Individual and Family Preparedness
It is important that everyone, from school age children to seniors, understand that emergency preparedness is something in which we all play a very important role.
Disasters take many forms: floods, winter storms, summer heat waves, chemical spills, fires, earthquakes, etc. When disaster does strike, the best protection is knowing what to do.
Whether you are a person living alone or a family, in the event of a major emergency, the natural response is to look after yourself and your family, your neighbourhood and your community.
Three easy steps — Know the Risks; Make a Plan; Get a Kit — are your guide towards becoming more prepared. Learn more about General Preparedness.
You and Your Family
Although disasters cannot be prevented, you can prepare to avoid injury, minimize damage and be better able to cope.
The All-Hazard Emergency Preparedness Workbook was developed by Emergency Management BC to help you and your family prepare for a variety of disasters. The workbook includes information about how to prepare a family emergency plan, conduct a home hazard hunt, respond in an emergency evacuation situation, and prepare and maintain emergency supply kits.
Home Hazard Hunt
Making your home safe is an important step toward preparing yourself and your family. In a disaster, ordinary items in the home can cause injury and damage. Anything that can move, fall, break, or cause a fire is a potential hazard. The Home Hazard Hunt is a good way to identify areas in your home that may pose risks during and after a disaster.
Do the Home Hazard Hunt.
Emergency Supplies
Having emergency supplies on hand is an important part of your Personal Preparedness Plan. The emergency supplies you include should consider the special needs of your household, such as baby supplies, medications or special health considerations.
Your Emergency Supplies Kit should be portable, packed in a wheeled waterproof backpack or case, and stored in a location that is easily accessible for all members of your family.
See what’s in a Basic Home Emergency Supplies Kit.
First Aid Supplies
Your emergency supplies kit should include a first aid kit. Emergency first aid kits should contain supplies appropriate to your first aid training.
See what's in a Basic First Aid kit.
Emergency Food and Water
Having enough food and water for a minimum of 72 hours, preferably 7 days, is key to surviving a disaster. So, what should you include?
- 4 litres of water per person per day
- Canned meats, pastas, stews, fruit, vegetables and a can opener
- Freeze-dried meats, soups, stews, fruit, vegetables Instant soups, cereals, beverages (coffee, tea)
- Comfort foods such as unsalted crackers, nut butters, cookies
- Special dietary items such as formula, baby food, etc
