P.E.I. Public Safety says being prepared is key to surviving emergencies

As it became obvious this week, you never know when disasters might hit, but there are ways to be better prepared.

With so many Islanders hearing from relatives caught up in the Fort McMurray fire, people have been wondering what they would do if such an emergency happened in their province.

By coincidence, it's Emergency Preparedness Week across the country, and P.E.I.'s Public Safety Office had already been planning to promote its program this week, something that has taken on extra meaning.

"It really puts us in a sense of awareness that these things do happen, and it is important for us to be prepared," said P.E.I. director of Public Safety Aaron Campbell, talking to Mainstreet's Karen Mair.

Campbell said the province has systemsto follow in the event of a major disaster, developed by the Emergency Measures Organization, called an all-hazards plan.

It takes into account any number of emergencies that could happen, and what agencies would respond.

The first step is notifying people.

Wednesday, as part the Emergency Preparedness Week, a test of the emergency public alert warning went outon cable andemail networks, which would also be passed on by every broadcaster in the case of a real disaster.

Then government bodies, first responders, and community groups start helping people.

"In Prince Edward Island we're very fortunate to have a very strong relationship with the Canadian Red Cross, and the P.E.I. chapter," said Campbell.

"The province holds an agreement with the Red Cross for the provision of reception centres, for sheltering, things of that nature to insure the citizens can be taken care of."

Emergency kit key

The main message Campbell wants to get out is that its of vital importance for each family or individual to have themselves prepared in case of a emergency.

In Fort McMurray, many people fleeing the city spoke of the chaotic last minutes they had, leaving the house.

That's why Public Safety recommends having an emergency kit ready beforehand, including a battery-powered or crank-operated radio to keep getting those public alerts.

"We're asking people to look at having copies of important papers they have like passports, driver's licenses, whatnot, medication that they're able to take with them if they need to depart quickly, non-perishable food, water, a litre for each person for a daily basis," he advised.

Campbell also pointed out that people should consider how they will care for their pets as well, and include their needs in the emergency kit.

Many fleeing the Fort McMurray fire talked about not having any cash with them, which Campbell said should also be part of the planning.

"Have small denominations of cash for things that they may need to purchase," he said. "Oftentimes point-of-sale with credit cards and debit cards are not available, overwhelmed because of demands on communications or loss of power."

Another big problem was the number of people who ran out of gas, trying to leave the city, something else Public Safety warns about.

"Typically a message we deliver in the fall when we're preparing for hurricanes is to insure that people have their vehicles topped up in fuel, and that allows them an opportunity to be able to evacuate safely," said Campbell.

The Public Safety office has prepared a full list of what to put in a 72-hour emergency kit, and how to make a personal emergency plan on its website.

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