Preparing Your Family for an Emergency

British Columbia is one of the most seismically active regions in Canada and experts have been predicting we are due for a large magnitude earthquake within the next 50 years. Each year, approximately 400 earthquakes occur in British Columbia (extending into Seattle). While many occur off-shore, some are felt by people and are capable of causing structural damage and injury. Earlier this year, President Samir Manji shared some of the important steps we can take to ensure our homes and our families are prepared as best as possible.

1. Have a communication plan: Every family should have a communication plan so that when an emergency occurs, you know where you will reunite and how you will keep in touch.
2. Have an emergency kit at home, in the car, and at work: an Emergency Kit should allow each member of your family to sustain yourselves for at least 72 hours after an emergency. This kit should include, at minimum:
   • First Aid Kit
   • Enough bottled water for drinking and hygiene
   • Dried fruit and other non-perishable food items
   • Medication
   • Flash Light
   • Batteries

3. One member in each household should be trained in first aid: trained individuals may be called upon to provide first aid to members of their household, or within their neighbourhoods.
4. Have the appropriate insurance in place for an earthquake: not all home insurance plans include earthquake coverage; contact your insurance provider to ensure you have both home and business insurance coverage in the event of an earthquake.
5. Know your local municipal emergency plan: every city has their local municipal plan available online – find out what buildings will be used as safe havens and which roads may be blocked off during an emergency. Knowing this in advance will help you and your family have an appropriate plan in place. The list of these safe buildings have been compiled by FOCUS Canada and are available here.

For more information on preparing you and your family for an earthquake, including how to create an Emergency Kit, please click here.