Emergency Preparedness

Emergency Management Oceanside

Each year, thousands of people face emergency situations that could change their lives forever. Know the hazards in your area and take time to assemble your family emergency kit.

Family and Community 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. As well, access to phones, gas, water, sewer and electrical services may be cut off. Personal preparedness is vital.

Here are 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.

Prepare Your Home

Preparedness for People with Disabilities

Pet Safety and Preparedness

Provincial Emergency Program

Emergency Kit Building Blocks (for at least 72 hours)

• 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:

• 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

Build an Emergency Kit