Each year, thousands of people face emergency situations that could change their lives forever. Don't be caught off-guard. Know the hazards in your area and take the time to assemble your family emergency kit. See Emergency Kit Building Blocks for information on how to build a kit for you and your loved ones.

During an emergency, you and your family could be on your own for an extended period of time. Emergency services may not be readily available, as increasing demands are placed on responders. It may take emergency workers some time to get to you as they help those in most critical need. As well, access to phones, gas, water, sewer and electrical services may be cut off. Learning how to be personally prepared is vital.

Family and Community Preparedness

The following is a list of helpfull links to better prepare you, your family and your community in the event of an emergency.

Some links require free Adobe Acrobat Reader.

Personal Preparedness
72 hours -- is your family prepared? During an emergency, you and your family could be on your own for an extended period of time. Emergency services may not be readily available, as increasing demands are placed on responders. It may take emergency workers some time to get to you as they help those in most critical need.

General Preparedness
A number of resources to help you identify hazards in British Columbia. You will learn about preparing your family for a variety of disasters such as an earthquakes, floods, severe storms, hazardous material spills and interface fires.

Preparedness for People with Disabilities
Comprehensive checklists for activities for people with disabilities to improve emergency preparedness in a disaster or emergency.

Public Safety Portal
Government of Canada provides you with useful safety information about policing, school safety, food recalls, transportation safety, surfing on the internet, health advisories and more.

Earthquake Preparedness
Earthquakes are common in BC and more than 1,200 are recorded each year across the province. Find out about "Drop, Cover and Hold" and what you need to do in case of earthquake.

Pet Safety and Preparedness
Do you have a plan for your family pet in case of a flood, earthquake or fire?

ICE (In Case of Emergency)
Your cell phone can be a lifeline during times of crisis. Find out more about ICE.

Seasonal Driving
BC Ministry of Transportation provides important driving tips for all types of driving conditions and considering the distinct hazards through the winter and summer seasons.

Emergency Planning for Business and Industry
Resources to help business develop a plan to prepare their staff and facility in the event of an emergency or disaster.

Basic items that you will need to survive 72 hours include:

• Water - at least two litres of water per person per day (including small bottles that can be carried easily in case of an evacuation order)
• Food - that won't spoil, such as canned food, energy bars and dried foods (remember to replace the food and water once a year)
• Manual can opener
• Flashlight and batteries
• Candles and matches/lighter (remember to place candles in sturdy containers and to put them out before going to sleep)
• Battery-powered or wind-up radio (and extra batteries)
• First Aid Kit
• Special items - prescription medications, infant formula and equipment for people with disabilities
• Extra keys for your car and house
• Some cash - in smaller bills, such as $10 bills (travellers cheques are also useful) and change for pay phones
• Your emergency plan (including contact information)

Recommended additional kit supplies (It is always a good idea to have extra supplies on hand):

• A change of clothing and footwear for each household member
• Sleeping bag or warm (foil) blanket for each household member
• A whistle (in case you need to attract attention)
• Garbage bags for personal sanitation
• Toilet paper and other personal care supplies
• Safety gloves
• Basic tools (hammer, pliers, wrench, screwdrivers, fasteners, work gloves)
• Small fuel-driven stove and fuel (follow manufacturer's directions and store properly)
• Two additional litres of water per person per day for cooking and cleaning

For additional information use the following websites: Provincial Emergency Program and Public Safety Canada - 'Get Prepared' Program.