Immediate Steps After a Disaster
As Soon as the Immediate Danger Has Passed:
Stay calm and make sure everyone is safe. Inspect
everyone for cuts, bruises, and other injuries, and be aware that shock may hide
serious injuries. Apply first aid, as necessary.
Follow your emergency plan and get your
emergency supplies/kits.
Place a Help or OK sign in your front
window to alert responders Prepare for possible evacuation
Stay put until it is safe, or you are
ordered to go.
HELPING PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES
Family members with a disability (e.g.,
hearing, or visual impairment) may not understand what is happening and will
require additional support.
Remember to look after neighbours who may
need extra assistance.
Go to disabilityalliancebc.org for more about supporting people with
disabilities.
Next Steps
GETTING YOUR FAMILY SETTLED
If your home is unlivable and you cannot
stay with family or friends, your insurance may cover additional living
expenses
If multiple homes are affected, Emergency Social
Services (ESS) may help with shelter, clothing and food until other
arrangements can be made, for up to 72 hours. Emergency responders alert ESS if
it is needed.
In major disasters, ESS reception centres will
provide necessities.
BC Housing provides temporary emergency
shelter, food and support for people who are homeless or at risk of
homelessness. Info: www.bchousing.org > Housing Options > Emergency
Housing.
COLLECT YOUR VALUABLES
In case you must evacuate, collect
important items – but only if they are portable and it is safe to be in or
enter the home. Collect legal documents, ID, medicines, eyeglasses, hearing
aids, valuables, credit cards, insurance policies, money, photos, etc.
PETS
As soon as possible, take your pet to a
veterinarian. Smoke can damage lungs and burns may be hidden under fur.
If your pet gets lost, contact the local
animal shelter:
SECURING YOUR HOME
Secure your home and belongings as soon as
possible, particularly if the loss is not total. Insurance companies require
policyholders to try to reduce further damage.
If safe to do so:
Cover holes in
walls and roof.
Board up the
building or build a fence to prevent looting.
In the case of
fires, ensure there are no remaining embers.
Move property at
risk of further damage.
Your insurance adjuster may help arrange assistance
to secure your home. You can also contact a general contractor or a fire damage
restoration service.
Evacuation
Be Ready to Evacuate
An evacuation may be required if your house
is no longer safe or authorities believe you are in danger.
GET YOURSELF AND LOVED ONES READY
Collect your grab ‘n’ go kit, essential
medications, important items and documents, and your cellular phone.
Ensure each person has warm clothing and
waterproof footwear and outerwear.
Ensure each person has ID, especially
children. Nametags on clothing, wallet cards, lanyards, or wristbands are
useful in case you get separated.
If you need to use a different meeting
place than noted in your emergency plan, make sure everyone in the house knows
the new location. Provide younger children with a note in plastic stating the
destination.
If you have time, call, text or email your
out-of-town contact. Tell them where you are going and when you expect to
arrive. Once you are safe, let them know. Tell them if any family members have
become separated.
Make arrangements for your pets.
GET YOUR HOME READY
If you have time, leave a note on the door
saying when you left and where you are.
Turn off and unplug all appliances and shut
off water and electricity if officials tell you to.
Leave natural gas service on unless
officials tell you to turn it off or you suspect a leak (If you turn off the
gas, the gas company must reconnect it. This could take weeks after a major
emergency.
Lock your home. If you have time, secure it
before leaving (see previous page).
GETTING TO SAFETY
Follow the specified evacuation routes and
avoid shortcuts.
Register with the local emergency reception
centre after you leave home even if you are not staying there – to let
emergency responders know how to reach you to advise when it is safe to return.
Stage 1: Evacuation Alert: Individuals are
advised of the nature of the danger, the potential need to evacuate at any
time, and where to go if the evacuation is ordered.
Stage 2: Evacuation Order: Everyone in the affected area is ordered to leave the area and is again provided with key
information (e.g., where to go, a specific evacuation route if necessary).
Citizens are urged to listen carefully and act quickly.
Stage 3: Evacuation Rescind: Everyone in
the affected area is advised that the emergency is under control, the area has
been declared habitable and safe, and the evacuation order has been rescinded
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