{"id":12812,"date":"2025-04-28T15:01:12","date_gmt":"2025-04-28T22:01:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog.gov.bc.ca\/emergencymanagement\/?p=12812"},"modified":"2025-04-29T13:54:11","modified_gmt":"2025-04-29T20:54:11","slug":"in-it-together-during-emergencies","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blog.gov.bc.ca\/emergencymanagement\/in-it-together-during-emergencies\/","title":{"rendered":"In it together during emergencies"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Being prepared is more than gathering supplies for emergency kits<\/a> and grab-and-go bags<\/a>. It is about working together to better respond to and recover from emergencies as a community.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Emergency Preparedness Week<\/a> is the perfect time to reflect on not only how prepared we are as individuals, but how we can support those around us.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Whether it\u2019s checking on a neighbour during a power outage, or organizing a community gathering, when we look out for one another, we can make a big difference.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Knowing your neighbours helps you share resources, shelter in place together and receive emotional support during an emergency, especially since emergency responders may take time to arrive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This year\u2019s Emergency Preparedness Week theme, \u201cin it together,\u201d highlights why working as a community matters.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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What is Emergency Preparedness Week?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Emergency Preparedness Week occurs every year during the first full week of May to raise awareness about the importance of preparedness across the country.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This year, Emergency Preparedness Week runs from May 4 to 10.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In it together<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

There are many ways to get involved.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You could join or start a neighbourhood preparedness group, organize a meet-and-greet in your building or on your street, or set up a shared emergency contact list.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Even simple actions, like exchanging contact information with neighbours, offering help to someone with mobility challenges, or creating a group chat for emergency check-ins can go a long way.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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To bring this to life, we asked Ministry of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness<\/a> (EMCR) employees from across the province \u201cWhat actions have you taken in the spirit of being a good neighbour?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here\u2019s what they shared:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Krista Ediger, Partnership Coordinator \u2014 New Westminster<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

I currently live in an apartment, so I\u2019ve been getting to know my neighbours in case of an emergency. When we had to evacuate during a fire alarm, knowing who lived where helped first responders figure out who was still inside the building.

Loralie Dewar, Communications Officer \u2014 Smithers<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Last spring in Quick, B.C., neighbours came together when a nearby structure fire broke out. Several people arrived with equipment, water, and support, ultimately preventing a wildfire and showing just how powerful local connections can be in an emergency. Since then, neighbours have stayed connected through a group chat, checking in during potential threats and offering help, from housing evacuated pets to sharing updates about nearby fires.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Peggy Gilliard, Emergency Management Technician \u2014 Terrace<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Before joining EMCR, I worked with a volunteer fire department. During the Telegraph Creek wildfires, I was deployed with the first truck out to provide water support. We arrived early, before the fire camp was set up, and thanks to our connections with the Dease Lake Fire Department, we were able to camp in their training room. Now, in my new role, I continue to support their communities and will always remember their kindness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Rachel Schoeler, Public Education Officer \u2014 North Vancouver<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

My partner and I recently moved to a new neighbourhood and started by introducing ourselves to our neighbours and exchanging phone numbers. Not long after, while we were away during a snowstorm, they shoveled our driveway, proving how helpful those early connections can be. Now that we\u2019ve settled in, I\u2019m planning a preparedness night to help neighbours connect and plan together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Vicki Swan, Public Education Officer \u2014 Nanoose Bay<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

As a neighbourhood, we aim to socialize at least twice a year and enjoy spontaneous meetups during walks. This summer\/fall, I plan to host an emergency preparedness potluck, where each household will make a dish using items from their emergency kit, with a prize for the best one. Over the past year, we\u2019ve experienced several severe weather-related and medical emergencies. During these times, our neighbours helped us with food, dog walking, grocery runs, rides, light housework and finding medical equipment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Can you think of a way that connecting with your neighbours and community has helped you? Let us know by sharing your experiences on our social media channels.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Learn more<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

During Emergency Preparedness Week, we will be hosting free webinars:<\/p>\n\n\n\n