Minister’s statement on Emergency Preparedness Week

VICTORIA - Kelly Greene, Minister of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness, has released the following statement during Emergency Preparedness Week (May 3-9, 2026):

"An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.

"That well-known proverb was coined almost 300 years ago, but its meaning still rings true. Simply, it means that taking small steps now can prevent a problem, or at least reduce the size of the problem we face.

"This is the spirit behind Emergency Preparedness Week, a national awareness initiative that calls on people to take action to make sure they're prepared to protect themselves, their families and communities during an emergency.

"This is the 30th anniversary of Emergency Preparedness Week in Canada, and in B.C. this year's theme is 'In it together,' which recognizes that everyone's readiness and resilience is strengthened when we're looking out for one another.

"Preparing for emergencies is a team effort, whether it's the Province, the federal government, local governments, First Nations, or people and families.

"Everyone has a role to play, and a good way to start is by creating a household emergency plan and having a grab-and-go bag ready.

"The Province's online, interactive Emergency Ready Planner details each step in building an emergency plan that you can save to your phone and share with loved ones, so everyone has a copy.

"Part of living in this beautiful province are the hazards that are beyond our control, and it's especially important to be mindful of climate-caused emergencies, especially floods and wildfires, as we head into warmer weather.

"When there is an emergency, evacuation alerts and evacuation orders may be issued by your local government or First Nation. In urgent situations, people may also receive an alert through cellphones, radio and cable television.

"It's vitally important that people stay alert, stay informed and stay prepared.

"The best time to prevent the worst of an emergency situation is before one happens, and I encourage everyone in B.C. to act on the messages of Emergency Preparedness Week and apply them to your daily life.

"After all, we're in it together."

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