to those
in greatest need. People should be prepared to take care of themselves
and their family for at least
72 hours.
By taking a few simple steps, citizens can become better prepared to
face a range of emergencies--anytime, anywhere.
■
Know the risks:
learn what hazards exist in your community
■
Make a plan:
prepare your emergency plan so you and your family
will know what to do and where to go
■
Prepare a kit:
know what emergency supplies to have on hand and
assemble them in an easy-to-access kit
■
Know what to do:
be prepared to respond appropriately in all types of
emergencies
The
Provincial Emergency Program
website
www.pep.bc.ca provides
information related to personal preparedness and hazards within B.C.
You may also contact your local or regional emergency management
offices. Many local governments and regional districts also have
excellent public safety resource information on their websites.
______________________________________
Catherine Piazza
Public
Education and Stakeholder Relations
PROVINCIAL EMERGENCY PROGRAM
Emergency Management British Columbia
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