During an Emergency

Every community has the potential to experience emergencies and disasters. Part of being prepared is knowing the types of hazards which could impact the community.

The City has identified the following potential hazards in Richmond. Use the following hazard links to learn how to protect yourself.

• Air Crash
• Active Threat
• Earthquake
• Flooding
• Hazardous Material Spill
• Medical Emergency
• Severe Weather

Best Practices during a Significant Emergency or Disaster

During an emergency the City, and first responders, will be working hard to save lives, prevent further damage, restore and repair infrastructure that was damaged, and ensure critical services remain available to residents.

In order to stay informed and follow the most up-to-date information and recommendations it is important to stay connected with official information sources, and avoid rumors or other unverified information.

During, and after an emergency you should monitor the City’s website and social media accounts for City related information:
 City of Richmond
 City of Richmond
 City of Richmond

You can also sign up for the City’s Emergency Notification System to receive emergency information. Additionally, be sure to monitor TV and Radio stations for further information. The City will provide updates using as many methods as possible, to reach the widest audience possible.

Do not call the City unless you are unable to find answers to critical questions through the channels mentioned above. Keep the lines free for those with serious, urgent, inquiries.

One of the most important ways people can support emergency services after an emergency (an "event") is to stay off phones and keep congestion to a minimum. Here’s how you can help:

• After any event, once it is safe to do so, ensure all phones are on the hook or otherwise "hung-up." This will ensure no calls are accidentally made, and that you are reachable should someone need to contact you.
• Follow the suggestions listed in the Emergency Telephone Numbers and Information Sources to remain connected and receive up-to-date information.
• Do not use the telephone immediately unless a life is at stake.
• If you have a serious emergency, dial 9-1-1. If you hear a busy signal, hang up and dial again. If you receive a recorded announcement, stay on the line and wait for a call-taker. Do not hang up. Your call will be answered as soon as possible.
• Do not call 9-1-1 for information or to ask questions about the emergency. Help keep 9-1-1 lines free for those with serious emergencies.
• Listen to your radio and TV for instructions and information, including finding out when it’s clear to telephone relatives and friends.
• For more information visit E-Comm

Evacuating
It may be necessary to conduct a planned, or emergency evacuation of your area as a result of a significant emergency or disaster.

Ignoring evacuation warnings and orders could jeopardize the safety of your family and those people who might eventually have to come to your rescue.

Here are steps you can expect to have to follow during an evacuation. Prepare in advance where possible to make an evacuation as safe and efficient as possible. Packing a grab-and-go bag, as an example, will help ensure you have all you need in a rapid evacuation.

The steps below are an example of an evacuation process. During the evacuation always follow directions from first responders.

1. Stay calm.
2. If you require assistance evacuating (such as physical support) contact your support network. If you are unable to find assistance, contact first responders immediately.
3. Gather your family; a neighbour or someone who may need help.
4. When you leave, take your emergency grab-and-go bag with you.
5. Take essential items that are available only if there is time. These could include things such as diapers, baby food, clothes, critical medications and money.
6. If possible, turn off appliances such as stove, lights, air conditioning and heaters.
7. Do not use more cars than you absolutely have to (streets will be filled with other evacuating residents).
8. Keep the windows and vents in the car closed.
9. Follow the routes specified by officials. Don’t take shortcuts. They could lead you to a blocked or dangerous area.
10. Avoid fast moving water or water with an unknown depth. If your car gets stuck in water evacuate the car as quickly as possible – if you are able to safely do so. Do not stay with the car as conditions can rapidly change and you may not be able to get out later.
11. Do not use the telephone unless you need immediate emergency service.
12. Register with the designated reception centre so that you can reunite with family and loved ones. (Information on location would soon be on the news and City social media channels)
13. Follow the contacts listed in the Emergency Telephone Numbers and Information Sources section to remain connected and receive up-to-date information.

Stay Where You Are (Shelter-in-Place)
It may be necessary to order residents to shelter-in-place as a result of an emergency.

Shelter-in-place is not the same as simply staying indoors. It is a process of going indoors immediately and blocking airflow in and out of the building you are in.

Here are a few examples of steps you may have to follow to shelter-in-place. As with evacuations, always follow the instructions provided by first responders. Preparing in advance will increase your chances for being able to quickly and efficiently protect yourself and your family. Visit PreparedBC for more information on preparing your home.

1. Move indoors as quickly as possible.
2. Close all openings. Use duct tape or plastic wrap to seal leaks in openings.
3. Turn off all heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems. Close vents.
4. Do not use fireplaces. Close all fireplace dampers.
5. Do not operate the clothes dryer. If possible disconnect and seal the dryer hose.
6. Close drapes, curtains and shades. Stay away from external windows.
7. Stay in an inside room away from windows and doors if possible.
8. Use telephones only if you need immediate emergency service.
9. Avoid smoking as it contaminates the air.
10. Do not leave the building until told it is safe to do so.
11. Follow the contacts listed in the Emergency Telephone Numbers and Information Sources section to remain connected and receive up-to-date information.
12. Turn on the radio or television for information on the news.