Index
Individual Planning and Preparedness
Plan and prepare for personal safety and the safety of family members for the first 72 hours following a disaster. Depending on the extent of the crisis, it may take several days before first responders arrive on scene to help.
When a disaster strikes, vital services phones, gas, electricity, or water may also be disrupted. Be prepared to manage without them.
Apartment and Condos
As with neighbourhood preparedness, tenants living in an apartment or condo may be an immediate source of help following a disaster. The Province of BC has developed a Guide for Apartments, Condos and Townhomes for those living in multi-family housing units.
Neighbourhoods
In the event of a major disaster, immediate help will likely come from neighbours since first responders will be busy with the incident. Co-ordinating emergency planning with neighbours is highly recommended whenever possible.
People with Disabilities
All residents should prepare for emergencies by being aware of local risks, creating a household plan, and having an emergency supply kit on hand. However, people with disabilities may need to take additional steps to safeguard their well-being and take into account issues like:
- Restrictions on the ability to communicate.
- A sudden change in surroundings.
- Service animals or guide dogs being hurt or frightened.
- Stress or confusion impacting health.
The Province of British Columbia created a guide to help people with disabilities plan for emergency situations.
Pets and Livestock
Pets and livestock may be left to fend for themselves for a few days following a disaster and emergency preparation for animals may be just as important as ensuring the safety and well-being of humans.
Businesses
Emergencies and disasters can occur at any time. Preparing a business to handle a disaster allows for more time to react and potentially reduce down time and provide for employees. The Government of Canada has developed A Guide to Business Continuity Planning to help businesses prepare for emergencies. Many of the items listed in the personal planning section may be used and followed in a business setting.
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Creating a Basic Emergency Supply Kit
Make sure to prepare and periodically update a basic emergency supply kit. Keep kits in an easy-to-reach location so they can be quickly retrieved in the event of an emergency or disaster.
A basic kit includes:
- A first aid kit and medication.
- Battery-powered or hand crank radio.
- Battery-powered or hand crank flashlight with extra batteries.
- Whistle to signal for help.
- Cell phone with chargers, inverter, or solar charger.
- A copy of the household emergency plan.
- Copies of important documents and cash in small bills.
- A three-day to one-week supply of non-perishable food and manual can opener.
- Garbage bags, moist towelettes, and plastic ties for personal sanitation.
- Water - four litres per person per day - for three days to one week for drinking and sanitation.
- Dust mask to help filter contiminated air.
- Seasonal clothing and footwear.
Grab-and-Go Bag
Make a smaller version of an emergency kit to take along in case a disaster requires immediate evacuation. Be sure to store grab-and-go bags in an easy-to-reach space.
A grab-and-go emergency kit should include:
- A phone charger and battery bank.
- A radio.
- A first aid kit.
- A copy of the household emergency plan.
- Seasonal clothing.
- Food and water.
- A flashlight.
- A whistle.
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Creating a Home Fire Escape Plan
The time to escape safely from a typical home fire can be as little as one to two minutes from the moment a smoke alarm sounds. Home escape planning is critical in a fire situation because it ensures everybody in a household knows how to use that small window of time wisely.
An effective escape plan includes working smoke alarms on every level of the home, in every bedroom, and near all sleeping areas. There must always be two ways out of every room - usually through a door and a window - with a clear path to an outside meeting place that is a safe distance from the home.
Additional tips:
- Draw a map of the home with all household members and mark two exits from each room and a path outside from each exit.
- Practise a home fire drill twice a year. Conduct one at night and one during the day with the entire household and practise using different ways out.
- Teach children how to escape on their own in the event an adult cannot be present.
- Make sure home numbers are clearly marked and easy for the fire department to locate.
- Close all doors along the escape route - this may slow the spread of smoke, heat, and fire.
- Never go back inside a burning building. Once outside, remain outside
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Local Evacuations
In the event of local emergency or disaster, the City of Prince George has a plan to co-ordinate evacuations when they are required, by either the City's Emergency Planners or the Province of BC.
Learn about evacuation procedures, download an evacuation map with assembly points and directions to the Emergency Reception Centre, and more.
For more information:
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