Household Emergency Planning Information

Contents

Emergency Plan Template

Emergency Evacuation Information

Ok or Help Sign

Emergency Kit Checklist

Emergency Plan Prepared for the ______________________________family on ______________.

Every Canadian household needs an emergency plan. The time you've invested in creating one will ensure that you and your household know what to do in case of an emergency.

Once completed, make sure everyone in your home has read it. Review all eight sections, taking note of the safety tips and next steps that have been included.

• Don't forget that your family may not be together when a disaster occurs. Practice how to meet or contact one another and discuss what you would do in different situations.

• Keep this plan in an easy-to-find, easy-to-remember place (for example, with your emergency-kit). You may also want to make duplicate copies to keep in your car and/or at work.

• You should update your plan yearly.

Next step... Keep copies of birth and marriage certificates, passports, licences, wills, land deeds and insurance in a safe place both inside and outside your home. For example, you might want to put them in a safety deposit box or give them to friends and family who live out of town.

1. Escape routes

During an emergency, these escape routes will help you get out of your home quickly and join your family or roommates at your designated meeting place. If you are asked to evacuate your neighbourhood, use the route you've identified below or follow the directions of emergency officials.

Emergency exits from home

Escape route from neighbourhood

Meeting place outside the home

Meeting place away from the home

Safety tip: Make sure everyone in your home knows how to get out quickly. Practice at least once a year with everyone.

2. Children

Ask your children's school or daycare about their emergency policies. Find out how they will communicate with families during an emergency. Also find out what type of authorization they require to release your children to a designated person, if you can't pick them up yourself.

Make sure your children's school or daycare has updated contact information for parents, caregivers and designated people.

Contact person 1

Contact person 2

Safety tip: Keep a copy of your children's contact information with you.

3. Special health needs

Keeping an updated list of your medical information is an important part of being prepared for emergencies. You may also want to talk to your doctor about preparing a grab-and-go bag with a two-week supply of medications and medical supplies, if possible. Include prescriptions and medical documents. Remember that pharmacies may be closed for some time, even after an emergency is over.

Next step... Establish a support network of friends, relatives, health-care providers, co-workers and neighbours who understand your special needs.

Health information:

Medications and medical equipment

Grab-and-go bag location

4. Pets

The most important thing you can do to protect your pets is to take them with you if you need to evacuate. Since pets are not allowed in some public shelters or hotels, it's important to identify in advance where your pet will stay.

Pet location

Safety tip: Your pets should be wearing up-to-date identification and vaccination tags at all times. On their tag, include the phone number of a friend or relative outside your immediate area. If your pet is lost, you'll want to provide a number that will be answered even if you're out of your home.

5. Specific risks

In addition to the general preparedness steps you've taken, it makes sense to plan for the kinds of emergencies are most likely to occur in your region.

Regional risks and what to do if they occur

6. Emergency contacts

Having all your important contact information in one place can be very helpful during an emergency. Make a photocopy of this list and leave a copy close to your telephone. If possible, program these numbers into your home phone and cell phone.

Safety tip: Plan for each family member to call or e-mail the same out-of-town contact person in the event of an emergency. Teach children how to make this call, as well as how and when to dial 9-1-1 (see section 8 of this plan).

Local Emergency Numbers Fire, Police, and Ambulance: 911 Non-Emergency Numbers

Fire 250-427-4114

Police 250-427-4811

Health Clinic

Other

Other

Out of town contact

Name

Home Phone

Work Phone

Cell Phone

Email

Home Address

Family Contact #1

Name

Home Phone

Work Phone

Cell Phone

Email

Home Address

Family Contact #2

Name

Home Phone

Work Phone

Cell Phone

Email

Home Address

Friends / Neighbours

Name

Home Phone

Work Phone

Cell Phone

Email

Home Address

Family Doctor

Patient’s Name(s)

Doctor’s Name

Phone

Patient’s Name(s)

Doctor’s Name

Phone

7. Home Instructions

Everyone in your home should know where to find the fire extinguisher and the emergency kit. Older children and adults should know how to turn off your home's water, electricity and gas.

Next step... Make large, easy-to-see signs for water and gas shut-offs as well as for the breaker panel or fuse box.

Emergency kit location:

Fire extinguisher location:

Water valve location and shut-off instructions:

Electrical company phone number: Call 1 888 POWERON (1 888 769 3766), or *49376 (*HYDRO) from any cell phone

Electrical box location:

Gas company phone number: 1-800-663-9911

Gas valve location:

Gas valve shut-off instructions (only shut off gas when authorities tell you to do so):

8. Emergency instructions

During an emergency, you may not have time to make alternative plans. You may also not be aware of whom to listen to for instructions and that's why it is important to know who to call and what to do. Practice makes perfect.

When to call 9-1-1

• Report a fire

• Report a crime

• Save a life

For non-emergency calls, use the seven-digit numbers listed in your local phone book for police, fire and paramedic services (see section 6 of this plan).

In case of major emergency

• Follow your emergency plan.

• Get your emergency kit.

• Make sure you are safe before assisting others.

• Listen to the radio or television for information from authorities. Local officials may advise you to stay where you are. Follow their instructions.

• Stay put until all is safe or until you are ordered to evacuate.

Taking shelter

If you are advised by local officials to 'shelter-in-place', you must remain inside your home or office and protect yourself there. The following steps will help maximize your protection:

• Close and lock all windows and exterior doors.

• Turn off all fans, heating and air-conditioning systems.

• Close the fireplace damper.

• Get your emergency kit and make sure the radio is working.

• Go to an interior room that's above ground level (if possible, one without windows). In the case of a chemical threat, an above-ground location is preferable because some chemicals are heavier than air and may seep into basements even if the windows are closed.

• Using duct or other wide tape seal all cracks around the door and any vents into the room.

• Continue to monitor your radio or television until you are told all is safe or are advised to evacuate.

Evacuation Orders

• Authorities will not ask you to leave your home unless they have reason to believe you are in danger.

• If you are ordered to evacuate, take your emergency kit, essential medications, copies of prescriptions and a cellular phone with you, if you have one.

• If you have time, call or e-mail your out-of-town contact. Tell them where you are going and when you expect to arrive. Once you are safe, let them know. Tell them if any family members have become separated.

• If you have time, leave a note telling others when you left and where you are.

• Shut off water and electricity if officials tell you to.

• Leave natural gas service 'on' unless officials tell you to turn it off. (If you turn off the gas, the gas company has to reconnect it. In a major emergency, it could take weeks for a professional to respond. You would be without gas for heating and cooking).

• Take pets with you.

• Lock your home.

"In the event of an emergency, listen to authorities and follow their directions. Your cooperation will make it easier to help those in need."

What is aReception Centre?

A Reception Centre is a designated site to receive evacuees.

• They register evacuees. This is critical even if you intend to leave the area. This gives us accurate information of numbers evacuated and serves as a point of contact for friends and family if they are trying to locate you. It also gives them information to contact you if required.

• They can give you information on lodging options. If you are evacuated from your primary residence you may be eligible for up to 72 hours paid lodging.

• They may provide urgent supplies to evacuees.

• Provides up to date information to the evacuees concerning the status of the event.

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Stages of EvacuationAs the authority to order an evacuation can rest with different levels of government (local, provincial, or federal), a three stage evacuation process has been developed and accepted by all levels of government. The process includes:

STAGE 1 - Evacuation AlertResidents are advised of the potential need for evacuation. The alert highlights the nature of the danger and that evacuation may be required at any time. Information will be provided at that time on where to go if the evacuation is ordered. Residents should prepare to evacuate and gather personal supplies necessary for several days.

STAGE 2 - Evacuation OrderAll persons in the affected area are ordered to leave the area and provided again with the information required. Once evacuated you are not permitted to return until the order has been rescinded.

STAGE 3 - Evacuation RescindAll persons in the affected area are advised that the emergency is under control and the area has been declared habitable and the evacuation order has been rescinded.

In the event of imminent danger to property or life due to fire or explosion, the local fire department may go straight to an “Evacuation Order” without an alert. This is called a “Tactical Evacuation”. Once you are evacuated from your property you will not be able to re-enter until the evacuation order is rescinded. Security will be provided to the evacuation area to ensure no one re-enters until the order is rescinded.

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Preparing for an EvacuationCreate a Personal Evacuation Plan

• Have a designated meeting location outside of the hazard area. This is critical to determine who has safely evacuated the area. Once an “Evacuation Alert” or “Evacuation Order” has been given, the information included will include the location of the designated reception centre.

• Know several different escape routes from your home and community. The evacuation order as well, will outline the designated travel way for the particular event.

• Plan for your pets. If you have pets or livestock you should also have an evacuation plan for them; methods of transport, location to move them to, etc...

• Create a “Family Communication Plan”. This plan should designate an out-of-area friend or relative as a point of contact to act as a single source of communication among family members in case of separation.

Evacuation NoticeVarious methods will be used to advise residents in the event of issued evacuation alerts or orders.

• “Door to Door” - door to door canvassing will be performed by emergency personnel. These may be local firefighters, RCMP, or Search and Rescue personnel.

• “Radio” - local radio stations will broadcast alerts or orders.

• “Social Media” - the RDEK has a Facebook page that will also be used to give information to the public. To like our page, visit www.facebook.com/eastkootenay

• “E-mail” - the RDEK provides ongoing emergency information to everyone who has signed up for our e-mail list. To join, e-mail Loree Duczek at lduczek@rdek.bc.ca and include your community name in the subject line (i.e./ “Jaffray Mail Group).

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Checklist to Prepare for an EvacuationAn “Evacuation Alert” has been delivered for an approaching Wildfire!

How are you going to prepare?

If an evacuation is anticipated and time allows this is a good checklist to follow to prepare you and your home for an impending wildfire.

Inside the House: � Shut all windows and doors, leaving them unlocked. � Remove flammable window shades, curtains, and close metal shutters. � Remove light weight curtains. � Move flammable furniture to the centre of the room, away from windows and doors. � Shut off your gas meter or propane. Turn off pilot lights. � Leave your lights on so fire fighters can see your house under smokey conditions. � Shut off the Air Conditioning.

Outside the House: � Gather up flammable items from the exterior of the house and bring them inside (furniture,

toys, door mats, trash cans, etc.). � Turn off propane tanks. � Move BBQ appliances away from structures. � Connect garden hoses to outside water valves or spigots for use by firefighters. Fill water

buckets and place them around the house. � Leave exterior lights on so your home is visible to firefighters in

heavy smoke conditions or the darkness of night. � Put an emergency supply kit in your vehicle. � Back your car into your driveway with the vehicle loaded and all

doors and windows closed. Carry your keys with you. � Have a ladder available and place it at the corner of the house for

firefighters to quickly access your roof. � Seal attic and ground vents with pre-cut plywood or commercial

seals. � Patrol your property if you feel threatened. � Check on neighbours and make sure they are preparing to leave.

Animals: � Locate your pets and keep them nearby. � Prepare farm animals for transport and think about moving them

to a safe location early.

If you plan on moving RV trailers or boats,

the Alert Stage is the time to do that. Once an “Evacuation Order” has been issued there

is no time to allow that to happen.

E m e r g e n c yE v a c u a t i o nCHECKLIST

6 Things to Keep Ready...

Prescriptions, vitamins, glasses Important Papers, Phone Numbers

Insurance papers, wills, family phone

numbers

Plastics (credit, debit) and Cash

Photos and Memorabilia

3

4

21

65

Computer, hard drive & discs People and Pets

OK

In case of disaster, display sign this side out in front window of house or vehicle if you DO NOT require assistance.

HELP

In case of disaster, display sign this side out in front window of house or vehicle if you DO require assistance.

Emergency Supply Kits

We live in a world that's unpredictable. Without warning, we may have to make quick decisions that impact the health and safety of our loved ones. It's easy to assume that we'll be able to gather what we need when something unexpected happens. But few of us really know what will make the difference. Imagine that a wild fire begins to threaten your neighborhood in the middle of the night. You may have to leave quickly or wait until local authorities tell you where and when it's safe to go. In either situation, you want to be able to take care of your family for at least 72 hours. Having a well-stocked, portable, and easy-to-find emergency kit ensures that you have the basic supplies to keep you and your family safe. In an emergency, basic services we use every day may not work. For example, your water, electricity, gas and telephone service may not work and it may be impossible to access cash from a bank. When these services are not available, an emergency kit can provide the basic necessities. For example, we all need water. The rule of thumb is two litres, per person, per day – for 72 hours, or three days. It's a good idea to use small bottles that can be carried easily. And of course, we also need food. Because your kit needs to be ready at all times, use food that won't spoil, like canned goods, energy bars or dried food that can be stored longer. If needed, baby formula and pet food may be a good idea. And remember a manual can opener to open those cans.) So now your kit has a good start: food and water. What else? Well, it's dark and there's no electricity. A flashlight and radio will be handy to show you where you're going and help you stay informed. These both need power, so pack extra batteries. Even better yet, buy the type that can be powered manually with a crank. Cordless home phones don't work when there's no electricity. Consider including a phone with a cord too. Of course, an emergency kit wouldn't be complete without a first-aid kit with the basics like bandages, antiseptics and pain relievers. With these items, food and water, flashlight and radio, and a first-aid kit, we've covered the basics. But there are some items that may not be so obvious. For example, it may be very difficult to get prescription medications in an emergency or even long afterward. Including enough medication for a couple of the weeks in the kit will help. While you're thinking about medical needs, consider what equipment may be needed to accommodate family members with special needs. As we mentioned, it may be difficult to get cash from banks so include small bills and change, as cash registers may not work. Lastly, keeping important documents like copies of birth certificates, wills, passports and insurance policies in your kit can make it easier to stay organized during an emergency. Remember to include a copy of your emergency plan, and contact information for friends and family who may be able to help. We all hope that emergencies don't occur and your kit goes unused but that's no reason to delay. It's your responsibility to start gathering supplies and start thinking about what your family will need for at least 72 hours in an emergency. It may look like a lot to do but you can print an emergency list checklist. And the next time you're running errands, pick up a few items for your kit or, buy a pre-packaged one. Having an emergency kit is an easy way to have more peace of mind in an unpredictable world. For more information, visit GetPrepared.ca, Kimberley.ca or drop in to City Hall for a handout.

First Aid kit and medications

Battery-powered or hand crank radio tuned to Environment Canada weather

Battery-powered or hand crank flashlight with extra batteries

Whistle to signal for help

Cell phone with chargers, inverter or solar charger

Local maps (identify a family meeting place) and some cash in small bills

At least a three-day supply of non-perishable food. Manual can opener for cans

B A S I C E M E R G E N C Y S U P P LY K I T

Garbage bags, moist towelettes and plastic ties for personal sanitation

Water, four litres per person per day for at least three days, for drinking and sanitation

Dust mask to help filter contaminated air

Seasonal clothing and footwear

gov.bc.ca/PreparedBC

Emergency Phone Numbers (9-1-1 where available)Fire:

Police:

Ambulance:

Out-of-area Emergency Contact:

Non-emergency Phone NumbersDoctor:

Health Authority:

Insurance Provider:

Utilities:

Basic Emergency Kit Items

Easy to carry: Think of ways that you can pack your emergency kit so that you and those on your emergency plan can easily take the items with you, if necessary

Water: Two litres of water per person per day (Include 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

Battery-powered or wind-up radio

Extra batteries

First aid kit

Special needs items: Prescription medications, infant formula or equipment for people with disabilities

Extra keys for your car and house

Cash: Include smaller bills, such as $10 bills (traveler’s cheques are also useful) and change for payphones

Emergency plan: Include a copy of it and ensure it contains in-town and out-of-town contact information

Additional Emergency Supplies

Two additional litres of water per person per day: For cooking and cleaning

Candles and matches or lighter: Place in sturdy containers and do not burn unattended

Change of clothing and footwear: For each household member

Sleeping bag or warm blanket: For each household member

Toiletries

Hand sanitizer

Toilet paper

Utensils

Garbage bags

Household chlorine bleach or water purifying tablets

Basic tools: Hammer, pliers, wrench, screwdrivers, work gloves, pocket knife

Small fuel-operated stove and fuel

Whistle:To attract attention

Duct tape

Emergency Car Kit

Food:That won't spoil, such as energy bars

Water: In plastic bottles so they won't break if frozen (change every six months)

Blanket

Extra clothing and shoes

First aid kit: With seatbelt cutter

Small shovel, scraper and snowbrush

Candle in a deep can and matches

Wind-up flashlight

Whistle:In case you need to attract attention

Roadmaps

Copy of your emergency plan and personal documents

Also keep these inside your trunk

Sand, salt or cat litter (non clumping) Antifreeze/windshield washer fluid Tow rope Jumper cables Fire extinguisher Warning light or road flares