Flooding and mudslides closed several B.C. highways, including the temporary closure of Hwy. 1 in Abbotsford. (B.C. Government)

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

emergency preparedness

Nanaimo St. John Ambulance official hopes flooding leads to increased preparedness

Nov 26, 2021 | 2:25 PM

NANAIMO — Damaging floods in parts of B.C. has a local emergency preparedness advocate stressing the importance of being ready for natural disasters.

Six people have been confirmed killed or missing, while thousands of others are displaced from floods and slides in the Interior and Fraser Valley regions last week. Those victims included motorists swept off highways.

Ernie Laurenciano, branch manager of St. John Ambulance in Nanaimo, said most people don’t realize the importance of having emergency kits in their vehicles.

“It’s always good to have that by your side and ready to go. You purchase an emergency kit, put it in your car — out of site, out of mind.”

A Research Co poll earlier this year found only 41 per cent of respondents in the province had an emergency kit in their vehicles.

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Laurenciano said supplies lasting at least three days in your vehicle is critical, including food, water, an emergency blanket, flashlight and radio.

Another crucial device is a dual-use glass breaker and seat belt cutter.

“Always make sure that it’s accessible to the driver, not in the trunk, but in your glove compartment or in the pocket of your door, so if needed it’s readily available.”

Laurenciano said apathy is always a problem in attempting to get many people to take preparing for unexpected natural disasters seriously.

Emergency kits in your home, vehicle and workplace are essential, Laurenciano said, as he referenced shocking footage consuming the province’s recent news cycle.

“People think of it only when something like this happens. Seeing the images on the news of the disasters that’s happening starts to make people think ‘I don’t have anything prepared, maybe I should get something going.’ By that time it could be too little too late.”

Laurenciano pointed to the recent closure of Hwy. 19 in Lantzville as the type event which could become more commonplace in the future.

Non-profit St. John Ambulance sells emergency and First-Aid kits through their website.

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