Most of us ignore the possibility of a disaster striking because we think nothing will happen to us and the government will aid us when we need it. We should remember that emergency situations often occur suddenly and unexpectedly, and they don’t leave us with enough time to think rationally.

Recently, we all watched Hurricane Harvey and Irma cause destruction on the shores of the USA, witnessed our precious forests burning all summer long, and we are still wondering if the radioactive
contamination from the Fukushima earthquake (2011) has affected our fish and waters. These should be important reminders to us all.

Canadian writer and speaker Robin Sharma says, “Change is hard at first, messy in the middle and gorgeous at the end.” Changing our mindset around emergency situations is difficult, but should understand that we can learn to protect ourselves and our loved ones.

Let’s start with a therotical simple emergency scenario. Please answer these 5 questions to see how prepared you would be.

What if you knew from a 100% reliable source that in 7 days the power grid would fail for a full month?

• What would you do?
• Where would you go?
• Who would you contact?
• What purchases would you make, if any?
• If you or family members have medical needs, how will you replace it or survive without it?

After answering these questions, you may have realized that planning simple things sometimes takes a lot of time. When it comes to planning and preparing for future possible emergencies, preparedness can be invaluable. With preparation, our minds stop wandering with confusion and we increase our chances of survival.

Knowing the risks will help you when you make emergency plans, clarify your focus and set priorities.

Please visit GetPrepared.ca and learn more about the natural risks and other hazards monitored by your provincial government.

According to Government of BC the top 10 hazards and risks in our region are;

“Terrible tragedies

happen all the time

and it is time to be

responsible and

more prepared!”

Examining your financial situation and preparing your emergency plan around it should be your next step. Having an emergency plan will save time and make real situations less stressful. By taking 20 minutes of your time, you can make your emergency plan online.

With this plan, your family members will know important information such as: safe exits from home, meeting places to reunite, emergency contact persons and much more…

You can fill up this online survey and prepare your Emergency plan easily.

In an emergency, you will need basic supplies such as water, food, batteries, lights, cash money, medication, important documentation, contact information of friends and family. Be prepared to be self-sufficient for at least 72 hours.

Please remember that some supplies can have expiration dates so make sure your kit is up to date and sits in easily accessible locations.

If you are wondering on what to have in the kit here is a great video explaining what to include on your emergency bag.

Alternatively, you can purchase your kit online or
from a retailer near you.

Fire prevention experts fear that outdated policies have, unwittingly created the conditions that we faced during the BC Wildfires. They are urging provinces to adopt more Indigenous burning practices. Traditional practices used by Firekeepers were banned, and as a result, dead trees were left behind, forests became prone to disease. Along with pine beetle infestations, this fostered the perfect ignition material for spot fires to spread and converge.

We need to remember that no one is immune from  disaster as they can strike any community with little to no warning. The investment in time is well worth the effort because it assures that you and your valuables can be safe from disasters. Let’s change our mindsets and start taking action in emergency preparedness because “Knowing Is Not Enough! You Must Take Action.”- Tony Robbins

Would you like to learn more about Wildfire readiness? Watch this video to learn more.