EMERGENCY IN CASE OF
PreparedBC 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
If you are near the ocean and feel an earthquake that lasts 60 seconds or more, or makes it difficult to stand:
The shaking is your t
X A tsunami is a series of waves. The first wave to arrive is often not the largest, and each wave may be separated by up to an hour or more. Waves may continue for many hours – stay away from the shore until local government officials tell you it is safe to return.
IF YOU ARE NEAR THE OCEAN DURING AN EARTHQUAKE:
■ DO move to higher ground once the shaking stops.
■ DO monitor local media.
■ DO follow the instructions of authorities.
■ DO NOT go near the water to watch.
The shaking is your t sunami warning in the Capital Region
Tsunami waves may arrive for hours Protect yourself during earthquakes
DO Drop, Cover and Hold On until the shaking has stopped
DO move to higher ground
in the Capital Region Tsunami waves may arrive for
Section 1: BEFORE
The most important thing to remember during an earthquake:
THE MOST IMPORTANT THING TO REMEMBER DURING AN EARTHQUAKE:
A tsunami is a series of waves. The first wave to arrive is often not the largest, and each wave may be separated by up to an hour or more. Waves may continue for many hours — stay away from the shore until local government officials tell you it is safe to return.
X DO NOT call 911 unless you have a life-threatening emergency and stay off phone lines as they will be in use by emergency personnel.
DO stay tuned to local media for updates
X DROP to the ground (before the earthquake drops you!),
■ DROP to the ground (before the earthquake drops you!),
X Take COVER by getting under a sturdy desk or table (or against a wall with your arms covering your head/neck), and
■ Take COVER by getting under a sturdy desk or table (or against a wall with your arms covering your head/neck), and
IN THE EVENT OF A TSUNAMI
DO follow the instructions of authorities
DO NOT go near the water to watch
X Stay tuned to local media for further instructions. (Have a battery-powered or wind-up radio in your grab & go bag and know your local radio, TV and trusted social media sources of information.)
■ DO NOT call 911 unless you have a life-threatening emergency and stay off phone lines as they will be in use by emergency personnel.
Tsunami signs to watch for at the beach: A sudden rise or fall of ocean level
■ Stay tuned to local media for further instructions. (Have a battery-powered or wind-up radio in your grab & go bag).
A loud roaring noise coming from the ocean
Ground shaking
In the event of a tsunami warning, local governments will communicate instructions using various methods. These may include telephone/email/text alert systems, sirens, social media channels, websites or door-to-door visits. Check www.PrepareYourself.ca to find out which systems your local government uses, and if there is an alert system you can subscribe to.
■ It is important to remember that the waves will continue to arrive for many hours after the initial rise and fall of the ocean level.
■ In the event of a tsunami warning, local governments will communicate instructions using various methods. These may include telephone/email/ text alert systems, sirens, social media channels, websites or door-to-door visits. Check PrepareYourself.ca to find out which systems your local government uses, and if there is an alert system you can subscribe to.
■ DO NOT go back to tsunami hazard areas until instructed by local government officials.
It is important to remember that tsunami waves will continue to arrive for hours after the initial rise and fall of the ocean level.
■ HOLD ON to your shelter and be prepared to move with it until the shaking stops.
X HOLD ON to your shelter and be prepared to move with it until the shaking stops.
These three steps are the best way to reduce injury and death during an earthquake.
These three steps are the best way to reduce injury and death during an earthquake.
It is important to remember that the waves will continue to arrive for many hours after the initial rise and fall of the ocean level. DO NOT go back to tsunami hazard areas until instructed by local government officials.
Graphic Courtesy of PreparedBC
You and your family should be prepared to be selfsufficient for at least seven days after an emergency. This section will provide you with the resources to be ready and equipped for all emergencies, including how to create an emergency plan to reunite with your family, how to secure heavy items in your home, and how to build emergency kits and grab & go bags. Once you’re prepared, you will learn about the hazards in the capital region and specific considerations for each of those hazards.
Recommendations:
EMERGENCY PLAN
1 Ask an out-of-area friend or relative to act as a contact for family members who may become separated during a disaster.
2 Decide in advance, as a family, where to meet and where to shelter in case you are separated and/or are unable to remain in your home in a disaster.
3 Make copies of important photos and documents and store them offsite, online or on a password-protected USB drive.
4 Connect with your neighbours and discuss how you can work together to help each other during emergencies.
MAKE AN EMERGENCY PLAN
One of the most important things you can do is to plan how you will connect with your family in case of an emergency.
An emergency can strike at any time, maybe while you are at home, work, school, driving or pursuing
hobbies. It is important to know where each family member will be, how you will communicate with each other and to have a reunification spot identified ahead of time. It is also important to know how to contact trusted information services.
Planning For You And Your Family
An emergency plan will help guide you and your family in case of an emergency. The plan should include:
■ Places to stay in case you cannot access your home, such as a friend or relative’s house, RV, boat or hotel.
■ Two routes, that everyone knows, to the reunification spot from where they live, work and play.
■ How you will communicate in case you and your family members are separated.
■ Contact people both in your local area and out-of-area.
■ Safe exit routes from your home and work.
■ Risks in the region.
■ Locations and proper use of important equipment such as fire extinguishers, gas and water valves, floor drain(s) and the electrical box.
■ Those who may rely on you for assistance: children, family members with special considerations, and pets.
■ Arrangement for care and evacuation of pets and farm animals, especially if you are away when disaster strikes.
■ Health information, such as allergies, necessary medication, equipment and contact details for doctor, pharmacy, and other important health providers.
■ A list of important contacts, vital documents, and small valuables to take with you if you are evacuated.
■ Insurance policies and photo or video documentation of home contents.
HOME AND SHELTER-IN-PLACE KIT
After a disaster, it’s best to remain in your own home if you can do so safely. You will need supplies for cooking, making temporary repairs and providing comfort for your family. The emergency supplies should be kept separate from the things you normally use, to ensure they are available and in working order.
BASIC
■ Potable (drinkable) water: 4 litres per person per day for at least 7 days, plus water for pets.
■ Food, emergency stove and cooking equipment: a variety of long-storing healthy foods that do not need refrigeration and are easy to prepare and eat under difficult conditions, such as nutritious canned food.
■ Health and safety: home first aid kit and first aid manual; power failure lights for halls/stairwells; fire extinguishers.
■ Communications: a landline phone that operates on a phone jack and does not require electrical power (corded phone) or an emergency radio (battery- or solar-powered, or wind-up).
■ Heat, light and warmth: sleeping bags (much warmer than regular bedding, Mylar blankets, ground sheets or air mattresses, newspaper (for insulation); camping tent or tarpaulin and ropes (in case house is unsafe and there are no other alternatives); flashlights with lots of batteries, light sticks, battery-powered or solar lanterns.
BASIC ITEMS IN A BACKPACK:
■ 2 bottles of water
■ simple food (e.g. unsalted nuts, granola bars)
■ small first aid kit
■ walking shoes
■ road map and compass
■ shovel, traction aids (kitty litter or sand)
■ flashlight (extra batteries)
■ sweat pants and zipper hoody
■ light sleeping bag
■ Sanitation and hand-washing: duct tape, lots of plastic garbage bags, emergency toilet kit, disposable gloves, outside garbage can for disposal of waste bags, toilet paper, baby wipes, liquid soap, alcohol-based hand sanitizer, potable water and paper towels.
■ Rescue, repair and clean up: tarpaulins, nylon ropes, duct tape, plastic sheeting and/or large garbage bags; axe, crowbar, hacksaw; aluminum shut-off wrench for gas meter; head lamp, work gloves, dust masks, coveralls, sturdy shoes, goggles, rags, non-permeable disposable gloves, clean utility water (non drinkable), detergents, and large, clear plastic garbage bags for taping over broken windows.
■ Household generator and fuel: especially for needs such as refrigerated medication, medical appliances and equipment, etc. Generators must never be operated in the house or other enclosed space. Generators may be a target for theft if left unattended.
IF SPACE PERMITS,
YOU MAY WISH TO INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING:
■ toilet tissue and Ziploc bags
■ deck of cards, book
■ duct tape and garbage bags
■ work gloves
■ axe, crowbar and fire extinguisher
■ flares, reflective vest(s)
■ hard hat, eye goggles and coveralls
■ ice scraper and brush
■ jump starter and power bank (Eliminator®)
BASIC SURVIVAL
■ two small bottles of water, two energy bars, chewing gum
■ one week’s worth of prescription medication and copy of prescriptions
■ extra pair of eye glasses, batteries for hearing aids, etc.
■ emergency blanket (Mylar “space blanket“)
■ emergency rain poncho or large plastic garbage bag
■ whistle and dust mask (earthquakes can stir up thick clouds of dust)
■ emergency radio/flashlight with extra batteries
■ multi-tool/Swiss Army knife
■ mini first aid kit – items such as pain tablets, eye drops, ointment, nitrile gloves, foil pack of water, etc.
SECURITY, PEACE OF MIND
■ photocopies or password-protected USB drive of important wallet contents and insurance policies
■ key contacts list, cellphone and phone card
■ notebook and pen or retractable pencil
■ supply of cash in small bills and coins
■ spare keys for home, car, other
■ recent photos of family and pets
■ book, cards, puzzles
■ chargers and adaptors for cellphones and other electronics included in your grab & go bags
CAR/MOBILE KIT
If you spend a lot of time in your car, boat or RV, you should have an emergency kit to supplement your grab & go bag. Regularly maintain your vehicles and keep the fuel tanks at least half full so you’re ready to leave in a hurry. Even if you do not have to evacuate, your car can be a place to shelter, recharge your cell phone, warm up or listen to radio reports.
■ Plastic water bottles will absorb vehicle fuel vapours, so foil packs are a good option for mobile kits, or place plastic water bottles in a sealed plastic container.
■ A plastic storage bucket for car/mobile supplies can be converted to a toilet if needed. Small, portable toilet seats can be purchased for some types of buckets.
DON’T WORRY ABOUT AN EMERGENCY. JUST BE PREPARED FOR IT.
When it comes to natural disasters and climate-related risks, there’s no shortage of things to be concerned about. However, being prepared for such emergencies is one way to help you and your loved ones manage through an event and lessen personal safety risks. As a leading partner in public safety and emergency communications, CREST always has your safety and peace of mind in our sights. On behalf of its shareholders, CREST provides and maintains emergency communications equipment and infrastructure for more than 50 emergency response and public service agencies in the Capital Region including municipal police departments, RCMP, fire departments, BC Ambulance, and BC Transit from the Gulf Islands to Port Renfrew. More than 3,000 emergency service and public service personnel rely upon the CREST network 24/7 every day of the year to keep themselves and the public
safe. CREST’s integrated network of public safety infrastructure responds to our island location and geography and allows the region’s emergency response agencies to communicate in real-time across municipal jurisdictions. This critical communications interoperability along with the design redundancies built into the network strengthens the Capital Region’s ability to be self-reliant in the event of a largescale emergency.
Last November, a windstorm that meteorologists referred to as a ‘Bomb Cyclone’ slammed Vancouver Island with winds off the west coast exceeding 170 kilometres an hour in some locations. On the south Island, the Juan de Fuca area was hardest hit. Wide-scale power outages severed communications for multiple days, and many residents experienced serious property damage due to the sheer force of the winds uprooting mature trees and cutting off road access. Among those on the front-line coordinating emergency response
and recovery efforts was CREST Director, Jeri Grant, the Emergency Program Coordinator for the Juan de Fuca (JdF) Electoral Area, part of the Capital Regional Districts Emergency Operations Centre. In her capacity as JdF Emergency Program Coordinator, Jeri works closely with the first responders who are serving the communities of East Sooke, Otter Point, Shirley/ Jordan River, Port Renfrew, Malahat and Willis Point. With the recent expansion of the CREST network along Highway 14, Jeri knew that despite having no power or phone coverage, the CREST network would still be online supporting the work of emergency response personnel. Jeri and her colleagues ran their operations throughout the storm using CREST radios. While the storm raged, Jeri sent a note of gratitude to the team at CREST. “The Emergency Program has been using CREST radios to get information related to this storm from our different communities. The CREST network has proven to be a valuable
resource to us time and time again.”
Receiving that message in the CREST operations centre was Nathan Eden, one of CREST’s dedicated and skilled engineers who was point-guard that night coordinating CREST’s response efforts throughout the region in support of all emergency response agencies on the CREST network. “The system (CREST) saw an 80% increase in network demand during the storm. We were prepared, the network faced the wind, and our region’s emergency response personnel were out in force taking care of those impacted by the storm.”
Being prepared for a largescale emergency is important for everyone. It’s essential for CREST, and peace of mind is knowing that the region’s essential public safety network, personnel and assets are protected and operational 24/7, 365 days a year.
Later this summer, CREST will begin transferring its operation
centre and relocating its equipment to the region’s new public safety building that is nearing completion in the City Gate neighbourhood in Langford. This purpose-built, post-seismic building will house CREST staff, equipment and technology all under one roof. Although equipment installations in first responder vehicles will take place from time to time, the new CREST public safety building is not an emergency response depot. No sirens will be involved during these working visits.
CREST plans host an open house for the public at their new location later in the fall.
More than fifty emergency response and public service agencies rely on the CREST network to keep themselves and the public safe. In 2023, the CREST network handled more than 10-million individual transmissions (one transmission every three seconds).
www.crest.ca
Artist rendering. The new public safety building will house CREST staff, equipment and technology. Although equipment installations in first responder vehicles will take place from time to time, this is not an emergency response depot. No sirens will be involved during these working visits.