DAWSON CITY – Klondike residents received their new Emergency Information Kits on June 11 and 12. They were delivered door-to-door by the two fire departments, Dawson and Klondike Valley.
Dawsonites greeted their kits on June 12, while Bear Creek, Rock Creek and Henderson Corner inhabitants received theirs on June 11.
The kits are contained in a self-hanging plastic bag. The bag contains seven plastic sleeves packed with information about who to contact in various emergencies and how to be ready for such issues as fires, landslides and floods. The Dawson region has experienced all of these in recent years.
These kits contain lists of emergency contact phone numbers, information from multiple organizations on how to prepare for and what to do in case of an emergency, and a small battery-operated radio (batteries included).
The radios will allow folks to listen to 105.5 FM or 106.9 FM, so that even in case of power or telecommunications outages, they can stay updated about any current emergency situations.
Yukon Emergency Measures Services provided a page on everything you need to know, and what information you require, when calling 911.
The RCMP provided their non-emergency phone numbers, reminding people to call 911 for all emergencies, as well as phone numbers to call for information on firearms, and who to contact if you’re a victim of fraud. There is also information on fraud awareness and prevention.
Dawson’s public health nurse compiled the colourful “Dawson Helping Tree”, providing a wealth of contact information for every agency imaginable in the community.
The Dawson City Women’s Shelter provided its 24-hour support line for assistance.
The territory’s Emergency Measures Organization provided a brochure called “Preparing for Emergencies” that addresses making an emergency plan, preparing 72-hour kits, documents, your personal information list, and large “help/okay” cards for your house or vehicle.
Klondike Valley Wildland Fire Management provided their Fire Smart begins at home brochure to help people protect their properties and homes from fires.
The Yukon Fire Marshal’s Office provided their Home Fire Safety Handbook which is filled with safety information procedures for all seasons – including a list of safety equipment every home should have and what to do in case of fire in your home.
Yukon Energy provided its Be prepared stay safe energy safety guide, which provides their emergency number to report power outages or downed power lines, and provides information on safe distance when you’re near power lines, as well as electrical safety during and after floods.
The Red Cross recently located in the Yukon, and have provided their Be Ready brochure, which provides their three steps to be prepared to take care of yourself: know the risks, make a plan, get a kit.
Finally there’s an additional page with advice on preparing for a landslide.
On a Facebook page, Fire Chief Mike Masserey posted: “Thank you to the many organizations and volunteers who worked so hard to make these kits happen.
“A big thank you to the City of Dawson, Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in Government, Dawson EMS, Dawson Rangers, RCMP, Yukon Energy, Wildland Fire, Dawson Health Center, KVFD, DCFD and YG.”
