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MEDIA RELEASE

For Immediate Release May 2, 2022

North Vancouver School District hosts

Outdoor Safety and Emergency Preparedness Open House

Saturday, May 7, 2022

The North Vancouver School District is proud to host its first Outdoor Safety and Emergency Preparedness Open House at Argyle Secondary on Saturday, May 7, 2022.

This family-friendly community event will showcase the expertise of local emergency management bodies and first responders and aims to build awareness and resiliency around outdoor safety and emergency preparedness.

The event consists of an outdoor trade show and select information sessions/workshops hosted by participating organizations. Those in attendance will have the opportunity to speak with and learn from experts and get up close to emergency vehicles and equipment used in real-life rescues, including North Shore Rescue helicopters, a Royal Canadian Marine Search & Rescue lifeboat, a North Vancouver City Fire Department ladder truck, and a District of North Vancouver Fire & Rescue Services wild land trailer and truck.

This free event also includes a complimentary bike valet service and a variety of food truck options where food and refreshments are available for purchase.

Participating organizations include:

• North Shore Rescue
• District of North Vancouver Fire & Rescue Services
• North Vancouver City Fire Department
• North Vancouver RCMP Community Police Services
• Royal Canadian Marine Search & Rescue – Station #2
• BC AdventureSmart
• North Shore Emergency Management
• ShakeOut BC
• North Shore Black Bear Society
• Metro Vancouver Regional Parks
• Cheakamus Centre
• Girl Guides of Canada
• Pacific Autism Family Network
• HUB Cycling
  

Quotes

Sylvia Russell, Acting Superintendent, North Vancouver School District

The health, safety and well-being of students, families and wider North Vancouver community is a
priority for the school district, and I am therefore thrilled the North Vancouver School District is
hosting the first Outdoor Safety and Emergency Preparedness Open House. Coinciding with the
last day of Emergency Preparedness Week, this targeted event aims to bring the community
together and connect residents with the experts in emergency preparedness and management.
We all know the importance of proper preparation; with this event, we hope to make it easy for
residents to get the information they need to begin or enhance their safety plans.

Mike Danks, Team Leader, North Shore Rescue

The warmer weather and longer days bring even greater enthusiasm for exploring the outdoors.
When venturing out into the trails or backcountry, preparation is essential. Make it a habit to plan
your trip. Visit North Shore Rescue and other local emergency bodies at the Outdoor Safety and
Emergency Preparedness Open House – it’s your one stop for all you need to ensure your solo
trip, or trip with family or friends, is memorable and safe.

Sandra Riches, Executive Director, BC AdventureSmart

#DYK the North Shore mountains is one of the busiest regions in Canada for search and rescue
(SAR)? B.C. has over 1,900 SAR incidents each year, and the top three reasons outdoor
enthusiasts need help, based on data-driven insights, are for injuries, getting lost and/or
disoriented, and exceeding abilities. BC AdventureSmart increases awareness about trip planning,
training and taking the essentials (3Ts) to help reduce the number and severity of incidents.
Heading outdoors? Start with @BCAdvSmart; #BCAdventureSmart.

Emily Dicken, Director, North Shore Emergency Management

NSEM is truly excited to join the North Vancouver School District for this amazing family event
and to celebrate Emergency Preparedness Week. There’s never been a better time to ‘get
prepared’! Our staff and volunteers will be there, eager to answer all questions, and help attendees
give our prize wheel a spin. See you there!

Naomi Yamamoto, President, BC Earthquake Alliance

We are excited to join the North Vancouver School District and other exhibitors during Emergency
Preparedness Week. Our staff and volunteers look forward to helping you register for the Great
BC ShakeOut. Please stop by to learn more about how you can increase emergency preparedness
in your household, workplace, and neighbourhood. We have some great resources about what to
do during an earthquake or tsunami. Test your knowledge and win some great prizes!

More information

Outdoor Safety and Emergency Preparedness Open House (link also accessible from www.sd44.ca)
About the North Vancouver School District The North Vancouver School District provides world-class instruction and a rich diversity of engaging programs to inspire success for every student and bring communities together to learn, share and grow. As a school district with over 15,000 students, their parents and caregivers, and more than 2,500 staff, there is a strong sense of community. Visit www.sd44.ca to learn more.

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Contact

Lisa Dalla Vecchia
Communications Manager
North Vancouver School District
604.903.1254

NVSD44_Outdoor Safety and Emergency Preparedness Open House_Media Release