Before an Emergency

If you prepare in advance, you increase your chances of surviving a disaster. Planning ahead allows for a level mind and lots of time to gather information, prepare, and build your emergency kits. Discuss with and educate others on your plan, make it a family project or a challenge amongst friends to be prepared!

Before disaster strikes residents should:

1. Get to know your neighbours

Did you know the simple act of meeting your neighbour can help you cope in a disaster? This Emergency Management British Columbia document provides more information on how you can prepare in your neighbourhood.

In It Together: Neighbourhood Preparedness Guide

2. Develop an emergency plan

Develop a personal or family emergency plan.

Fill-in-the-blanks Home Emergency Plan

3. Make sure you are prepared at home and in your vehicle
Make your emergency kit.

4. Organize emergency supplies
Make sure you have emergency supplies stored at home, in your car and at school or work.

5. Know your emergency phone numbers and procedures
Keep emergency phone numbers near all the telephones in your home and make sure everyone in the family knows the procedures of calling for help.

6. Make your home safer
In case of earthquakes or flooding, conduct a home hazard hunt to identify and eliminate non-structural hazards can help to protect your family and your home.

7. Plan for those with special needs