IN CASE OF EMERGENCY BE PREPARED

IN CASE OF EMERGENCY BE PREPARED*

It’s almost impossible to predict when a crisis may occur, but there are a few basic measures you can take to be prepared for unexpected weather or life events. And not to be a downer, but studies have shown that Metro Vancouver and the Fraser Valley will inevitably experience a major earthquake and tsunamis, so once and a while it’s worth considering in case of an emergency: are you prepared?

Here are several things to do to help be prepared…

KNOW YOUR EVACUATION ROUTES
These may change depending on the situation, so you’ll want an idea of the different scenarios you may face. Identify your area’s major evacuation centres.

SELECT YOUR MEETING PLACES In case of emergency
Set one in the neighbourhood, one in town, and one out-of-town. That way, your family can regroup if something pops up when you’re not together.

STAY CONNECTED
Sign up for emergency alerts from your local municipalities. Police Facebook and Twitter pages are great sources for real-time updates during emergencies.

ASSIGN ROLES
Discuss what each family member will handle in an emergency. For example, mom turns off the electricity and water, dad gets the important documents, kids get the pets, etc.

CONSIDER A GENERATOR
Generators will help you keep the lights on should you lose power. Some are powered by gas, others by rechargeable battery or solar.

STOCK UP
See what already you have. If the electricity goes, use the food in the fridge first before consuming nonperishables. Have at least three days’ worth of bottled water ready.

COLLECT IMPORTANT DOCUMENTS
Store physical documents like birth certificates, financial information, and family records in a fireproof or waterproof box and take it with you in an evacuation.

dog walk KEEPING YOUR PETS SAFE DURING AN EMERGENCY
If you’ve got a four-legged friend or another pet in your family, make a plan for them too! here are some items to include in your pet’s emergency kit: