The City of Kimberley wants to know how prepared you are for a disaster or emergency. While there are many possible emergencies that could affect Kimberley residents, including a wildfire or flood, your own level of preparedness is crucial.
During an emergency situation, phone, gas, electrical and water services may be disrupted.
Roads could be blocked, stores closed and gas stations out-of-service. You and your family could be on your own for several days while emergency responders work to save lives and manage the aftermath. It may be weeks before infrastructure, utilities and essential services are fully restored.
To get an idea of how prepared Kimberley citizens are, an online survey has been set up. There are also hard copies available at city hall if you don’t have access to a computer. Online, go to kimberley.ca and follow the links. You have until February 13, 2017 to fill it out.
“Communities everywhere are experiencing unusual and severe weather,” said Mayor Don McCormick. “Being prepared is essential for keeping safe in the event of a disaster and all of us have a role to play in making a resilient community.”
Asst. Fire Chief and Emergency Program Coordinator for Kimberley, Rick Prasad says the survey will help them understand the level of preparedness in the community and to develop action plans to prepare for potential future emergencies.
Being prepared means having an emergency kit with supplies to get you through about 72 hours in the event of an emergency where infrastructure may have failed. It also means having a family plan, which you have practised, about how to exit your home and where to meet; having a plan for your pets; having an emergency supply of any prescription medications and more.
Provincially, a survey was already done to measure emergency preparedness and 58 per cent of respondents categorized themselves as not prepared. The majority of those who identified as not prepared said they didn’t have an emergency kit.
A basic emergency kit should contain:
First-Aid kit
Battery-powered or hand-crank radio
Flashlight and extra batteries
Whistle to signal for help
Cellphone with charger
Cash in small bills
A local map with your family meeting place identified
Three-day supply of food and water
Garbage bags
Dust mask
Seasonal clothing and footwear
You should also have a supply of bottled water.
The general rule is four litres of water per person per day, but:
Children, nursing mothers and sick people may need more
If you live in a warm region of B.C., hot temperatures can double water needs
Pets need about 30 millilitres of water per kilogram of body weight per day. For example, an average-sized cat or small-sized dog needs at least 1/5 of a litre, or half a cup, daily
In addition to having an emergency kit at home, Emergency Preparedness British Columbia also recommends having a smaller grab and go bag in your vehicle.