Skip to content

Getting ready for emergencies in Parksville Qualicum Beach

Event May 14 in Qualicum Beach features displays, demonstrations and you can bring your fire extinguisher to be tested

To help residents be better prepared, Emergency Management Oceanside (Town of Qualicum Beach, City of Parksville and Regional District of Nanaimo) is once again hosting an Emergency Preparedness Expo on May 14.

It will feature displays, demonstrations, workshops, opportunities to learn about the challenges we will face in an emergency and how to be better prepared.

People can ask questions and even bring your fire extinguisher to be tested.

Participating groups include the RCMP, B.C. Ambulance Service, local fire departments, Health Emergency Management B.C., Oceanside Emergency Support Services, Oceanside Emergency Communications Team, BCSPCA and PALS (Pet and Livestock Services), B.C. Forest Service and Outsider Adventures (hosting workshops).

Food will be available from the Parksville/Qualicum Shrine Club (pancake breakfast) and the Nanaimo and District Shrine Club (lunch).

Disasters may be beyond our control, but there are ways to reduce the risk and the impact of whatever emergency we might face. Residents and business owners are encouraged to take steps to be prepared personally, as an individual, a family and in the workplace.

Emergencies can strike at any time so being prepared is critical since it can take time for help to arrive. Do you know the risks? Do you have a plan?

There will also be a Quake Cottage simulator, sponsored by the Insurance Bureau of Canada and Emergency Management Oceanside, at Family Day in Qualicum Beach on Sunday, May 29. The 'ride' simulates the feeling of an 8.0 magnitude earthquake.

The Oceanside Preparedness Expo runs

8 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturday, May 14 at the Qualicum Beach Civic Centre, 747 Jones Street.

— Submitted by Emergency Management Oceanside