Emergency Preparedness Week encourages Saanich residents to get ready together

Information Bulletin
For immediate release

Saanich, BC – The Saanich Emergency Program (SEP) invites residents to take part in Emergency Preparedness Week, May 3 to 9. This year’s theme, “In it together”, highlights the important role communities play in preparing for emergencies and supporting one another before, during, and after an event.

Emergency preparedness is about more than having supplies on hand. It is also about building strong connections between neighbours, community organizations, and local government so communities are better equipped to respond and recover. During this national awareness week, led by Public Safety Canada in collaboration with provincial and territorial emergency management organizations, residents are encouraged to take simple, practical steps to become better prepared for a range of emergencies.

This week, SEP encourages residents to start close to home by connecting with neighbours, talking about local risks, discussing preparedness levels, and identifying any specific needs within their area.

Ways to get started

The Saanich Emergency Program recommends these simple steps to help residents build preparedness in their neighbourhoods:

1. Get to know your neighbour

Strong neighbour-to-neighbour connections can make a big difference in an emergency.

Consider exchanging contact information and discussing any useful skills, tools, or resources that could help others nearby.

2. Create a neighbourhood emergency plan

Work together to identify local hazards, understand the needs of people in the area, and talk about how neighbours can support one another during an emergency.

3. Build or refresh your emergency kit

Make sure your household has enough food, water, and essential supplies to be self-sufficient for at least seven days. Include important items such as medications, a flashlight, and a first aid kit.

4. Practice your plan

Preparedness improves with practice. Running simple drills or walking through emergency scenarios with neighbours can help everyone feel more confident and ready.

Get ready with us!

Preparedness 100 - The Saanich Emergency Program invites you to attend an upcoming Emergency Preparedness Speaker Series presentation on May 7 from 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Gordon Head Recreation Centre (4100 Tillicum Road).

SEP is hosting Ada Nadison, Public Safety Manager with Fortis BC. She brings a diverse background in emergency management, public safety communications, and adult education. As part of her work, she has designed and delivered training programs for a wide range of audiences, always with a focus on clarity, collaboration, and practical impact. Her experience spans roles at the Justice Institute of British Columbia, E-Comm 9-1-1, and CCEM Strategies, where she supported emergency planning and stakeholder engagement at local, provincial, federal, and international levels.

Registration for this program online here or call Gordon Head Recreation Centre at 250-475-7100.

Preparedness 101 - Invite a family member, colleague, friend or neighbour to join you for the next Preparedness 101 presentation on May 13 from 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at Saanich Commonwealth Place (4636 Elk Lake Drive). This 90-minute presentation offers the information you need to prepare yourself and your family to survive on your own for at least seven days after any type of disaster. Each household participating in the presentation will receive a free informational workbook to help with emergency planning. Registration for this program online here or call Saanich Commonwealth reception at 250-475-7600.

Additional learning opportunities:

There are lots of free activities that support your learning throughout Emergency Preparedness Week and beyond:

• Volunteer with the Saanich Emergency Program! Join us on May 26 from 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. for a Volunteer Information Session at Cedar Hill Recreation Centre. No experience is necessary, we provide all training. Registration for this program online here or call Cedar Hill Recreation Centre reception at 250-475-7121. 
• Visit our YouTube channel and watch our videos on breaking down barriers to preparedness and how to make your very own dry toilet!

Participate and win!

Make sure you follow the Saanich Emergency Program X account and the District of Saanich Facebook page for a chance to participate and win.

            How the contest works:

• We’ll be posting emergency preparedness quiz questions throughout this week.
• For every time you respond with a correct answer to that day’s quiz question, you will earn one entry to win a prize.
• On Friday, May 8, we will pick a winner!

Find more information about the Saanich Emergency Program at saanich.ca/prepare or on X @SaanichEP and @SaanichFire.

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Media contact:
Saanich Communications
media@saanich.ca