Comox Valley is Kicking off Emergency Preparedness Week

Via the Comox Valley Regional District:

Comox Valley Regional FireSmart™ and Resilience Committee are proud to kick off Emergency Preparedness Week (May 4-10) with Wildfire Community Preparedness Day on Saturday, May 3, 2025.

Come to Wildfire Community Preparedness Day

Date: Saturday, May 3, 2025
Time: 9 am – 1 pm
Where: Comox Valley Farmers’ Market 
(4839 Headquarters Road, Courtenay)

“Come visit us on Saturday May 3rd at the Comox Valley Farmers’ Market; we would love to show you all kinds of fun and simple tools and techniques to prepare your property and neighbourhood for the impacts of hazards and disaster”, says Cari McIntyre, Emergency Planning Coordinator, Comox Valley Emergency Management. “Emergency Preparedness Week is a great reminder to all residents and businesses in the Comox Valley to review their emergency plan and ensure they are prepared for disaster.”

Fire and emergency services personnel will be onsite with activities, giveaways, and demonstrations to showcase the fire engines and suppression equipment. The team will also share preparedness tips and activities for kids, adults, and pets, along with more information on volunteer opportunities in the Comox Valley.

A FireSmart™ landscape and plant specialist will also be onsite to promote best practices for creating fire and drought resistant backyard areas.

“Embers can travel far and wide, and FireSmart practices have proven they mitigate the risk of ignition which can help protect homes, businesses and properties.” says Lt. Ian Robertson, Chair of the Comox Valley Regional FireSmart Resilience Committee. “Come and meet the amazing staff and volunteers from local fire and emergency services, BC Wildfire Service, CFB Comox 19 Wing Fire, Emergency Support Services, Emergency Radio Communications, BC Hydro, and more. Learn how we work together to do our part so you can better understand yours.”

For more information on emergency preparedness and how you and your community can get involved, visit www.comoxvalleyrd.ca/emergency.

Follow these helpful steps to get prepared:

Go to www.comoxvalleyrd.ca/getnotified to sign up for local emergency notifications delivered to your landline or mobile phone. Need help registering? Come register in person on May 3rd with the assistance of emergency program volunteers or call 250-334-6000.
Invite a Local FireSmart Representative to walk you through a FireSmart neighbourhood or home ignition zone assessment. Visit www.comoxvalleyrd.ca/firesmart to learn more.
Consider leading a Neighbourhood Emergency Preparedness Program (NEPP) team to help your neighbours get ready for prolonged power disruptions, extreme weather conditions, and natural hazards like earthquakes, floods, and wildfire. Find more information at www.comoxvalleyrd.ca/NEPP.

Comox Valley Emergency Management is regional service administered by the Comox Valley Regional District in partnership with the City of Courtenay, K’ómoks First Nation, Town of Comox, and Village of Cumberland to provide emergency management services and support to the region.