Emergency Preparedness Week: Four essential steps to be prepared

As part of Emergency Preparedness Week from May 3-9, 2026, residents across the Central Okanagan are encouraged to take simple, practical steps to be better prepared for emergencies such as wildfires, floods, extreme weather and power outages.

“Emergencies can happen quickly, and being prepared ahead of time can make a real difference,” said emergency program manager, Alesi Zito-LaRose. “Emergency Preparedness Week is a reminder that preparedness is a shared responsibility, and small actions today can help protect lives tomorrow.”

Be ready for emergencies with these four steps during Emergency Preparedness Week.

Stay connected and informed
Preparedness starts with staying informed. The Central Okanagan Emergency Management (COEM) is encouraging everyone who lives, works or spends time in the Central Okanagan to sign up or update preferences for Alertable, the official emergency notification system, to receive alerts about evacuations, wildfire activity, severe weather and other emergencies. Alertable delivers trusted, real time emergency information based on preferences directly to your phone, email or other devices, helping residents stay aware and make informed decisions when it matters most.

Build community connections
Emergencies are easier to manage when neighbours look out for one another. Take time to connect with neighbours, friends, family members or social groups and talk about how you can support each other during an emergency, especially those who may need extra help.

Make a plan to leave at a moment’s notice
Know how you would leave your home quickly if asked to evacuate. Plan multiple evacuation routes, decide where you would go and prepare a grab and go kit with essentials such as medications, important documents such as insurance papers, and clothing and supplies for pets.

Create a profile for Emergency Support Services
Take the step now to create a profile for Emergency Support Services. Evacuees who have created a profile can log in to the online self-service registration tool to receive instructions on the types of support available and how to access them. Visit ess.gov.bc.ca and follow the BC Services login and registration instructions.

Emergency Preparedness Week is about taking small, manageable steps that add up to greater resilience for individuals, families and the entire community. By staying informed, making a plan and working together, Central Okanagan residents can be better prepared for whatever challenges lie ahead.

Find online resources such as the Home Emergency Plan, Wildfire and Flood Preparedness Guide, and more at PreparedBC.ca.

Stay Connected
Learn more at coemergency.ca and subscribe for notifications at coemergency.ca/subscribe. Follow COEM @CO_Emerg on X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook for the emergency updates and preparedness tips. 

About the Central Okanagan Emergency Management
The Central Okanagan Emergency Management is a multi-government Emergency Management Organization committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of residents across the Central Okanagan through comprehensive emergency management and preparedness initiatives. Emergency Preparedness Week is a key component of this effort, providing valuable information and resources to help the community stay safe and resilient.