Block Watch is beefing up their programs by partnering with Chilliwack Fire Department to offer emergency preparedness training for Block Watch Captains and Co-Captains.
“In an effort to enhance the Block Watch program with this training, participants will add a layer of safety knowledge, and learn how to create a plan in the event of a natural emergency that can be followed by residents on their street,” said Kathy Funk, Chilliwack Block Watch coordinator.
Block Watch has grown by 27 per cent in the past year, with households from more than 60 Chilliwack streets participating in the program and more than 20 interested in starting up a Block Watch chapter in their neighbourhoods.
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The Chilliwack Crime Prevention Society is excited to now be able to offer Block Watch Captains and Co-Captains the opportunity to increase their knowledge with this training.
The first session is April 10 with instructor and fire prevention officer Lt. Lisa Axelson of the Chilliwack Fire Department, starting at 7 p.m. at Firehall 4 on South Sumas.
Block Watch is a program of “neighbours helping neighbours” and is a free community-based crime prevention program administered by the Chilliwack Crime Prevention Society.
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Residents on a street or in a complex form a communication chain. They make a commitment to watch out for each others’ properties, report suspicious activities both to each other and the local police. Captains and Co-Captains in the Block Watch program can register for training at chilliwackblockwatch@shaw.ca
@CHWKjourno
jfeinberg@theprogress.com
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