Prepared BC is B.C.’s emergency preparedness education program and we are here to help you get ready for the hazards we all face
Recently, B.C. has coped with a continuing pandemic, a record-breaking heat dome and a devastating atmospheric river event. These emergencies were felt across the province and are having lasting effects on those still recovering. As we look ahead, we know that a changing climate is causing more frequent and destructive weather events. Everyone has a role in emergency preparedness and now is the time to ensure you’re prepared.
British Columbia is working on an all-ofsociety approach to disaster risk reduction. That means everyone, in every organization, including individual citizens has a role to play in emergency preparation, response and recovery. Together, we can plan ahead, improve our response to these events and recover with a focus on reducing potential damages in the future. When everyone takes steps to getting prepared, communities can minimize damage and recover faster. Individual citizens have a lot of power in determining how well their communities cope with emergencies.
GET PREPARED
Getting your household ready can seem like a daunting, expensive task. But it doesn’t have to be. Visit PreparedBC.ca to learn more about the 3-step process and access free resources, including fill-in-theblank plans.
First, know the hazards you face. There are 10 major hazards we face in B.C. and they vary across our landscape. Some are widespread like severe weather, power outages and wildfire, while some are regional like tsunamis and avalanches. Find out what hazards you face where you live, work, and travel. Check out our interactive hazard map at PreparedBC.ca/hazards
Second, make your plan. Planning is free and easy with our fill-in-the-blanks guide. Having a plan means your whole household will know where to go, what to do, and have vital information at their fingertips during an emergency. Emergencies are high-intensity and stressful – you can help lessen fear and respond with confidence simply by taking 30 minutes to make your plan and ensure everyone has a copy in their grab-and-go bag or saved to their devices. Start your planning at PreparedBC.ca/emergencyplan
Third, gather your supplies. This step doesn’t have to be costly. You’ll want an emergency kit if you need to shelter in place after an earthquake or when a pandemic has you isolating at home. Grab-and-go bags are there for when you need to leave quickly and won’t have time to pack. Use an old backpack or duffle bag and slowly add supplies starting with what you already have on hand. Add items you don’t have on hand to your grocery list and pick up extra items when they’re on sale. For non-grocery items, try the local thrift and dollar stores. If gathering your supplies is too time-consuming and your budget allows, buy one pre-made. Don’t forget to include the supplies unique to your household’s needs – including your pets!
Visit PreparedBC.ca/emergencykit for the full list of supplies.
Getting your household prepared doesn’t have to happen in one day. Stick to our 3-step process and start with one small part today. Get everyone involved and before you know it, you’ll be prepared and feel more confident about how your household will respond in an emergency. Want to learn more? Follow @PreparedBC on Facebook and Twitter.