Plan for the unexpected

Emergencies strike when you least expect them.

But that doesn’t mean individuals and families can’t plan for such circumstances, according to Shari Van Rijn, an Emergency/Disaster Management lead within Alberta Health Services.

Emergency Preparedness Week runs May 2 to 8 and focuses on ensuring families and communities are well prepared for an emergency.

Van Rijn suggests following the Government of Canada’s three key steps:

First, make a list of the risks most relevant to where you live and work. Consider the natural and manmade hazards that could affect you: a flood or severe snowstorm that could leave you isolated; a utility failure that could leave you without water or power; a fire that would cause you to evacuate your home. 

Secondly, create an emergency response plan for the disasters or emergencies you listed in Step 1. 

“It’s so important that each family discusses, develops and practises the plan and that every family member is aware of what to do in an emergency,” says Van Rijn. 

The family plan should include meeting places to reunite the family should members be separated, emergency contacts, health information and the locations of key items around the home, including the fire extinguisher, water valve, electrical box, gas valve and floor drain.

Plan and practise safe exits as a family. For example, how will you escape from your home in case of a fire or from your city in case of a flood or tornado? It should also take into account a plan to assist elderly or disabled family members living independently or in your house, who will require special attention in an emergency.

“Once your plan is complete,” says Van Rijn, “assemble it in a folder or file and keep it with your emergency kit. And don’t forget to review it every six months or so.”

Creating that kit is the third step to ensuring your family is prepared for an emergency. The kit should be in an accessible location of the house – an entry-way closet or the garage, perhaps – and be contained in an easy-to-carry package, such as a duffle bag or backpack.

Households need to be prepared to be self-sufficient for at least 72 hours while emergency workers focus on people in greater need. This would include a 72-hour supply of food and safe drinking water for each member of the family, including pets, and a means to stay warm in the event of a power outage. The majority of items required in an emergency kit are already found in most people's homes. Make sure to include a flashlight, batteries, extra prescriptions, cash, warm clothes and first-aid supplies. 

As well as focusing on individual preparedness, the Emergency/Disaster Management team is involved in many community events around the province. These include the City of Calgary’s inaugural ‘Disaster Alley’ and the City of Edmonton’s ‘Get Ready in the Park’. Both of these family events will be held on Saturday, May 8. 
For a detailed list of items to include in your emergency kit, or information on where you can purchase commercially prepared kits, please visit www.getprepared.gc.ca.

For more information about the events listed above:

• Disaster Alley (poster)
• Get Ready in the Park (City of Edmonton website)