All of us should take advantage of the sublime North Shore wilderness in our backyard. At the same time, it’s our responsibility to ensure the safety of ourselves and our loved ones.
On Saturday, May 13, North Vancouver School District is hosting its second annual Outdoor Safety and Emergency Preparedness Open House at École Argyle Secondary.
Showcasing first responders and local emergency management experts, the family-friendly event aims to prepare visitors for safe ventures to the outdoors and how to prepare for emergencies.
At the fair, there will be an outdoor trade show, with booths hosted by the likes of Royal Canadian Marine Search and Rescue, North Shore Emergency Management, North Vancouver RCMP and both North Vancouver fire departments. North Shore Rescue, BC AdventureSmart and BC Earthquake Alliance will be putting on workshops throughout the event.
Attendees will be able to speak with experts while getting up close to emergency vehicles and equipment used in real-life missions, including a Talon helicopter used by NSR.
The main site is Argyle's parking lot, which will host the booths and workshops. One or two helicopters will be stationed on the Lynn Valley Park grass field nearby.
The warmer weather and longer days bring even greater enthusiasm for exploring the outdoors, said NSR team leader Mike Danks.
“It’s a great event to get you thinking about what you can do to ensure your solo trip, or trip with family or friends, is memorable and safe,” he said in a statement. “When venturing out into the trails or backcountry, preparation is essential. Make it a habit to plan your trip.”
The health and safety of students and the wider community is a priority for the school district, said superintendent Pius Ryan.
“We all know the importance of proper preparation. With this event, we hope to make it easy for attendees to get the information they need to enhance their safety plans,” he said in a statement.
The free event includes a complimentary bike valet and a variety of food truck options.
Outdoor Safety and Emergency Preparedness Open House
When: Saturday, May 13. 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Workshop schedule on the NVSD website.
Where: École Argyle Secondary, Lynn Valley Park
