Be prepared, not panicked in an emergency

When is the best time to prepare for an emergency? 

When there isn’t one! 
While our community has been navigating the ups and downs of the pandemic over the past year, an emergency – whether flood, fire or other, stops for no one, including COVID-19.

This is the time of year for all Okanagan residents to check and update their family emergency plan.  If you don’t have a plan yet, the PRCEMC webpage offers plenty of resources to help guide you through the process. 

“Being prepared to look after your family for at least 72 hours in the event of an emergency is something we all need to do each year,” says Jim Popowich – PRCEMC Coordinator.

He adds, “Moving from winter to spring provides a great opportunity for residents to check through their ‘grab and go’ kit.  Take stock of materials you need to replenish and ensure that you replace any outdated food, prescriptions, water or other items you may need should an emergency evacuation force you from your home.”

Don’t Have a Emergency Kit?

For those that may not have a plan or kit yet, you’ll find a number of useful links, preparedness information, checklists and videos at on the PRCEMC website at https://prcemc.ca/resources-and-links/

Having a plan and kit brings some peace of mind.  There may not be a lot of advance notice during the early stages of an emergency response. If the threat is imminent, you may only have a few minutes to get your family and belongings together before being directed to leave your home.”

Get Connected

Every Predator Ridge resident is encouraged to visit Vernon.ca and subscribe to receive notices directly from the City of Vernon’s Operation Centre if its activated an emergency. Also, the Vernon Connect App is now available. Read more about this app for your smart phone on the City of Vernon Website. 

Residents should also be also aware that in this COVID-19 pandemic environment, health and safety protocols will be in place for any Emergency Reception Centre in order to protect Emergency Support Services volunteers and evacuees visiting in person.   Also a new online program provided in conjunction with Emergency Management BC was introduced in 2020.  It provides an easy online self-registration option for anyone on Evacuation Alert or forced from their home due to an Evacuation Order.  During an emergency, this will help ESS volunteers administer and coordinate resources for anyone eligible for assistance and help under the Emergency Support Services program.