The top three in the East Kootenay are wildfire, flood and hazardous materials incidents; however, there are over 40 identified hazards in BC. Some hazards are even closer to home. Try going on a Home Hazard Hunt to find common hazards and take steps to reduce the risk.

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. For help and an online planning tool, click here

For a complete list, visit the Get Prepared website.

The best way to be prepared is to physically go through the steps that might be needed in an emergency.  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 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?

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

For the checklist, view pdf here.

For the checklist, view pdf here.

To view the 2022 Seasonal Flooding Preparedness Newsletter, Click here.

• Septic Systems & Flooding: What You Should Know
• Water Wells - After the Flood
• Interior Health's Approved Labs if you want to test your water
• Cleaning Up After the Flood
• Local Restoration Companies
• BC Safety Authority: Gas and Electrical After a Flood 

• Water Wells - Before the Flood
• How to sandbag
• Preparing your Family and Home
• Debris Flow Hazard Brochure
• PreparedBC - Preparedness information for all types of emergencies
• BC River Forecast Centre - Bulletins, maps and warnings about current and upcoming streamflow conditions 
• Drive BC - Road closures / highway conditions
• Interior Health Flooding Information -  with tips for before, during and after a flood

For the brochure, view pdf here.

For the guide, view pdf here.

For the guide/workbook, view pdf here. 

• Emergency Management BC also has a lot of information on everything from emergency preparedness to fires and floods.
• PreparedBC - Preparedness information and guides to help you put together an emergency kit, develop a household emergency plan, connect with your neighbours.
• www.FireSmoke.ca - An interactive map that shows where smoke is coming from.
• www.BCWildfire.ca - The best source for information on local wildfires, including an interactive map.
• Air Quality Health Index - Find the current and forecast Air Quality Health Index.
• Drive BC - Road closures / highway conditions.
• FireSmart BC - Simple steps you can take to drastically reduce your property's risk.
• BC Hydro - website on what to do during a power outage, and stay up to date with current outages.
• Red Cross - Power outages: Before, During and After.
• Red Cross: Emergency and Disaster Services - resources to help locate specific emergency and disaster services available in affected cities.