Storm-toppled trees, thousands without power, ferry sailings cancelled, the Malahat closed for hours 鈥� the events of this week remind us that we should be aware of 鈥� and prepared for 鈥� our Island paradise鈥檚 many vulnerabilities.
And with the World Meteorological Organization predicting the strongest El Ni帽o weather pattern in 15 years, we are likely to see more severe weather this winter.
A powerful storm system swept through Tuesday, bringing heavy rains and high winds. Roads flooded, trees toppled and power was knocked out for about 100,000 people on south 91原创 Island. Ferry sailings were delayed or cancelled.
Adding to those woes was an unrelated traffic accident that closed the Malahat for hours on Wednesday, showing us how easily transportation can be disrupted.
For most people, the storm鈥檚 effects were inconvenient, but it doesn鈥檛 take much for an inconvenience to turn into an emergency. If you are forced to drive around the block because a tree fell across a street, that鈥檚 inconvenient. If a fallen tree blocks the only way into a rural area, and first responders are needed, that鈥檚 an emergency.
We hear much about being ready for the next big earthquake, but we should be even more prepared for the next big storm. Basic emergency-preparedness is not onerous: sufficient water, food, medications and other supplies (don鈥檛 forget a sturdy pair of shoes) for two or three days; some cash on hand; and plans for contacting friends and family.
The difference between an inconvenience and an emergency could be your preparation.
