Ready or Not. Which would you rather be?

Imagine the unexpected happens – a big storm knocks out power, a wildfire threatens your community, or maybe there’s an earthquake. Being prepared can make a huge difference in keeping you, your family, and the community safe. 

We learned a lot during Emergency Preparedness Week this year thanks to a Community Emergency Preparedness Workshop led by Doug Clarke, Emergency Management Community Liaison with the Victoria Fire Department.

Aside from the most practical tips, like keeping a pair of soled shoes under your bed, stocking your home with 28 litres of drinking water per person, and preparing a Grab ‘n Go bag for each family member, for Doug, survival is just as much about friendship and community.

“I really want to engage people into action – taking small steps toward being better prepared. But my mission is to build community and to build those recovery relationships before people are stressed. Getting to know your neighbours, saying hello, welcoming the next door neighbour who lives alone so they don’t feel isolated, and creating a camaraderie of humans together. It’s a little bit of ‘put down your phones and say hello’.

His handout ‘Prepare Yourself: A Guide to Emergency Preparedness in the Capital Region’ was put together by the experts within the CRD, who help communities around the region work together in an emergency. This booklet offers households a step by step guide to creating a plan.

Why Should We Prepare?

We practice fire drills so we know what to do if there’s a fire alarm. Being prepared for other kinds of emergencies is just as important. It helps us:

• Stay safe: Knowing what to do can prevent injuries and keep everyone protected.
• Be self-sufficient: In an emergency it could take time for help to arrive. Being prepared means we can look after ourselves and each other for a few days.
• Reunite with family: Having a plan makes it easier to connect with your loved ones if something happens.
• Reduce damage: Simple steps can help protect our homes, schools and more.

Let’s Get Prepared: Your Action Plan!

The best way to tackle a big task is to break it down into smaller steps. Here’s what you can do:

1. Make a Plan (It’s Easier Than You Think!)

• Talk to your family: Where would you meet if you couldn’t go home? Who would you call if your phone wasn’t working? Discussing these things now makes a big difference later. Your family might even designate an out-of-area contact – someone who lives outside our immediate area who everyone can check in with.
• Know your space: At home and at school, think about the safest places to be during different kinds of emergencies (like under a sturdy desk during an earthquake). Identify potential hazards, like things that could fall and hurt someone, and see if they can be made safer.

2. Build an Emergency Kit (Your Superhero Backpack!)

Think of an emergency kit as a backpack filled with things you’d need if you couldn’t get home right away or if the power went out. Here are some essentials:

• Water: At least a two-day supply (about 4 litres per person) in sealed containers.
• Food: Non-perishable items like canned goods, energy bars, or dried fruit (enough for at least two days). Don’t forget a can opener!
• First-aid kit: Band-aids, antiseptic wipes, pain relievers – the basics to help with minor injuries. Maybe your family could even take a first aid course together.
• Flashlight and extra batteries: So important when the lights go out!
• Whistle: To signal for help if you need it.
• Dust mask: To help you breathe if there’s dusty or smoky air.
• Warm blanket or sleeping bag: To stay cozy if it gets cold.
• Personal items: Things like medications, glasses, or anything else you need regularly.
• Important papers: Copies of important documents like phone numbers, insurance information, and identification in a waterproof bag.
• Comfort items: A small toy, book, or family photo can be really comforting during a stressful time.
• Help/OK signs: These simple signs can be placed in a window to let others know if you need help or if you are okay.

3. What to Do During an Emergency

• Shelter-in-place: Sometimes, the safest thing to do is to stay where you are. This might happen if there’s a hazardous material spill outside. 
• Evacuate if necessary: If it’s not safe inside, head to your designated meeting spot.
• Communicate if possible: In a big emergency, phone lines and the internet might be busy or not working. 911 is for serious emergencies only. 

Let’s Work Together!

By taking small steps now, like getting to know your neighbours and making a plan, we can make sure we’re all ready to stay safe and support each other when the unexpected happens.