Emergency Preparedness

Our group came together with a simple goal: to help our community be better prepared for emergencies. We’ve organized ourselves into small clusters of about 10 households each, so that neighbours can look out for one another when needed. Since our area is no stranger to ocean storms, forest fires, earthquakes, and power outages, many residents were eager to get involved.

We meet regularly to share a potluck meal, catch up with neighbours, and chat about different preparedness topics. It’s been a lot of fun getting to know one another while encouraging everyone to get first aid training, put together go bags, gather shelter-in-place supplies, and plan muster points.  Understandably, some neighbours are more interested or more social than others but that’s fine with everyone.  The idea is to get connected and slowly make friends with our neighbours.  In an emergency, this will be key. 

With the support of the Neighbourhood Small Grant, our group was able to purchase two-way radios. We purchased two radios at first to test the range.  We live in an area with lots of trees and hills so coverage was a key feature for us. We chose the Bushnell LPX650 as it reached the farthest distance from the ocean, up the hill and through the trees. Clear as a bell! Because winter power outages are so common here on the Sunshine Coast, having a way to stay in touch has given many of us real peace of mind.

Thank you for your support!