Natural disasters can be unpredictable, but one Richmond community is taking control of its emergency preparedness.
Residents of Nautica South, on No. 2 Road near Dyke Road, is working on a plan involving all its residents in the event of a natural disaster or other emergency.
Long-time resident Dolores Werk told the Richmond News that Nautica South's council and residents have mostly supported a collective emergency preparedness plan for their building.
What makes this building's emergency plan unique is that each floor of the complex has its own floor leaders.
There are eight floor leaders in total, two on each of the four floors, Werk said.
"Leaders mean that these are the people who understand how to deal with hazards like fire conditions," she added.
Floor leaders and some residents are looking to be certified in first aid, she said, but most importantly, the floor leaders help stay people calm when the alarm goes off and everyone comes out of their units.
Leaders know who on their floors have mobility concerns and would direct people to the stairs during an emergency.
"It's not overbearing and they have a vest to identify them. They have been educated on earthquake emergencies also."
Nautica South had its first introductory presentation to emergency preparedness in October, where they touched on what "go bags" are.
About 30 people of 110 units in the building came to the presentation, with a second one held on March 18 with 26 attendees.
"We have to continue with reminders," Werk said."It's been a year since we had this presentation, your go-bag should be checked and continue to bring new information."
Mini "24-hour go-bag" parting favours were given out to the attendees of the March 18 event, she added.
These go-bags were funded by the Nautica South Express recycle group—a small team of women who have set up a collection area in the building's garbage room. Their efforts help raise money as a token of appreciation for residents who recycle responsibly.
City, fire department support safety "100 per cent"
At one of the presentations, Richmond Fire-Rescue crew discussed the importance of "go bags" and what should be in them already in case they need to be grabbed last minute.
The fire department's staff also talked about the use of fire blankets and fire extinguishers.
Nautica South is also looking into purchasing is an automated external defibrillator (AED).
"I think by us being a caring council and residents, we can keep an awareness amongst all the people of Richmond even by just a little bit," said Werk.
"We know that the fire department and the City of Richmond are 100 per cent behind the safety of our people."
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