Get your first aid kits out for spring-cleaning -May 3 to 9 is national emergency preparedness week.
Emergency preparedness is for all ages and the Sunshine Coast Regional District's (SCRD) emergency team is looking to educate as many as possible.
"By being prepared, it will make people more comfortable in the event of a disaster," said Bill Elsner, SCRD emergency program co-ordinator.
On May 9 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., displays will be set up in Trail Bay Mall in Sechelt and Sunnycrest Mall in Gibsons.
"There will be representatives from emergency social services people from the animal disaster response team and the [Amateur] ham radio operators," said Elsner.
There will also be a draw at both malls to win an emergency kit.
Elsner said there are three basic things everyone should do to prepare for emergency or disaster. The first is to have an emergency kit ready and waiting.
"Keep a pair of hard-soled shoes under your bed so if you have to run outside you won't cut your feet," he said.
Have a family plan in place with specifics like a rendezvous point chosen or one phone number that everyone will check in with to say where they are and if they are safe.
Be aware of risks and hazards where ever you go. Elsner said to look around the house for things like unsecured book cases that could come down and block your way out of the house.
He said it is important to research before you venture into a new region and have appropriate equipment for those situations.
"The snowstorm last year should remind us we are vulnerable and we could have transportation delays and difficulties," he said.
Elsner emphasized that children are never too young to talk to about preparedness as long as it is age appropriate.
"Kids understand this more than adults," Elsner said. "They want to be safe and secure."
Visit www.scrd.ca and click on the right hand tab Emergency Program. Within that page are tips, an emergency kit list and links to the activities of the emergency preparedness team for the SCRD. The public is also encouraged to pick up information at all local government offices, Pender Harbour Health Centre and libraries.
