This year, all provinces in Canada have proclaimed May 1-7 as Emergency Preparedness Week.

The recent earthquakes in Turkey and Taiwan have focused attention on the need to be prepared for disasters, natural or otherwise. In Vancouver, here are some of the activities offered during Emergency Preparedness Week:

April 30 and May 1 Emergency Preparedness Fair
A fun, two-day family event held April 30 and May 1, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. respectively, at the Vancouver Fire and Rescue Training facility. This is located at 1353 Chess Street. The best access for pedestrians and vehicles is from Station Street, beside the VIA Rail station. A free event, the EP Fair is a chance to learn more about emergency preparedness. Lots of rescue demonstrations, children’s activities, and entertainment.
For more information: 665-6073 www.city.vancouver.bc.ca/epfair

May 2 and 3 Student tours of Vancouver’s Emergency Operations Centre
Students from Vancouver secondary schools tour the Vancouver EOC, which is located in the E-Comm Centre at 3301 East Pender Street. Tours will be given at 9 and 11 a.m, 1 and 3 p.m. each day, and will include an emergency preparedness talk and emergency disaster kit demonstration.

May 2 and 6 Saltwater Pump Station demonstrations
City staff will demonstrate the firefighting capabilities of the Dedicated Fire Protection System (DFPS) in False Creek on May 2 at 1 p.m. The system will generate an impressive 75m fountain of water over the Creek. On May 6 at 2 p.m. the system will be demonstrated in Coal Harbour, just west of Canada Place.

May 3 Recognition of Volunteers
To recognize the contribution of volunteers toward emergency planning in Vancouver, Mayor Philip Owen will award 12 certificates ‘For Outstanding Contribution to Emergency Preparedness’. The volunteers are involved in Emergency Social Services, Urban Search and Rescue and the Vancouver Emergency Community Telecommunications Organization . The award ceremony will take place May 3, 4-5 p.m., in the Mayor’s Office, on the third floor of City Hall.

May 5 Operation Vesper (earthquake simulation)
"Operation Vesper" is a unique opportunity for selected high school students to participate in a real-time earthquake simulation at the Vancouver Emergency Operations Centre. Thirty-six schools are participating. Two students from each school will be chosen based on an essay contest about earthquake preparedness. City staff will guide students through the exercise.