Emergency Preparedness

Being prepared for an emergency starts long before one occurs.

Whether it's wildfire, flooding, extreme heat, severe weather, power outages, or another emergency, taking a few simple steps today can help protect you, your family, your pets, and your property when every minute counts.

Emergency preparedness is a shared responsibility. While emergency responders and local agencies work to keep our community safe, residents play an important role in preparing for unexpected events and disruptions.

Build an Emergency Kit

Prepare a grab-and-go emergency kit for each member of your household. Your kit should contain enough supplies to support your family for at least 72 hours.

Consider including:

• Drinking water and non-perishable food

• Cell phone chargers and backup batteries

• Flashlight and extra batteries

• First aid supplies

• Personal hygiene items

• Prescription medications

• Important documents

• Pen and paper

• Whistle

• Cash in small denominations

• Seasonal clothing and blankets

Make an Emergency Plan

Take time to discuss emergency plans with your household.

Ask yourself:

• Could your household manage without power or essential services for at least 72 hours?

• Do family members know where to meet if separated?

• Do you have a plan for children, seniors, or family members requiring additional support?

• Could you leave your home quickly if an evacuation was required?

• Do you know multiple routes out of your neighbourhood?

Having a plan before an emergency occurs can help reduce stress and improve safety during a rapidly changing situation.

Keep Important Contacts Accessible

Maintain a list of important phone numbers and emergency contacts, including:

• Family members

• Friends and neighbours

• Healthcare providers

• Schools and childcare providers

• Veterinary clinics

• At least one out-of-area contact

An out-of-area contact can often help coordinate communication if local phone and cellular networks become overwhelmed.

Plan for Medical Needs and Pets

If you rely on prescription medications, medical equipment, or specialized care, ensure you have a plan in place should services be disrupted.

Don't forget to include pets in your emergency planning. Keep extra food, water, medications, carriers, leashes, and identification information readily available.

Be Ready for Evacuations

During an emergency, evacuation alerts or evacuation orders may be issued to protect public safety.

Residents are encouraged to:

• Familiarize themselves with local evacuation routes

• Monitor official District communications

• Follow instructions from emergency officials

• Be prepared to leave quickly if required

For more information, visit our Community Evacuation Planning page.

Additional Resources

The Province of British Columbia offers a variety of emergency preparedness guides, checklists, and planning tools to help individuals and families prepare for emergencies.

Visit PreparedBC to access emergency planning resources, preparedness guides, and information on a wide range of hazards and emergency situations.

Be Prepared. Stay Informed.

The best time to prepare for an emergency is before one happens. Taking a few simple steps today can help protect what matters most tomorrow.