For many British Columbians, the gale-force winds and associated power cuts of winter 2006 provided a taste of what an emergency might feel like. Similarly, the summer floods of 2005 gave hundreds of Albertans a wake-up call in terms of emergency preparedness. Although not as disastrous as an earthquake or major industrial accident, these situations were nevertheless eye-openers as people scrambled to obtain emergency supplies and notify friends and loved ones that they were, indeed, safe.

The Importance of Preparation

Although a growing number of Canadians have purchased supplies for emergency use, many more remain unprepared. A well thought-out emergency preparedness plan, including the availability of appropriate supplies, will increase the chance of survival and well being, should an emergency strike. In response to the risk of emergency situations, including earthquakes, tsunamis, disease outbreaks, landslides, droughts and flooding, the Canadian government has put together an emergency preparedness guide for all Canadian households. The guide may be downloaded at: http://getprepared.ca/_fl/guide_interact_e_note.pdf and outlines what you need to know to survive the first 72 hours that follow a disaster or emergency. Additional emergency preparedness information is available from the Public Safety Canada website: http://www.getprepared.ca. In conjunction with this government initiative, St. John Ambulance and The Salvation Army have combined efforts to make available for sale two emergency preparedness kits—the Ready Kit™ and Ready Meal Plus™. These kits are available for purchase from London Drugs. (In British Columbia, where power cuts due to high winds are more common, B.C. Hydro has partnered with St. John Ambulance to offer the Ready Kit™ and Ready Meal Plus™ at a discounted price. The Ready Kit™ now retails for $39.99 in B.C., and the Ready Meal Plus™ for $24.99.)

Making A Plan

The emergency preparedness manual that is included in the Ready Kit™ will help you assess the specific emergencies that could impact your province. British Columbia, for example, is more likely to experience an earthquake or tsunami than the prairie provinces, where drought or flooding is more likely. If a disaster happens in your community, it may take emergency workers some time to get to you as they help those in desperate need. You should be prepared to take care of yourself and your family for a minimum of 72 hours. Your emergency plan should include:

Establishing exit routes from your home and neighbourhood.
Having one or more fire extinguishers in your home and knowing how to use them.
Knowing the location of your water valve, electricity breaker box and gas valve.
Having a plan for people with special health needs such as the elderly and those with medical conditions.
Having a two-week reserve of necessary medications.
Knowing what plans your child’s school and/or daycare have in place.
Maintaining a list of essential phone numbers, including that of your doctor/s.
Having an emergency kit prepared.
Having an out-of-town contact.
Having extra supplies that will make the time that follows an emergency more comfortable and safe. These include:
a change of clothing and footwear for each household member;
sleeping bag or bedroll for each household member;
toilet paper and other personal care supplies;
extra keys for car and house;
cash in smaller bills, and change for pay phones;
basic tools (hammer, pliers/wrench, screwdrivers, fasteners, work gloves);
small fuel-driven stove and fuel (follow manufacturer’s instructions and store properly).

The Ready Kit™ is designed for an entire household. It provides 72 hours of supplies. The supplies you will receive include:

Deluxe backpack • Compact First Aid kit • 2 biohazard waste bags • 2 boxes of tissues • Leather palm safety gloves • Handcranked radio/flashlight • 2 gallon water bag • 12-hour light stick • Family communication plan • Emergency preparedness manual • Bleach bottle with cap.

The Ready Meal Plus™ kit (shown in the upper right corner of the picture) is designed for one person and contains a 72-hour supply of food and water. The items contained in this kit include:

10 pouches of water • 24 food bars • 1 light stick • 1 N95 respirator • 1 thermal blanket • 1 emergency poncho • 1 whistle.