Make your emergency plan
Translated emergency plans, in PDF format: Français (French) | 简体中文 (Simplified Chinese) | 繁體中文 (Traditional Chinese) | ਪੰਜਾਬੀ (Punjabi)
An emergency plan says how you and your household will respond to a disaster. Knowing what to do will reduce anxiety and help keep you focused and safe.
Make your plan
Complete the fill-in-the-blanks emergency plan (PDF, 1.9MB). It records important information you'll need to stay safe. It will also help you find out how to contact others if you get separated.
Research insurance options
Having insurance can protect you from having to pay out a huge amount in the event of a natural disaster.
Check with your insurance representative to determine if sewer backup and/or residential flood insurance is available for your property. You can also contact the Insurance Bureau of Canada at 1-844-227-5422 for information regarding home insurance.
Add your insurance information to your emergency plan to ensure it’s handy when you need it.
Supporting guides
Use the guides below to help your household, your neighbourhood or business get prepared.
Half of all British Columbians live in some form of multi-family housing, such as apartments, condominiums or townhomes. Our Guide for Apartments and Condos considers the unique needs of preparing as part of a complex. It also has advice for working together. Our neighbours will be important allies during an emergency. Strengthening relationships with them today will mean a faster response and quicker recovery.
During a disaster, phone, gas and essential services may be disrupted. Stores and gas stations could be closed and roads blocked. You might have to manage on your own for several days or weeks. Use our Household Preparedness Guide to help complete your emergency plan, build a household emergency kit and prepare grab-and-go-bags in case you have to leave.
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.
Download the Neighbourhood Preparedness Guide and start talking with the people next door. It will help you join forces so you collectively know what to do in an emergency, such as who to check on and what resources are available nearby.
Having a disability means you likely need to take preparedness actions above and beyond the “basics”. Some extra considerations are:
- Your ability to communicate may be restricted
- Your surroundings may change and look unfamiliar
- Your service animal or guide dog may be hurt or frightened
- Your health may be impacted by stress or confusion
Most importantly, take time to create a trusted support network of at least three people to assist during an emergency. Give them keys to your home and add their contact information to a shared emergency plan. You should also advise members of your support network of any health conditions or medications, and show them how to operate specialized medical or mobility equipment.
Consult our Resources for People with Disabilities Guide or additional advice on getting ready.
Pets are an important part of the family. During an emergency, they will be relying on you to help them through. Make sure they're included in your emergency plan and review our Prepare Your Pets Guide for additional steps and considerations.
Seniors may need to think about preparedness actions above and beyond the “basics”. Extra considerations include:
- If you rely on a prescription, talk to your primary care provider about how to keep an extra supply or valid prescription in your emergency kit or grab-and-go bag
- A whistle or personal alarm to call for help
- Written instructions for special medical or mobility equipment
- Extra eye glasses, hearing aids and hearing aid batteries
- Spare footwear with any special orthotics
Most importantly, take time to create a trusted support network of at least three people to assist during an emergency. Give them keys to your home and add their contact information to a shared emergency plan. You should also advise members of your support network of any health conditions or medications, and show them how to operate specialized medical or mobility equipment.
Additional Resources
- Ready.gov: Preparedness information for seniors
- American Red Cross: Disaster preparedness for seniors by seniors (PDF, 2.08MB)
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Preparedness for older adults and their caregivers
Small businesses are integral to British Columbia’s goods and services supply chain. In 2015, there were approximately 388,500 small businesses operating across the province, representing 98 per cent of all businesses in B.C.
If you are a small business owner, you have invested a significant amount of time, energy and money in your operation. Depending on its size, you may have employees who rely on it for income and stability.
Protect your investment and those who depend on it by using our Small Business Guide and companion Small Business Emergency Plan.
British Columbia is a world-class tourism destination with rolling ranch lands, snow-crested mountains and a sweeping coastline. Yet with that natural splendor comes some potential risk to visitors who may not be familiar with B.C.'s hazards, such as earthquakes, tsunamis, floods, and wildfires.
During a disaster, phone, gas, electrical and water services may be disrupted. Roads could be blocked, stores could be closed and gas stations out of service. Food and water could be limited and supplies cut off. It may be weeks before travel routes, utilities and essential services are restored.
Use our Guide for Tourism Operators and companion Tourism Operator Emergency Plan to help ensure the safety of guests.
