Providing an opportunity to inspect fire trucks and other emergency vehicles up close is a good way for organizers of this SundayB次元官网网址檚 (May 3) emergency preparedness display and safety fair to attract families.
But the eighth annual event is about more than showing off the equipment used to respond to West Shore emergencies and to keep the public safe. ItB次元官网网址檚 about teaching people how to keep themselves safe and be ready for disasters great and small, says Lt. Troy Mollin with the View Royal Fire Department.
Besides the outdoor parking lot displays at the Juan de Fuca Recreation Centre and those inside the Juan de Fuca SeniorsB次元官网网址� Centre, a new element to the fair will see local experts give short workshops on various topics.
B次元官网网址淭hereB次元官网网址檚 the education component around things you can do to be prepared. ItB次元官网网址檚 not that hard,B次元官网网址� says Mollin, the fairB次元官网网址檚 joint co-ordinator and also View RoyalB次元官网网址檚 emergency program officer.
B次元官网网址淲eB次元官网网址檒l have 20- to 30-minute seminars or workshops around some of the things we talk about.B次元官网网址�
Topics include how to put together emergency kits, what it means to practise B次元官网网址渟helter-in-placeB次元官网网址� B次元官网网址� where residents are asked to stay indoors and seal off any contact with potentially contaminated air outside B次元官网网址� how to use social media in an emergency and more.
The event is timed to coincide with the start of Emergency Preparedness Week, being marked May 3 to 9 across Canada.
Not only does the fair showcase the various organizations involved in preparedness and recovery functions, people who are interested in volunteering for Emergency Social Services programs, search and rescue or other service providers can find out whoB次元官网网址檚 recruiting.
Among the 40 different exhibitors will be all five West Shore fire departments, the Department of National Defence bomb disposal unit, Victoria Urban Search and Rescue, West Shore RCMP and a joint exhibit between the municipal ESS groups.
Kid-friendly elements include Tom Thumb Safety Village pedal cars, a burning house fire hose target and a bouncy castle.
The fair runs from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., rain or shine.
editor@goldstreamgazette.com
