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St. John Ambulance wants you emergency ready

National Emergency Preparedness Week runs from May 1–7, 2016, and St. John Ambulance is stepping up by dedicating an entire month to the campaign – all to get British Columbians and Yukonians emergency ready.

Launched in 2006 by Public Safety Canada with St. John Ambulance as a founding partner, Emergency Preparedness Week encourages Canadians to be self-sufficient for at least the first 72 hours of an emergency, enabling first responders to focus on those in urgent need.

This year, St. John Ambulance is committed to doing more by dedicating the entire month of May to emergency readiness.

All 25 community locations across B.C. and Yukon are equipped with products, training, and resources to get people emergency ready – whether at work, home or play.

Given the early start to B.C.’s wildfire season, there’s already fear about the summer to come, as dozens of fires have been burning in the Interior and evacuation alerts having been issued.

Recent events in Japan and Ecuador are also stark and sobering reminders of B.C’s earthquake risk.

“Our entire team is committed to equipping British Columbians and Yukonians with the training, products and resources to be emergency ready – anytime and anyplace,” asserts CEO Karen MacPherson. “As an organization focused on first aid training and safety, we’re still shocked that only five per cent of Vancouverites say they feel well-prepared for an emergency. We don’t want to have the 5 per cent conversation again next year.”

Being emergency ready is quite simple – it only requires action to keep your loved ones safe at work, home and play.

Along with Public Safety Canada and the 72 Hours campaign, St. John Ambulance urges people to follow three steps:

1. Know the Risks

2. Make a Plan

3. Get a Kit.

The St. John Ambulance website and team are full of resources, including a full catalogue of first aid and emergency preparedness kits and training to keep British Columbians and Yukonians safe in any emergency.

As a charity, proceeds from training and product purchases help fund St. John Ambulance’s vital volunteer-based community care programs and services, such as Medical First Response, Therapy Dog, and Youth Leadership.