Emergency Preparedness Week has officially ended but officials are urging people to be vigilant all year around.

B.C.’s Parliamentary Secretary for Emergency Preparedness Jennifer Rice says it is important that people know what to do, if they ever have to evacuate on short notice.

“Build an emergency kit, have a grab and go bag. Sit down with your family members and write out what you are going to do in the case of a major event,” she said. “Who are the key contacts? Select your important papers, have your spare medications and any eyeglasses or any assistance devices that you need. You want to have those together.”

Rice says it’s a good idea to have enough supplies for 72 hours for each person in your household, irrespective of where in B.C. you live.

“A week if possible. In those supplies that are ready to go, four litres of water per person, per day, and some non perishable food,” Rice added. “If you have canned food, don’t forget the can opener. We’re encouraging British Columbians to have some of those basic supplies ready to go, no matter where you live.”

She says everyone has a role to play when it comes to emergency preparedness.

“Fire risk, flood risk, tsunami risks, and lets not forget, British Columbia has some of the highest seismic risk in Canada, particularly those in the Lower Mainland and on Vancouver Island. But really anywhere in British Columbia, we need to be prepared for a major seismic event.”