Emergency Preparedness

During an emergency, police, fire and ambulance responders are there to help you and in the event of a major disaster this won't change.

However, in a major emergency or disaster situation, police, fire and ambulance personnel cannot be everywhere at once and prioritizing calls will take on even a greater importance in order to help those in life-threatening situations. You can prepare yourself for both major and minor emergencies for your own safety and to help keep emergency responders available for those in dire need.

Dialing 911 after an earthquake

Emergency Preparedness Video

Although there are many redundancies built into telephone networks, a major disaster such as an earthquake could impact service, including access to 911 (another good reason to have a personal emergency plan). One of the most important ways people can support emergency services after an earthquake, large or small, is to stay off phones while service is restored or to keep congestion to a minimum. Here’s how you can help:

  • After the shaking stops and it's safe to come out from cover, ensure all phones are on the hook.
  • Do not use the telephone immediately unless a life is at stake.
  • If you have a serious emergency, dial 9-1-1. If you hear a busy signal, hang up and dial again. If you receive a recorded announcement, stay on the line and wait for a call-taker. Do not hang up. Your call will be answered as soon as possible.
  • Do not call 9-1-1 for information or to ask questions about the earthquake. Help keep 9-1-1 lines free for those with serious emergencies.
  • Listen to your radio and TV for instructions and information, including finding out when it's clear to telephone relatives and friends.

This represents a basic list of items for an emergency kit. For detailed information on emergency preparedness, contact the Provincial Emergency Program at 250-952-4913 or check out our recommended links.

  • Pre-select a meeting place for your family in case of emergency
  • Carry identification with you at all items, including medical information

Assemble a fire-proof and water-proof emergency kit (keep copies of all important papers in your kit) that includes:

  • Water
  • First-aid kit that includes medication and supplies for infants and elderly persons along with any personal prescriptions
  • Food that does not require refrigeration and takes little preparation. Juices are also excellent
  • Clothing for both hot and cold weather
  • Flashlight and batteries
  • AM/FM radio and batteries
  • Personal toiletry items such as soap, tissue, toothpaste, toothbrush
  • Fire extinguisher, a wrench (to turn off gas) and a crowbar
  • Shoes that are heavy enough to protect you from broken glass and other debris
  • Matches and candles (DO NOT USE before checking for gas leaks)
  • Generator (gasoline-powered) and heavy-duty electrical extension cord
  • Shelter (a plastic tarp or tent), emergency blankets, large garbage bags
  • Blankets and sleeping bags

For detailed information on emergency preparedness, vist Emergency Management BC's web site at www.pep.bc.ca (Opens in a new window)

 

Recommended links

(Page will open in a new browser window)

back to top
print page
9-1-1 Education