Residents were lined up prior to the noon opening on Sunday, Oct. 27 for the Lake Cowichan Community Preparedness Team’s open house in the lower Centennial Hall in Lake Cowichan.
Approximately 80 local residents came for the open house and stayed to talk with the various vendors. Refreshments provided by Country Grocer, the Lake Cowichan Christian Fellowship Church and the Lake Cowichan Fire Department were enjoyed by all.
“Our main goals were to help residents to educate themselves prior to weather-related emergencies and to encourage neighbours to connect with neighbours as well,” said organizers.
“It is helpful to know your neighbours prior to an emergency, especially those who are vulnerable, who live on their own or those with health issues that would need to be addressed during an emergency.”
Lake Cowichan Home Hardware, B.C. Hydro, the local RCMP, Cowichan Valley Amateur Radio Society, B.C. Ambulance Service, Lake Cowichan IDA Pharmacy and St. John Ambulance were in attendance to provide pertinent information and emergency products. “
Our team also gave out the current CVRD emergency playbook, a ‘Grab and Go’ list for those who attended and discussed various issues with the attendees during the day,” organizers said.
The group plans to have an emergency playbook workshop in February at the 50 Plus Activity Centre in Lake Cowichan for those who are interested in going through the book to learn about important steps that can be taken prior to an incident.
“Our team was pleased with the attendance and plan on another open house of this type in Lake Cowichan next fall.”
Team members present were: Brenda Penn, chair; Trevor Price, vice chair; Anthea Archer, secretary; Steve Vatcher, Terry Hale and Carolyne Austin. Spouses also helped out during the day with set-up, take down and popcorn prep.