Re: (Our View, Sept. 16)

Firstly, I wish to compliment the author on having done their homework with respect to the sobering facts and future realities related to natural disasters. How appropriate; this column appeared one day before the major earthquake in Chile.

A small amount of preparation can be beneficial to the well-being of your family when disasters such as earthquakes, wildfires, floods, power outages and even blizzards occur (were you here for the blizzard of 1996?).

Knowing what risks are in your area, making a household emergency plan, putting together a grab-and-go kit for everyone in the family, and creating an emergency home kit that will sustain your household for at least a week, will go a long way to helping your family survive without having to depend on overburdened emergency services or even neighbours.

Langford Emergency Support Services is a group of local resident volunteers who work in conjunction with Langford Fire/Rescue. ESS not only responds when disasters occur, by establishing reception centres for evacuees to report to, but you can also find us at the Goldstream Farmers Market most Saturdays, handing out free information on emergency preparedness.

In an effort to get more Langford residents prepared, ESS is also available to conduct free presentations. For more information on emergency preparedness, go to GetPrepared.ca or call Langford Emergency Support Services at 250-857-0118.

Prepare today, survive tomorrow.

Ken Levert, public information officer

Langford Emergency Support Services