Emergency Programs

Learn more:

www.emergencypreparednessweek.ca

www.pep.bc.ca

Is your family prepared to be self-sufficient for at least 72 hours in case of an emergency? 

1.       Know the Hazards

Do you know what hazards are present in your neighbourhood and in your home?

The Provincial Emergency Program has identified over 40 hazards that could affect British Columbia.

In the East Kootenay, the top three hazards are:
         ■     wildfires
         ■     flooding 
         ■     hazardous material incidents 
                - (PEP number  (1-800-6633456) for reporting - CANUTEC website)

Other hazards, depending on location, are debris flows, landslides, avalanches, dam failures, and gas leaks.  As a region, we also need to be prepared for wide-spread disasters such as a pandemic and severe weather events. 

Some hazards are even closer to home.  Have you conducted a Home Hazard Hunt?  Follow this checklist to find common hazards and take steps to reduce risks.

2.       Prepare an Emergency Plan

The Regional District has established Emergency Programs for all electoral areas and a number of municipalities. At the heart of the programs is the Emergency Plan.  This document helps ensure a coordinated response between all emergency responders.  The plan is continually updated and refined.

Emergency preparedness is a shared responsibility.  Everyone has a part to play – the individual, private business, volunteer organizations, and government agencies.

In a major emergency, help may take some time to arrive.  Members of a family may become separated.  Each family’s situation is unique and you are in the best position to plan for your needs.  Help yourself to be prepared by putting together an Emergency Plan for your home and family.

Some things to think about:
          ■     where the exits are from your home and neighbourhood
          ■     a meeting place to reunite with family or roommates
          ■     a designated person to pick up your children should you be unavailable
          ■     close-by and out-of-town contact persons
          ■     health information
          ■     a place for your pet to stay
          ■     the location of your fire extinguisher, water valve, electrical box,
                 gas valve and floor drain.

Take half and hour to prepare a customized plan for your family at http://www.getprepared.ca/plan/plan_e.asp

 3.      Assemble an Emergency Kit

Do you have what you and your family need to survive and support each other for 3 days? 

Here are items to include in your emergency kit:

          ■     Water

                       •     Minimum of 4 litres per person, per day

                       •     Replace every 6 months

          ■      Food

                       •     Store nutritious, calorie-dense, non-perishable food items that    

                             your family likes to eat

                       •     Rotate before expiry date

                       •     Don’t forget a manual can-opener

          ■      First Aid Supplies

                       •     Keep 2 kits, one for your house and one for your car

          ■      Tools and Emergency Supplies

                       •      Communications : Radio

                       •      Light and heat: Flashlight, flares, candles, matches

                       •      Signaling devices: Signs, whistles

                       •      Tools, rope, scissors, pencil and paper

                       •      Containers and covers

                       •      Personal hygiene items and disinfectants

                       •      Money

                       •      Items to help pass the time: cards

                       •      Survival book and maps

          ■      Clothing and Bedding

                       •      Change of clothing

                       •      Sturdy footwear and other protective equipment

                       •      Warm blanket or sleeping bag. 

          ■     Special Items

                       •      Do any members of your family need eye glasses, medications,
                              baby formula, etc.?

                       •      Important Documents 

                       •      Don’t forget about your pets

Keep the emergency kit in a cool, dry place.  A garbage can or large backpack makes a great storage container.  Make sure everyone knows where it is kept. 

4.       Practice Your Plan

The best way to be prepared is to physically go through the steps that might be needed in an emergency.  The RDEK firmly believes in this and has established a comprehensive full scale emergency exercise program.

To practice in your home, think of some possible scenarios that might occur.  Actually go through the motions of what you would do, using your plan as a guide.  Here are a few scenarios to get you started:
          ■     You’re sleeping in bed when you are awoken by the smell of smoke. 
                  What do you do?
          ■     A police office knocks on your door to tell you that you need to evacuate
                 because a wildfire started just a few blocks away.  It’s hot and the winds are
                 blowing in your direction.  You have to leave immediately. 
                 How do you make sure everyone gets away safely and stays in touch
                 afterward?
          ■     The small creek next to your house is rising because of a heavy rainfall. 
                 Who do you call for help?
          ■     Your neighbourhood is placed under an evacuation order while you are away
                 at work.  Your kids are due back from school in a few hours.
                 How would you make sure that everyone can connect?

5.       Become Involved

The key to an effective response to an emergency is being prepared.  There are already many dedicated people working in the community for this goal.  Knowing what we are up against, and, more importantly, knowing what to do about it reduces the fear of the unknown associated with emergency situations. 

Help yourself by helping others in your community.  Become involved. No matter what your talent, your help is appreciated. 

Rewarding volunteer opportunities in emergency preparedness are available locally from these, and other, community organizations:
          ■     Emergency Management Committees
                        •      Neighbourhood Emergency Programs
          ■      Emergency Social Services 
          ■      Volunteer Fire Departments 
          ■      Search and Rescue 
          ■      Amateur Radio