Perth Fire Chief, Trevor Choffe (MBC News Photo)
Perth’s fire chief says last week’s storms, outages and extreme heat are a reminder that emergency planning can start with simple steps at home.
Trevor Choffe, Perth’s director of protective services and fire chief, says the community has seen more weather-related issues in recent years, including storms that can knock out power and create added risks during hot weather.
Choffe says the good news is that residents do not have to wait for Emergency Preparedness Week to take action. He says people can start by looking at where they live, what services they rely on and what could affect them during an outage.
For some, that may mean planning around flooding or nearby bush. For others, it may mean thinking about how long they could manage without power.
Choffe says emergency kits can be built at home and should reflect the people, pets and needs inside each household. That can include water, medication, cash, pet supplies and items for children or older relatives.
He says families should also think about comfort and safety during hot weather, especially if the power goes out or air conditioning stops working.
Choffe says that same kind of planning is happening at the municipal level, where officials are looking at backup power, secure facilities and ways to support residents during emergencies.
He says local fire services are also available to help answer questions, whether residents are thinking about emergency kits, alarms or seasonal safety.
Choffe says being prepared is not about fear. It is about helping families, neighbours and the wider community stay safe when the next storm rolls through.
