Castlegar seniors have an opportunity to learn more about how to prepare for an emergency, with tips tailored to them.
increasing Recreation Involving Seniors (IRIS) is holding an Emergency Preparedness Interactive Workshop for Seniors (60+) on Friday, July 12 from 10 a.m. to noon, with coffee available after 9:30 a.m.
The workshop will help seniors prepare for an emergency evacuation, be it due to fire, flood, or landslide. Deb Chmara, a former Red Cross volunteer and a member of Emergency Support Services, will be leading the workshop.
"I'm going to be giving them as many tips as I can and focusing it on seniors."
Chmara says many seniors approached her at the recent Castlegar Seniors Resource Expo and said they didn't know how to prepare. She will provide workshop attendees a list of what to pack, but more importantly, will explain the reasoning behind the items on the list, and will address commonly forgotten items, such as can openers and underwear.
Chmara will also help seniors plan for what to do if they live alone and need help evacuating, especially if they don't drive at night. While the long-time Red Cross volunteer will answer questions and provide tips, the workshop is also designed for participants to strategize among themselves and generate their own ideas.
"I would like to try to make it as activity-oriented as I can," she says.
Chmara says she will also discuss what to do after an evacuation, including how to get information, and will explain the difference between an alert and an order.
Sandi McCreight, coordinator for IRIS, says the organization decided to hold the event because it seems inevitable that an emergency will eventually affect Castlegar.
"The best thing we can do is be ready for it and give the knowledge that we can," she says.
The event is free, but registration is required. To register, contact IRIS by phone at 250-608-0706 or by email at castlegarcrn@hotmail.com.