1,000 emergency information kits going out to all homes in Dawson City, Yukon

Communication is essential before, during, and after an emergency situation. Knowing who to call, or what to do, could save homes, properties, and even lives.

That is why over 30 emergency responders in Dawson City, Yukon, gathered at the town's fire hall this week to pack emergency information kits to be handed out to local residents.

Each kit contains emergency contact numbers for the two local fire departments, the RCMP, Dawson City Rangers, Yukon Search and Rescue, the Emergency Measures Organization, and other local organizations.

The kits contain information sheets and booklets from Canadian Red Cross, Yukon Wildland Fire, and Yukon EMS, as well as a hand-held FM radio — to monitor the town's emergency broadcast frequency 105.5 — and batteries.

Dawson's fire Chief Mike Masserey said the initiative was a direct response to last year's historic flooding in the Klondike Valley.

"We are taking [a kit] to every single resident," he said. "One per house in Dawson, West Dawson, Sunnydale, Klondike, like Rock Creek and Henderson, and Bear Creek."

Masserey said a total of 1,000 emergency information kits were packaged on Wednesday night.

Community members helping community members

Eddie Dixon and his son Gavin were among the group packing emergency kits. As new members of the Klondike Valley Fire Department, they wanted to do something to give back to the community.

"It's a good father-and-son thing to do," said Eddie. "This is about caring. It's about showing how big your heart is because you're volunteering and doing something like this."

Gavin was quick to agree with his dad.

"It's a lot of enjoyment," he said. "It's a good bonding time for us."

Eddie said being a part of the initiative was also an opportunity for him and his son to learn more about the resources that are available during an emergency.

Another who volunteered their time was Manishkumar Patel. He's been with the Dawson City Fire Department for the past five years.

He said being a part of a community is all about helping each other without expecting anything in return.

"When people see any kind of emergency happen, and lots of volunteers help without purpose... they realize, 'these guys help, so why don't I help?'" said Patel.

Patel joked that he wasn't sure how many of kits he'd personally assemble, but said that at the end of the day, it is all about teamwork.

Another volunteer, Riley Elliot, said the kits have everything someone would need to know in an emergency situation.

She said she's proud to see how the community came together on such short notice to make the initiative happen.

"To see everyone show up just like that, for something like this, is super cool," she said. "I think it's great."

Members of the Dawson City and Klondike Valley fire departments, and the Canadian Rangers will be going door to door handing out the emergency information kits on June 12.

The Dawson City Fire Department said if it runs out of kits before getting one to every household, it will make more.