Personal Preparedness

Since it can be difficult or impossible to mitigate all hazards, one of the best ways to prevent disasters from occurring or impacting us severely, is to be as prepared as possible.

Without sound preparation, and an ability to respond, these hazards may lead to disasters if they overwhelm our ability to handle them with a reasonable set of resources.

Island residents should have a kit prepared with at least 7 days worth of supplies in the event of an emergency. Read on to learn how to be prepared for an emergency.

Are you ready?

• Personal Preparedness - Make a plan, build a kit and be ready if a disaster hits Nanaimo.

• The Emergency Preparedness Workbook provides an excellent resource on what to stock up on to make it through any emergency.
• In It Together: Neighbourhood Preparedness Guide
• Prepared BC: Household Preparedness Guide
• 2015 Earthquake Tsunami Smart Manual
• Prepared BC Basic Emergency Supply Kit Cards
• Resources for People with Disabilities

• Severe Storms - What to Do?
• Power Outages - What to Do?

• BC Hydro has prepared some home outage preparation tips. In a Power Outage, Knowledge is Power
• Nanaimo Fire Rescue wants to remind you to be extra cautious when using candles for light in a power outage.

• Don't forget an important member of your family - your pet! The Emergency Planning For Your Pet information sheet gives concrete ideas on advance planning for your pets and their needs. The Canadian Disaster Animal Response Team has disaster response information for horses, birds, cats and dogs.
• Earthquakes - What to do? Is your family prepared?

• What to do before an earthquake - 6 Ways to Plan Ahead
• Japan to Nanaimo Earthquake Forum - video stream

Public Safety Canada publishes a wide variety of products aimed at helping citizens know the risks and get prepared for emergencies.  The publications can be downloaded and printed.

Make a Family Emergency Plan - In an emergency if phones don't work or families aren't together, what will you do?  Get key steps to take during an emergency such as an earthquake, severe storm, flood, and more.

Follow @Get_Prepared on Twitter.