Residents encouraged to build skills and resilience ahead of potential emergencies
Campbell River, B.C. — The Strathcona Regional District (SRD) is calling on residents to strengthen their emergency readiness as part of Emergency Preparedness Week, running from May 2 to May 8, 2026. The national campaign aims to promote proactive planning and practical skills that can help individuals and families respond effectively during crises.
The regional district will host a range of events throughout the week, including preparedness workshops and free first aid certification courses. These sessions are designed to equip participants with the tools and confidence needed to respond to emergencies, from household incidents to larger-scale natural disasters.
Focus on practical skills and community readiness
This year’s programming places a strong emphasis on hands-on learning, particularly in first aid and emergency response. Courses will be offered in multiple communities across the region, including Campbell River, Quadra Island, Cortes Island, Zeballos, and Sayward, ensuring broad access for residents.
“During a sudden medical emergency or accident, individuals with first aid training are better prepared to take action and help prevent a person’s condition from worsening,” said SRD Chair Mark Baker. “For patients, this can significantly impact recovery time. First aid training also helps people feel more confident and capable when responding to unexpected situations.”
In addition to first aid certification, the schedule includes workshops on household preparedness, pet safety, wildfire readiness, and tsunami awareness. Several sessions will also be available virtually, expanding access to residents across the district.
Full schedule spans multiple communities and formats
The week’s events begin on May 2 with a two-day Marine (Basic) First Aid course in the Outer Discovery Islands and continue with a mix of in-person and online sessions.
Highlights include:
May 2–3
- Marine (Basic) First Aid in the Outer Discovery Islands
May 3–4
- Household preparedness and pet preparedness sessions on Cortes Island
- Emergency (Basic) First Aid training on Quadra Island and in Campbell River
- Structural Protection Unit demonstration in Sayward
May 6–7
- Marine First Aid training in Zeballos
- Intermediate first aid certification in Campbell River
- Tsunami boater safety and household preparedness virtual sessions
- Wildfire preparedness workshops in Tahsis and Gold River
May 8
- Additional Emergency (Basic) First Aid sessions in Campbell River and Sayward
Organizers note that multi-day courses require attendance at all sessions to receive certification.
Encouraging proactive planning
Emergency Preparedness Week is part of a nationwide initiative aimed at increasing awareness of potential risks and encouraging Canadians to take simple steps to be better prepared. These steps include building emergency kits, creating family communication plans, and gaining basic response skills.
The SRD’s approach combines education with practical training, reflecting growing recognition that community resilience depends on both individual preparedness and shared knowledge.
Residents interested in participating can register for free first aid courses or access virtual session links through the SRD’s website.
Community engagement remains key priority
By offering free and accessible programming, the Strathcona Regional District hopes to remove barriers to participation and foster a culture of preparedness across the region.
The initiative also highlights the role of local governments in supporting emergency readiness, particularly in coastal and rural communities that may face unique challenges during natural disasters or medical emergencies.
As Emergency Preparedness Week approaches, officials are urging residents to take advantage of the available resources and invest time in building skills that could prove critical in times of need.