Emergency Preparedness Week
Last updated on April 29, 2025
Emergency Preparedness Week is May 4 to 10. Learn how to prepare yourself, your family, your friends and neighbours.
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In it together
Being prepared isn’t just about what supplies you have. It's about working together, so we can collectively respond to and recover from emergencies better.
This year's Emergency Preparedness Week theme is "In it together," recognizing the importance of relationships and community connection.
Take action
Get to know others in your community
When disaster strikes, the most immediate help will come from those around you, your neighbours. Connecting and building relationships with them today will mean a better response and faster recovery.
Use our updated Neighbourhood Guide (PDF, 2.6MB) or Apartments and Condos Guide (PDF, 2.4MB) as an icebreaker and reach out to your neighbours by organizing a get-together. If you already have a neighbourhood network in place, such as a Block Watch group, residents’ association, or strata council, start there.
Consider talking about the possible hazards in your area, how prepared your home is, any neighbours who have specific needs, and the emergency programs in your area.
Get more ideas by checking out the Community Spotlight series on the Emergency Management in B.C. blog.
Community preparedness starts with you
If you are prepared for an emergency, you will be better able to support others.
Know the hazards in your community: Hazards vary from region to region. Knowing the hazards that are most likely to happen in your community can help you focus your preparedness actions. Use the B.C. hazard map to see what emergencies could happen near you!
Gather your supplies: When an emergency happens, you may need to stay at home with an emergency kit or leave immediately with your grab-and-go bags. Check out our basic supply list. Add items based on your specific needs, and don’t forget to include items for your pets (Pet emergency plan (PDF, 1MB)).
Make your home emergency plan: An emergency plan says how you and the people you live with will respond during an emergency. Having a home emergency plan will help you stay calm, connected, focused, and safe.
Webinars
During the week, the PreparedBC team will host free webinars for the public. Register via Zoom.
All participants will be entered to win 1 of 5 four-person emergency kits!
Inclusive preparedness | Mon May 5 | 5:30 PM (PDT)
Learn the three steps to getting prepared for an emergency and some of the things you may want to consider if you are a person with a disability.
Cultural safety and preparedness | Tue May 6 | 5:30 PM (PDT)
Cultural safety is an important part of preparedness and community resilience. Learn what cultural safety is and how to make strong connections with those around you, including engaging with Elders and adding meaningful cultural items and mementos in your grab-and-go bags.
Animal preparedness | Wed May 7 | 5:30 PM (PDT)
Animals are part of family, and in an emergency, we’re in it together. Learn how to keep your animals safe during an emergency and prevent delays in evacuations.
Insurance: Why it matters | Thu May 8 | 5:30 PM (PDT)
Learn from experts about how home insurance is one of the best ways to protect yourself and the people you live with in the event of an emergency. In this webinar, you will also learn about Emergency Support Services and the Disaster Financial Assistance program.
Community preparedness | Fri May 9 | 5:30 PM (PDT)
Being prepared isn’t just about what supplies you have. It’s about the people around you and how you can work together in an emergency. Learn three steps you can take to get your neighbourhood and community get ready.
Posters
Generic poster for Emergency Preparedness Week:
Webinar poster for Emergency Preparedness Week:
More information
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