Port Moody is holding a contest for an emergency kit to entice residents to check out its emergency preparedness website during Emergency Preparedness Week, May 6 to 12.
The one-stop spot for information (portmoody.ca/emergency) provides a variety of useful tips for families to take action to protect themselves. The resources including downloadable planning guides, which are also available at the Inlet Centre fire hall (150 Newport Dr.) and Port Moody Public Library (100 Newport Dr.).
"It's important to remember that in an emergency, it may take emergency workers and utility crews some time to provide assistance to you and your neighbours," said Port Moody Fire Chief Ron Coulson in a press release. "All of us need to be prepared to take care of ourselves and our family members for at least 72 hours. I urge all Port Moody residents to build an emergency kit for your house, and a grab-and-go kit for your car or your workplace."
The prize kit is worth about $300 and contains essentials such as food, purified water pouches, a first aid kit, face masks, safety blankets, rain ponchos, a mini-camp stove, fuel tablets, waterproof matches, a crank AM/FM radio and a LED flashlight.
As part of Emergency Preparedness Week, the City of Coquitlam will hold three free courses on how to be ready when disaster strikes. The city says residents should be able to take care of their basic needs for at least 72 hours. It will hold three free courses next week on how to do so.
The first will be held on Monday from 1 to 3 p.m. at Glen Pine Pavilion (1200 Glen Pine Court). That is also the location for the second one, Thursday (May 10) at 6:45 p.m. The final one will be at noon Saturday, May 12 at the Poirier Sport and Leisure Complex, Room 2. To register, go to signmeupcoquitlam.ca. Another session will be held at the pavilion on June 7 (6:45 p.m.).
Coquitlam's preparedness information is available at www.coquitlam.ca/public-safety/emergency-preparedness/public-education/training.aspx.
Port Coquitlam will have an emergency preparedness booth set up at its May Day block party in Leigh Square May 12 from noon to 5 p.m. For more information on PoCo's emergency preparedness measures, visit portcoquitlam.ca/ep.
The city offers free emergency preparedness courses, although the next scheduled one, May 26, is full. Courses to be held Sept. 15 and Nov. 24 are open for registration. For more information. go to portcoquitlam.ca/ep.
