In a proactive step toward building a safer and more resilient community, the City of Maple Ridge is offering a series of free emergency preparedness workshops for residents. These “Be Emergency Ready” workshops are designed to provide practical knowledge and resources, empowering individuals and families to handle unexpected emergencies with confidence and calm.
The workshops, organized by the City’s Emergency Program team, are open to all Maple Ridge residents and will cover a variety of essential topics. These include how to build an emergency kit, create a household emergency plan, and understand the roles of local emergency services. Participants will also learn what to do during specific types of disasters such as wildfires, severe storms, floods, and earthquakes — all of which have affected different parts of B.C. in recent years.
The Importance of Emergency Preparedness Workshops
The City of Maple Ridge and emergency response experts recommend that all households be prepared to be self-sufficient for at least 72 hours after a disaster. This means having enough food, water, medication, and supplies for every member of the household, including pets. Recovery efforts sometimes take days or even weeks, so early preparation ensures both personal safety and support for those who may need extra help in the area.
Why Now?
The workshops come at a crucial time. In recent years, the Lower Mainland and surrounding regions have experienced a significant increase in severe weather events, including record-breaking heatwaves, devastating wildfires, and flooding.
Last year’s wildfire season prompted evacuations in several B.C. communities, and heavy rainfall led to major flooding and infrastructure damage in parts of the Fraser Valley. Experts warn that climate change is likely to make such events more frequent and severe in the coming decades.
“Emergencies can happen at any time, often without warning,” says Fire Chief Michael Van Dop. “It’s not about living in fear — it’s about being ready.”
What Residents Will Learn
Participants in the “Be Emergency Ready” workshops will:
- Learn about the various hazards facing Maple Ridge (like floods and earthquakes).
- Receive step-by-step instructions for assembling an emergency kit tailored to their household’s needs.
- Develop personalized family emergency plans, including pet preparedness strategies.
- Gain essential safety tips for staying secure during emergencies.
- Understand how to support vulnerable neighbors and coordinate community response.
- Get access to the city’s online neighborhood preparedness guide and resources for purchasing or assembling ready-made kits.
These workshops are highly interactive, creating opportunities for residents to ask questions and connect with each other, further strengthening the fabric of the community.
What Participants Can Expect
Each 90-minute session includes interactive demonstrations, real-life case studies, and take-home resources. Attendees will get hands-on experience assembling an emergency kit with everyday items and will receive checklists and templates to help them create personalized emergency plans for their households.
There will also be special sessions focusing on the needs of vulnerable populations such as seniors, people with disabilities, and pet owners. Additionally, local emergency responders and community volunteers will be present to answer questions and share their own experiences in dealing with past emergencies.
“We’ve designed the sessions to be practical, engaging, and suitable for people of all ages,” Carrington adds. “We want people to leave feeling confident, not overwhelmed.”
Workshop Details
The workshops, open to all Maple Ridge residents, are held at convenient locations and times across the community. Three evening sessions take place at the Albion Community Centre, and three afternoon sessions are hosted at the Maple Ridge Public Library. Each workshop lasts about 90 minutes, ensuring participants receive comprehensive guidance without taking up too much of their time.
Upcoming Workshop Dates
- Evening Workshops at Albion Community Centre (24165-104th Ave.)
- January 9, February 18, March 18 — 6:00 p.m.
- Afternoon Workshops at Maple Ridge Public Library
- January 14, February 11, March 11 — 2:00 p.m.
Spaces for each session are limited, making early registration essential. Interested participants can secure their spot online via Eventbrite. All workshops are provided free of charge.
How to Register
Workshops will begin in September and run through November at various locations around Maple Ridge, including community centres, libraries, and local schools. Registration is free but required, as space is limited.
Residents can sign up through the City of Maple Ridge’s website or by calling the Emergency Program office directly. Dates, times, and venue information are listed online.
For those unable to attend in person, the City also plans to launch a digital version of the workshop later this year. This will include video tutorials, downloadable guides, and a virtual Q&A forum hosted by emergency preparedness experts.
Building Community Resilience
Emergencies—whether natural disasters like floods, wildfires, and earthquakes, or unforeseen events like extended power outages—can happen with little warning. Recognizing this, the City of Maple Ridge has made community preparedness a top priority. Their emergency readiness program highlights the importance of everyone knowing the risks specific to the Maple Ridge area, developing family emergency plans, and stockpiling supplies necessary to sustain households for at least 72 hours after an incident.
A Community Effort
The City emphasizes that emergency preparedness is not just the responsibility of individuals, but of the entire community. By working together and staying informed, Maple Ridge aims to build a safer, more resilient future for everyone.
“We hope these workshops are just the beginning,” Carrington says. “Preparedness is a journey — and we’re here to walk it with our residents every step of the way.”
Getting Involved and Learning More
Beyond participating in the workshops, residents can connect with Maple Ridge’s Emergency Program throughout the year. During Emergency Preparedness Week (May 4-10, 2025), the city will offer additional events, seminars, and information booths to further promote readiness.
To stay informed and access city resources, residents are encouraged to visit Maple Ridge’s official emergency readiness portal and sign up for local alerts and newsletters.