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Posted: July 20, 2013

Are you prepared for emergencies?

Today (Saturday, July 20) is the one-year anniversary since the Great Wind Storm of 2012.

More than 600 trees toppled in Cranbrook during the Friday evening storm, July 20, 2012. Most residents in the city lost power; some for several days. Ian Cobb/e-KNOW photos
More than 600 trees toppled in Cranbrook during the Friday evening storm, July 20, 2012. Most residents in the city lost power; some for several days. Ian Cobb/e-KNOW photos

With that in mind, the City of Cranbrook is urging residents to ensure they are ready for emergencies at all times.

The safety of both yourself and your family is paramount in any emergency situation. The City of Cranbrook, along with Cranbrook Fire & Emergency Services and the RCMP are encouraging both residents and business owners alike to ensure they are capable of being completely self- sufficient for a minimum of 72 hours in the event of a serious emergency situation.

“We encourage our residents to prepare themselves to be capable of being completely self-sufficient for a 72-hour period minimum, in an emergency,” says Mayor Wayne Stetski. “Having a well stocked emergency kit in your home, and a well laid out family emergency plan will allow you and your family to better handle long term emergency situations, like gas or hydro outages, storms or other potential emergency situations.”

“One of the most significant considerations for residents is that emergency services may not be readily available, as increasing demands will be placed on responders during these events,” says Cranbrook Fire & Emergency Services Chief Wayne Price. “It may take us some time to get to you as we help those in most critical need first.”

Being prepared is key. By knowing the potential hazards around you, preparing and practicing a plan and creating and maintaining a proper emergency kit, you will be better prepared for any emergency.

The entire roof covering was torn off this apartment near Tamarack Mall during the micro-burst storm.
The entire roof covering was torn off this apartment near Tamarack Mall during the micro-burst storm.

“Residents should consider the most basic, but important items, in your home emergency kit,” says Price. “Things like water, canned or dried foods, a manual can opener, flashlights, battery powered radios, a well stocked first aid kit, prescription meds, extra keys and cash are all important components of any good emergency kit.”

For information on how to best prepare yourself and your family for any type of unforeseen emergency, visit www.getprepared.gc.ca or www.pep.bc.ca/hazard_preparedness/Personal_Safety.html

City of Cranbrook/e-KNOW


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