Devastating earthquakes in Japan and New Zealand have Chilliwack residents thinking about their own personal emergency preparedness recently.
Responding with key information, city officials are holding free seminars on March 22 and 24 to assist residents in becoming as ready as possible.
"During an emergency, you and your family could be on your own for an extended period of time," said Jim MacDonald, Emergency Program Coordinator for City of Chilliwack.
Emergency responders may not be available as increasing demands are placed on them.
"It may take emergency workers some time to get to you as they help those in most critical need and access to phones, gas, water, sewer and electrical services may be cut off."
The City of Chilliwack has prepared emergency plans and maintains an emergency management organization.
“But being prepared for an emergency is a shared responsibility and learning how to be personally prepared is vital," said MacDonald.
The emergency preparedness presentation will discuss what to do before, during and after disasters either caused by nature or man. Both presentations will be held in council chambers at city hall on Young Road, and they are set for March 22 and March 24 from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Call 604-792-9311 to ensure there are enough seats for everyone.
MacDonald will also being giving a presentation in Promontory on April 4 at 7 p.m. at Promontory elementary, sponsored by the Promontory Residents' Association.