As summer approaches, the City of Nelson will be performing a TEST of the City’s Emergency Notification System on Tuesday, May 3rd at 11:30am during Emergency Preparedness Week. Anyone registered with the City’s Emergency Notification System will receive a TEST notification on the device they registered with – text, land line or email. The purpose of this test is to get residents thinking about emergency preparedness, provide a preview of what an Emergency Notification alert would look and sound like and encourage those who have not yet registered to do so.

The Voyent Alert! System aligns with communities throughout the Kootenays including RDCK, RDKB and RDEK as the primary Emergency Notification System, allowing residents to be in the know all across the Kootenays. Emergency Notifications will only be used for significant emergencies such as: a nearby wildfire, hazardous materials release, extreme weather or other high consequence events. Notifications will advise users on what is happening and what they should do, such as prepare for evacuation or to take shelter by closing all doors and windows. Signing up for Emergency Notification is a very important part of individual and community preparedness. 

 To sign up, go to http://www.nelson.ca/em_info, use the QR code or go to your favorite App Store to download the Voyent Alert! App and register. 

 In addition to signing up to receive Emergency Notifications, everyone should have a personal Emergency Preparedness Plan. In particular, if asked to evacuate, residents should know in advance where they will go and how they will get there. Also, check with your neighbours as they may assistance. Everyone should have a “Grab-and-Go” bag readily available in case of an emergency or evacuation. Don’t forget to plan for your pets – have carriers, leashes and food in a “Grab-and-Go” bag as well. 

 Emergencies happen unexpectedly and can progress quickly so by making a plan, having a “Grab-and-Go” bag and registering for Emergency Notifications you can take a proactive approach to being prepared.

 For more information on the Nelson Emergency Notifications, visit http://www.nelson.ca/em_info.

 Questions can be emailed to EM@nelson.ca.