Emergency Preparedness

In the event of a major emergency or natural disaster event in your community, it may take local rescue and response teams some time to reach you. It is recommended that you be prepared to care for yourself and your family for a minimum of 72 hours. Learn how quick and easy it is to become better prepared to face a range of emergencies – anytime, anywhere.

Steps to Emergency Preparedness & Emergency Planning Guide

From identifying the risks and potential hazards to your home, business, and community to learning how to create an emergency preparedness plan and build an emergency kit, the 3 Steps to Emergency Preparedness Brochure and the 

Your Emergency Guide are excellent resources to better help you plan and prepare! 

Building an Emergency Kit

Not sure what to put in an emergency kit for your home or car? This quick guide can help determine the basic essential supplies to prepare for an emergency.Watch the following short video for more information to help you plan and prepare: Build an Emergency Kit

Basic Emergency Kit

• Water & water purifier – at least two litres of water per person per day
• Food that won’t spoil, such as canned food, energy bars and dried foods
• Manual can-opener
• Crank or battery-powered flashlight (and extra batteries).
• Battery-powered radio (and extra batteries) or Weatheradio
• First aid kit
• Extra keys to your car and house
• Small bills and change for payphones
• A copy of your emergency plan & contact information
• If applicable: medication, infant formula, equipment for people with disabilities, & food, water and medication for your pet or service animal (personalize according to your needs)

Recommended Additional Items

• Candles and matches or lighter (place candles in deep, sturdy containers and do not burn unattended)
• Change of clothing and footwear per family member
• Sleeping bag or warm blanket
• Toiletries, toilet paper, & hand sanitizer
• Utensils
• Garbage bags
• Basic tools (hammer, pliers, wrench, screwdrivers, work gloves, dust mask, pocket knife)
• A whistle (in case you need to attract attention)
• Duct tape (to tape up windows, doors, air vents, etc.)

Making a Plan

Get prepared, make a home emergency plan! In 8 easy steps this emergency plan helps identify escape routes, establish a meeting place, plan for children, address health needs & special medical requirements, plan for pets, identify the risks and hazards specific to your community & region, gather local emergency service contact information, and complete safe home instructions for your residence. Make a Plan today!

Preparedness for Persons with Disabilities, Seniors, & Pets

Emergencies can be overwhelming and stressful. These types of situations can introduce additional challenges and may make some conditions worse for some people. The following guide from PreparedBC is an excellent resource for those with disabilities to plan accordingly for an emergency or natural disaster: PreparedBC Resource for People with Disabilities

There are  additional ways to be ready to respond in the event of an emergency that are above and beyond the “basics” for emergency planning that some, such as seniors, may want to consider.  such as having a personal support network, getting an emergency kit and having it accessible, gathering additional supplies such as medications, glasses, and other specialized personal equipment. Visit the link for more further points of consideration: PreparedBC Preparedness for Seniors

During an emergency, your companion (pet) will be relying on you to care them until help is available. PreparedBC has a informative guide on things to consider when preparing to care for your pet following a natural disaster or emergency: PreparedBC Prepare for Your Pets 

All links, resources, and general information compiled from PreparedBC & GetPrepared

Using Technology During a Disaster

We rely on technology more and more to keep in touch with our family, friends, and colleagues with a click of a button. But what happens in the event of a major emergency? Suddenly these tools can become vital in helping you and your family get in touch and stay informed. So here are some tips on the use of technology in an emergency:

• If possible, use non-voice channels like text messaging, email or social media. These use less bandwidth than voice communications and may work even when phone service doesn’t.
• If you must use a phone, keep your conversation brief and convey only vital information to emergency personnel and/or family. This will also conserve your phone’s battery.
• Unable to complete a call? Wait 10 seconds before redialing to help reduce network congestion. Note, cordless phones rely on electricity and will not work during a power outage. If you have a landline, keep at least one corded phone in your home.
• Keep a charger for your mobile device in your emergency kit. Consider getting a solar-powered, crank, or vehicle phone charger. If you don’t have a cell phone, keep a prepaid phone card in your emergency kit.
• Keep your contacts up to date on your phone, email and other channels. This will make it easier to reach important contacts, such as friends, family, neighbours, child’s school, or insurance agent.
• If you have a smartphone, save your safe meeting location(s) on its mapping application.
• Conserve your smartphone’s battery by reducing the screen’s brightness, placing your phone in airplane mode, and closing apps you are not using. You never know how long a power outage will last!

Contact and Information

For ongoing Emergency Management information or in the event of an emergency on the North Island please contact the RDMW Emergency Coordinator at:  emergencycoordinator@rdmw.bc.ca