Comox Valley Emergency Management partners are inviting residents to prepare for wildfire season during Emergency Preparedness Week, with a community event planned for early May.

Wildfire Community Preparedness Day will take place Saturday, May 9 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Comox Valley Farmers’ Market on Headquarters Road.

The free, family-friendly event will bring together fire and emergency services partners to share practical tips on reducing wildfire risk and strengthening emergency preparedness at home and in neighbourhoods.

Lieutenant Ian Robertson, chair of the Comox Valley FireSmart Collaborative and a member of the Courtenay Fire Department, says the event is an opportunity for residents to learn together while building knowledge and confidence ahead of wildfire season.

He says everyone has a role to play in reducing risk across the shared landscape.

Organizers say even small FireSmart steps can help protect homes and communities. Embers from wildfires can travel up to 10 kilometres, meaning actions taken by individual households can make a difference across entire neighbourhoods.

The event will feature interactive displays, live demonstrations and hands-on activities for all ages.

Residents will be able to learn how to reduce ember ignition risks around their homes, apply FireSmart principles, strengthen household emergency plans and build grab-and-go bags for evacuations.

Comox Valley Emergency Management manager Cari McIntyre says Emergency Preparedness Week is an important opportunity for residents and businesses to take practical steps to be ready for unexpected events.

She says being prepared can make a significant difference in how individuals and communities prevent, respond to and recover from emergencies.

Throughout Emergency Preparedness Week, May 3 to 9, Comox Valley Emergency Management will also host information booths at locations across the region.

The team will appear at the River Never Sleeps Festival at Rosewall Creek Hatchery in Fanny Bay on May 3, at Comox Mall on May 4, Royal Canadian Superstore on May 6, and Thrifty Foods on Cliffe Avenue on May 7.

To learn more, visit Comox Valley Regional District.