It is Emergency Preparedness Week across Canada and the Regional District of Fraser-Fort George is offering tips for property owners to better prepare themselves in the event of an emergency.
Insurance
There is no better time than the present to review your insurance coverage to determine what type of protection and coverage you have for your property and possessions. Your broker can review your policy with you to determine if your coverage is adequate and what you need to know about filing a claim. More information about insurance basics can be found online at the Insurance Brokers of Canada website at http://www.ibc.ca/on/insurance-101
House Numbering
In times of emergency, make it easy for first responders to find you. House numbers should be clear enough so that police, the fire department, paramedics, etc., can quickly locate properties in an emergency. House numbers are often the only way that first responders can identify their intended destinations. House numbers should be clearly identifiable day and night, with 8-10 cm being the suggested minimum height for the numbers.
Public Alerting System
The regional district’s public alerting system is an emergency notification system that enables the regional district to communicate important information quickly in the event of emergencies in our rural communities or electoral areas. Emergency notifications regarding significant or imminent threats to public safety and when evacuations may be ordered are sent to the most people possible in the shortest time. For more information and to sign up for alerts in our electoral areas visit http://www.rdffg.bc.ca/services/public-safety/emergency-management-program/EM-faqs-links
Prepare an Emergency Kit
Prepare a kit with supplies to sustain you and your family for 72 hours. Keep the kit updated and in an easily-accessible place. Include things like non-perishable food, water, medications, toiletries, flashlights and batteries. Have an additional kit in your car in case you are not able to get to your home.
Fire Smart
We live in a region prone to wildfire. Many of these fires occur in areas called the urban interface zone where homes, cabins and subdivisions are built into the forest landscape. Individual property owners can and should help reduce the risk of wildfire affecting their properties.
Further tips and ideas to protect your property and reduce damage or loss from wildfire at www.firesmartbc.ca