It's Emergency Preparedness Week and the city of Coquitlam is holding a community awareness event Thursday, May 5 at Coquitlam Centre (southwest corner parking lot) in the hopes of encouraging people to take responsibility for disaster planning.
The event runs from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and will feature the Quake Cottage, which simulate an magnitude 8.0 earthquake, displays by emergency response and city groups, including Coquitlam Search and Rescue, and the amateur radio club, as well as groups that promote education about emergency preparedness.
There will also be displays on how to ensure that your home and property are adequately insured in the event of a natural disaster, as well as by the Red Cross, Salvation Army, St. John Ambulance, and London Drugs
Coquitlam's emergency program is also partnering with School District 43 to encourage Grade 5 students to think about emergency preparedness. Students have been asked to participate in a contest to promote emergency kits.
ARE YOU PREPARED
Here are some tips for planning for an emergncy:
• Have an emergency kit of supplies, including food and water, a battery operated radio, and possibly a small solar panel to recharge cell phones, enough for each person for 72 hours or up to a week.
• Make sure you have an out-of-town contact that can be reached so you can let them know you are safe.
• In an emergency, listen for important information through the city's communication system, available on major local radio stations.
• If you have mobility issues and can't walk out, you may need to call 911 in a disaster situation; if you are in a concrete tower, you can shelter in place, stuff cracks or ventilation ducts with material to keep out smoke. Make sure your strata council or building manager has your information.
• Keep up to date with emergency planning through coquitlam.ca/ep Facebook and Twitter.
Every two weeks, emergency planning information will be relayed through the city's social media sites.
• A free personal, family and community emergency preparedness course is taking place Friday, May 6 from10 a.m. to noon. Register at www.coquitlam.ca/ep .
