Start the sirens and slide down the pole; The 91原创 Emergency Program (LEP) hosts an International Field Day exercise, Saturday, June 22nd.
Anyone interested in learning how to be a first responder during an emergency or disaster, people can come to the City Fire Hall for training.
鈥淲e are better prepared today as a community because of our volunteer teams鈥� contributions,鈥� said Emergency Program Coordinator Ginger Sherlock.
Sherlock has been in her role for more than 12 years, having started out with LEP as a volunteer in 1999.
The LEP itself is a joint program run by the City and Township of 91原创 which started in 1996. Local governments were mandated by the province to ensure the community was ready to respond and recover from potential risks.
鈥淚t starts with individuals being curious,鈥� Sherlock explained. 鈥淗ow is our community prepared for a five-day power outage? Or the big flood? Or an earthquake? From there, individuals become passionate about making a difference. They step up and learn how to keep their family safe.鈥�
Read more: The 91原创s practice for disaster
Beyond a behind-the-scenes tour, brand new response equipment and communication tools will be showcased 鈥� which people will get the chance to try out. The goal is to get new first responders up to speed on communicating properly with emergency officials.
Directions for families to follow during a major earthquake will also be demonstrated, along with the importance and assembly of an emergency response kit.
鈥淥ur team members have a direct impact on the well-being of those living in 91原创 every day 鈥� and beyond. We had 19 team members respond during BC鈥檚 wildfire season in 2017,鈥� Sherlock said.
LEP team members giving the training demonstrations on Saturday are all volunteers 鈥� some of whom carry pagers at all times in case of an emergency. Though this event is meant to be introductory, Sherlock says it is a great start for people looking to get involved in higher capacities.
鈥淲e need first-responder volunteers willing to carry pagers and respond to support 91原创 citizens impacted by emergencies,鈥� Sherlock said. 鈥淲e also need HAM operators and technical-minded individuals, to support our ever-evolving communications team who set up communications linkages for first responders and officials during emergencies.鈥�
Additionally, the federal government promotes Emergency Preparedness Week from May 5 to 11, which LEP also uses as a time for training.
LEP also hosts the Emergency Preparedness Fair during the fall support of the province鈥檚 annual earthquake drill, called 鈥淪hake-Out鈥�.
Anyone interested in readying themselves for an emergency at International Field Day can drop in at the 91原创 City Fire Hall, 5785 203 Street this Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
For more information and emergency tips, people can visit .
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Email: ryan.uytdewilligen@langleyadvancetimes.com
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