Be Prepared for Winter

Interview with Eileen Grant Manager, Oak Bay Emergency Program By Lesley Cobus

What is the emergency preparedness mantra of Oak Bay Emergency regardless of the emergency? Know the risks, have a plan, build your kits, and know your neighbours. Now is the time to check your emergency plan for what you need to get ready for ensuring you have a safe and warm winter.

What do you need to know about winter preparedness? Let’s start with snow and ice. Have a snow removal plan. Make sure you have a good snow shovel and a supply of de-ice in hand before the cold weather arrives.

If you don’t want to do the shoveling, talk to your gardener and teenage neighbours about being on call to clear your sidewalks and pathways when it snows. It is hard to find someone when the snow starts falling. How can you prepare in advance for power outages? Check your battery flashlights are working, have battery operated lights at the ready. Please don’t use candles due to the fire hazard. Have a supply of blankets ready to use. Sleeping bags are a great way to keep warm. Have a supply of food on hand that you don’t have to cook. Don’t forget a supply of water. Stock up on bottled water and food in advance of cold and icy weather. By planning in advance you won’t have to brave the icy roads and walkways and the crowds that forgot to get prepared. What steps can you take to have a safe winter? Looking after our health in the winter can be a challenge. Arrange to get your flu shot. Have a supply of medications in your home so you don’t have to venture out in bad weather. Check if your pharmacy delivers —many do. Slipping and falling on icy days is common. Check the treads on your boots/shoes to make sure you can walk safely outdoors. Service your car and have your winter tires put on before the freezing temperatures hit. Always keep your fuel level above half full. You never know when you’ll have to use your car for transportation or shelter or for how long. Make sure all your appliances are in good working order. Fall is the perfect time to make those check-up appointments. Portable heaters are a popular way to add warmth to our homes. Make sure all heaters are CSA approved. Never leave them running unattended or while you sleep. Always follow manufacturer’s recommendations for distance to combustibles.

Know where your water and utility shut offs are in case you must turn them off. Read your home insurance policy before you are in an emergency. Make sure you understand what is included and what isn’t. You may want to update it. Some policies include hotel coverage if you are required to leave your home due to an emergency and some policies don’t. Always make sure you have an up-to-date Grab & Go kit ready to grab and go. Communication is always vital but can be lifesaving during a winter emergency. What can you do to ensure you can call for help? Keep your cell phone, laptop or iPad charged up. Have a portable battery for your cell phone just in case.

Introduce yourself to your neighbours and share your plans with them. Ask for help if you need it. Always offer to reciprocate. Research shows that it is our neighbours who are our lifelines when there is an emergency. Make a list of trusted websites and helpful telephone numbers for services that can answer questions you may have about utility outages and problems, health-related questions or community services. Climate change is here! The secret to being safer during any emergency is to prepare in advance. What kind of items should we have in a Grab and Go kit? • Medications, copies of prescriptions • Copies of important documents, identification and contact information • Recent pictures of yourself, family and pets • Extra keys for your house and car • Cash–coins and small bills • Chargers and adapters for phones and other electronics you have included in your bag • Supplies for equipment to meet your functional needs • Pens and paper • Sturdy shoes • One litre of water • High-energy snacks • Flashlight and batteries • Battery or wind-up radio • Spare eyeglasses • Small first aid kit • Emergency blanket • Warm clothing (sweater, socks...) • Scarf or dust mask • Whistle • Orange garbage bag • HELP/OK sign Store your Grab & Go Bags near an exit or someplace where you can grab them and get out. What is the best way to get up-to-date news about local emergencies? Sign up for Oak Bay Alertable Notifications at oakbay.ca to stay informed. How can people reach you? Eileen A. Grant

Manager, Oak Bay Emergency Program (OBEP) for the District of Oak Bay 1703 Monterey Avenue Victoria, BC V8R 5V6 Canada Email: obep@oakbay.ca Phone: 250-592-9121 ext. 7504

Pen & notepad

Phone charger & battery bank Flashlight

Radio

First aid kit Personal toiletries Seasonal clothing Food & water

Batteries Whistle Emergency plan

Start to build your Grab & Go kit from items you already have in your home. Credit: Emergency Management BC (EMBC)

Oak Bay Emergency Program (OBEP)

Emergency Preparedness and Response Information Sessions

To recover from an emergency, you need to prepare for the risks, have response and recovery plans, have kits and supplies and know your neighbours. These information sessions will be your first step to recovery. We are happy to present to any Oak Bay group that is interested in learning about emergency preparedness – from service organizations, to Strata and community groups to personal “bubbles”.

Watch the Oak Bay website for any dates we are able to offer open sessions to the general public. Reserve your group’s date or register for an open session by contacting the OBEP at 250–592–9121 or by email at obep@oakbay.ca 1703 Monterey Avenue, Victoria, BC V8R 5V6 Neighbours Helping Neighbours Build a Disaster Resilient Community