CCEM Strategies proudly supports Emergency Preparedness (EP) Week, recognized annually in May. The focus for EP Week 2023 is Natural Resources Canada’s Earthquake Early Warning System, which will become operational in 2024. It’s a good reminder for all of us to prepare for not only an earthquake, but also any kind of public emergency.
Why you need to be self-sufficient for at least 72 hours
In the event of a natural disaster, such as an earthquake or major flood, emergency responders will be overwhelmed, and utilities such as water and electricity may be impacted, so it’s important that you and your loved ones are able to be self-sufficient for a minimum of 72 hours after such an event.
The recent earthquakes in Turkey and Syria, ice storms in Quebec and historic amount of snow in San Bernardino County, California are prime examples of the type of emergencies that have left people without support for days, even weeks. The key to ensuring you can be self-sufficient is to prepare. Here’s what you need to know—and do—to get yourself ready.
Know the hazards in your area
There are various types of hazards and disasters, each with its own unique risks. It’s important to be aware of the types of hazards that can occur in your region and consequently how to prepare. They could include:
avalanches
pandemics/disease outbreaks
earthquakes
floods
hazardous material spills
landslides
power outages
extreme weather
tsunamis
wildfires
Make an emergency plan
Make sure you and your loved ones are on the same page about how you’ll respond to a disaster. You should develop a plan for:
your household
children, seniors or people with disabilities in your care
your pets
your place of work
You may also want to discuss response options with your neighbours and develop a neighbourhood response plan. If disaster strikes, you may need immediate assistance and if emergency responders can’t get to you, having a good relationship with your neighbours will provide a support system for everyone, which can help decrease anxiety at a very stressful time.
Why you need an emergency kit and what it should includE
Depending on the type of emergency, you may either need to leave your home or work immediately, or shelter-in-place. Having the necessary supplies to take care of yourself and anyone else in your care is especially important. Putting together an emergency kit or grab-and-go bag prior to a disaster can help alleviate stress and ensure you and your family are safe.
Your kit should include essentials such as a battery or hand crank radio, flashlight and batteries, cell phone and charger, important papers, cash and sturdy footwear. You should also prepare for the event that basic services such as water, electricity, gas and phone service are not working. Have on hand at least four litres of water per person per day, shelf stable food, baby formula and pet food if necessary, and a first aid kit.
Our infographic, How to Prepare Your Family for an Emergency, provides details at glance on how to prepare for an emergency and what to include in your kit.
More resources to help you prepare for emergencies
Prepared BC is the public emergency preparation and recovery resource for the Province of BC. It includes resources on building kits, making plans, evacuation and recovery and educational programs.
Prepared BC has several free hazard- and circumstance-specific emergency preparedness guides to help you prepare not only your household, business and pets, but also for specific hazard such as earthquakes, extreme heat, etc.
Get Prepared is the Government of Canada’s emergency planning resource and it also provides resources to help you promote awareness about EP Week.