Emergency Preparedness Week begins Sunday and first responders across the country are using the annual event to remind people they need to be ready for a disaster — big or small. The Province sat down with Paul Boissonneault, president of the Canadian Association of Fire Chiefs (CAFC) and Joe Foster, the City of Vancouver assistant fire chief and member of the Emergency Management Canada Task Force.
53% OF CANADIANS
Don't have an emergency kit to last 72 hours
According to a survey done for the CAFC and the Duracell Powerforward Program, 34 per cent of Canadians feel they are experiencing more storms and natural disasters than ever before. Still, less than half of those surveyed actually have an emergency kit to sustain them up to 72 hours after a disaster hits. “That is a scary fact,” said Boissonneault. Of those who don’t have an emergency kit ready, 57 per cent said it wasn’t a high priority, while 23 per cent said it was laziness. “There is room for improvement,” said Foster.
1,200 EARTHQUAKES
Recorded in B.C. each year
Maybe it's because of warnings that "the big one" is coming, emergency planning is more prevalent in British Columbia. Here, 53 per cent of individuals surveyed had engaged in emergency planning. By comparison, in Quebec, only 40 per cent had done any planning. Planning includes putting together an emergency contact list, having a home emergency escape route, designating a place for important documents and a plan for how to get in touch with family members if you're separated when disaster strikes. “The reality is it can happen anywhere and any time,” said Boissonneault.
$300: ESTIMATED COST
For an emergency kit for a family of four
Every person in your family should have their own customized evacuation kit at home and at work. It is best to keep the kits in a backpack or tote bag near the front door, where it will be easy to find if you need to evacuate quickly. Be sure to check your kits twice a year to replace any expired food, batteries and medicine. A good reminder is to check the kits when changing your clocks for daylight savings in the spring and fall. The first responders also noted that people who have pets should have enough food on hand for them, too. “People need to be prepared for at least 72 hours,” said Foster.
4 LITRES
Of water needed per day, per person
One of the most important things to include in your kit is water. The survey showed only 43 per cent of people had an alternate source of water on hand if an emergency hits. According to a PreparedBC guide, you will need a minimum of four litres of water per person per day. For a family of four, that's 48 litres of water to last 72 hours. Among other recommended items for your kit: first aid supplies, blankets, flashlights and batteries, candles and matches, and food that doesn't require cooking. “There is the potential for so many people to need help, and if people are prepared, it would help us immensely,” said Foster.
For more information on being ready for a disaster, go to Vancouver.ca/beprepared.