IN CASE OF
EMERGENCY
EMERGENCY PREPAREDN E WEEK MAY SS 5-11, 2020
Coronavirus Get the facts about Novel coronavirus (COVID-19)
Earthquake Important things to remember during an earthquake
In the Event of a Tsunami Make an Emergency Plan Local Emergency Program Contact Home And Shelter-In-Place Kit Grab & Go Bags
March 17, 2020
A SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT TO THE
Information provided by the Local Government Emergency Program Advisory Commission, please see www.prepareyourself.ca for more
View this section online by scanning this code or @ www.timescolonist.com/special-sections
ARMON ARANI
As our region’s emergency communications system provider, CREST links 50 emergency response and public safety agencies. Their system is among the best in the world. While no one likes to contemplate a natural disaster, residents everywhere need to mitigate surprises by being prepared. In the case of a natural disaster, it’s important for all citizens to have an emergency plan. There is some very exciting grassroots planning taking place in neighbourhoods across the Capital Region. Here is a profile of Connect & Prepare, with hopes it will inspire you to reach out to your neighbours and develop a safety plan together.
DID YOU KNOW? ■ Only 54% of British Columbians say their households have any emergency plans. ■ Only 13% feel their emergency plans are reasonably complete. ■ Only 20% have any contacts and plans with neighbours to help each other.* *Source: BC Government Personal Preparedness Survey Report, 2018.
Connect & Prepare –
a ground-breaking approach to building preparedness by strengthening social connections between neighbours. Connect & Prepare was developed and piloted by Building Resilient Neighbourhoods and Victoria Ready in 2018 at three Victoria, BC locations: A condominium highrise, a multiunit rental building for seniors with disabilities, and a street of singlefamily dwellings. Through facilitated presentations, interactive games, and friendly discussions, neighbours got to know each other over the course of several workshops, learned about acute emergencies and chronic stresses, identified assets and priorities, and implemented shared preparedness projects. Each group also received free emergency supplies and a storage kit to be shared.
The outcomes were overwhelmingly positive. Here is what participants reported: ■ 94% of neighbours got to know each other better ■ 100% of neighbours became more connected with each other ■ 100% of neighbours achieved better understanding of their collective strengths, assets and vulnerabilities in relation to acute emergencies and chronic stresses ■ 100% of neighbours took action to be better prepared for emergencies ■ Neighbours at all three sites continued collaborating on projects afterwards Mutual assistance and preparedness planning are both vital to survival, safety and overall resilience. Connect & Prepare is an innovative, locally-developed approach to meeting both those needs together. For more information and to sign up for notifications about future free offerings of Connect & Prepare in your neighbourhood, visit www.resilientneighbourhoods.ca
Check out the following Prepared BC Guides: www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/public-safetyand-emergency-services/emergencypreparedness-response-recovery/embc/ preparedbc/in_it_together_neighbourhood_ preparedness_guide_web_final_2015.pdf www.2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/publicsafety-and-emergency-services/emergencypreparedness-response-recovery/embc/ preparedbc/preparedbc_apartment_and_ condo_guide_web.pdf
makes it difficult to stand, move to higher ground or inland mmediately. Do not wait for an official warning!
for the Capital
IN THE EVENT OF A TSUNAMI
n the event of a tsunami warning, local governments will ■ DO NOT call 911 unless have a life-threatening ommunicate instructions using various methods. These may you emergency and stay off phone lines as they will be in use by nclude telephone/email/text alert systems, sirens, social emergency personnel. media channels, websites, media outlets, or door-to-door visits. ■ Stay tuned to local media for
Go to PrepareYourself.ca to find out which systems your ocal government uses, and if there is an alert system you an subscribe to.
In the event of a tsunami warning, local governments will communicate instructions using various methods. These may include telephone/ email/text alert systems, sirens, social media channels, websites or door-to-door visits. Check www. PrepareYourself.ca to find out which systems your local government uses, and if there is an alert system you can subscribe to.
Protect yourself during earth
further instructions. (Have a battery-powered or wind-up radio in your grab & go bag).
It is important to remember that the waves will continue to arrive for many hours after the initial rise and fall of the ocean level.
Section 1: BEFORE AN EMERGENCY
f you are near the ocean and feel an earthquake that lasts 60 seconds or more, or makes it difficult to stand:
Emergency Working together to Preparedness: emergency prepare ATsunami Shared waves may arrive fo in the Capital Re Responsibility
Graphic Courtesy of PreparedBC
4m/ 13ft
Tsunami waves may arrive for hours
The shaking is your tsunami w in the Capital Region
X A tsunami is a series of waves. The first wave to arrive is often not the largest, and each wave may be separated by up to an hour or more. Waves may continue for many hours – stay away from the shore until local government officials tell you it is safe to return.
Protect yourself during earthquakes
The shaking is your tsunami warning in the Capital Region
DO NOT go back to tsunami hazard areas until instructed by local government officials.
Brought to you by Victoria Ready Emergency Preparedness Workshops Capital Region Emergency Do you have what it takes to cope with a major emergency? Attend a free workshop to learn more about hazards that can impact the City of Victoria, emergency kits and supplies, and how to keep you and your family safe in the event of an emergency. For workshop dates and times, visit VictoriaReady.ca. Sign up for Vic-Alert Do you live, work or play in Victoria? Sign up for Vic-Alert, the City of Victoria’s emergency notification service. You’ll receive updates and helpful instructions by text, phone and email about major emergencies that may impact you. Signing up for Vic-Alert is easy and free, and can be done from your mobile phone, tablet or computer. Sign up for Vic-Alert at VictoriaReady.ca. Volunteer with Victoria’s Emergency Support Services
DO Drop, Cover and Hold On shaking has stopped Communities come together during crisis to help one another. Individuals who are trained ANOT tsunami is911 a series of waves. The first wave to arrive is often not XXDO call unless youuntil have athe life-threatening emergency
DO
the largest, and each wave separated to an or more. off phone linesmay as be they will bebyinup use byhour emergency moveand tostay higher ground Waves may continue for many hours — stay away from the shore until personnel. local government officials tell you it is safe to return.
DO stay tuned to local media for updates XXStay tuned to local media for further instructions. (Have a
battery-powered or wind-up radio in your grab & go bag and DO follow the instructions of authorities know your local radio, TV and trusted social media sources
in emergency response can play a much greater role in the aftermath of a disaster.
Visit VictoriaReady.ca for more information about our volunteer teams and how you can become involved. March 17, 2020 | IN CASE OF EMERGENCY
3
These three steps are the best way to reduce injury and death during an earthquake.
sha X DO
Local Emergency Programs The capital region is made up of 13 municipalities and three electoral areas. Each is responsible for its own local emergency program. These emergency programs help support and manage the planning, preparedness and response efforts in your community. You can contact your local program to:
IF YOU ARE NEAR THE OCEAN DURING AN EARTHQUAKE:
Protect Yourself During Earthquakes!
■ DO move to higher ground once the shaking stops.
■ DO follow the instructions of authorities. ■ DO NOT go near the water to watch.
THE MOST IMPORTANT THING TO USING REMEMBER DURING AN EARTHQUAKE: CANE
■ Obtain information on emergency preparedness and upcoming workshops and events,
■ DROP to the ground (before the earthquake drops you!),
■ Arrange an emergency preparedness workshop for your organization or community group, and ■ Volunteer for local neighbourhood programs such as Emergency Social Services (ESS), Search and Rescue (SAR) and Emergency Radio Communications (Comms).
X DO wat
IF POSSIBLE
■ DO monitor local media.
X DO inst auth
■ Take COVER by getting under a sturdy desk or table (or against a wall with your arms covering your head/neck), and ■ HOLDUSING ON to your shelter and be prepared to move with it until the shaking stops.
WALKER
LOCAL EMERGENCY PROGRAM CONTACT
Keep these local & national emergency numbers handy! For more info: prepareyourself.ca LOCAL GOVERNMENT
WEB ADDRESS
Central Saanich
centralsaanich.ca
Colwood
colwood.ca
USING PHONE WHEELCHAIR Pacific Pa
250.544.4238
emergencyprogram@csaanich.ca
250.478.5999
emergencyprogram@colwood.ca
Earthquake Country Alliance
250.414.7120 emergency.program@esquimalt.ca www.EarthquakeCountry.org/disability
Esquimalt
esquimalt.ca
Highlands
highlands.ca
250.474.1773
lhilton@highlands.ca
Juan de Fuca
crd.bc.ca
250.642.8105
jdfepc@crd.bc.ca
Langford
cityoflangford.ca
250.478.9555
firechief@cityoflangford.ca
Metchosin
metchosinemergencyprogram.ca
250.478.1307
firechief@metchosinfire.ca
North Saanich
northsaanich.ca
250.656.1931
emergprogram@northsaanich.ca
Oak Bay
oakbay.ca
250.592.9121
obep@oakbay.ca
Saanich
saanich.ca
250.475.7140
sep@saanich.ca
Salt Spring Island
crd.bc.ca
250.537.1220
ssiepc@crd.bc.ca
Sidney
sidney.ca
250.656.2121
firedept@sidney.ca
Sooke
sooke.ca
250.642.5422
info@sooke.ca
Southern Gulf Islands
crd.bc.ca
866.308.6160
sgiepc@crd.bc.ca
Victoria
victoriaready.ca
250.920.3373
emvic@victoria.ca
View Royal
viewroyal.ca
250.479.7322
emergencyprogram@viewroyal.ca
ADA ADA Center Center
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Emergency Preparedness in t
Twitter PrepareCRD @PrepareCRD Central Saanich @CSaanichFire Colwood @cityofcolwood Esquimalt @EsquimaltBC Highlands @HighlandsEP Juan de Fuca @JdFemerg
4 IN CASE OF EMERGENCY | March 17, 2020
Langford @LangfordFire Metchosin @MetchosinEOC North Saanich @dns_fire Oak Bay @OakBayFireDept Saanich @SaanichEP SGI @SGIEmergPrg
Sidney @SidneyVFire Sooke @Sookeca SSI @SSIEmergency Victoria @CityOfVictoria View Royal @VRFD
HOME AND SHELTER-IN-PLACE KIT After a disaster, it’s best to remain in your own home if you can do so safely. You will need supplies for cooking, making temporary repairs and providing comfort for your family. The emergency supplies should be kept separate from the things you normally use, to ensure they are available and in working order. ✔ Sanitation and hand-washing: duct tape, lots
of plastic garbage bags, emergency toilet kit, disposable gloves, outside garbage can for disposal of waste bags, toilet paper, baby wipes, liquid soap, alcohol-based hand sanitizer, potable water and paper towels.
GRAB & GO BAGS
✔ Rescue, repair and clean up: tarpaulins, nylon
BASIC SURVIVAL
ropes, duct tape, plastic sheeting and/or large garbage bags; axe, crowbar, hacksaw; aluminum shut-off wrench for gas meter; head lamp, work gloves, dust masks, coveralls, sturdy shoes, goggles, rags, non-permeable disposable gloves, clean utility water (non drinkable), detergents, and large, clear plastic garbage bags for taping over broken windows.
✔ two small bottles of water, two energy bars, chewing gum ✔ one week’s worth of prescription medication and copy
of prescriptions
✔ extra pair of eye glasses, batteries for hearing aids, etc. ✔ emergency blanket (Mylar “space blanket“) ✔ emergency rain poncho or large plastic garbage bag ✔ whistle and dust mask (earthquakes can stir up thick
clouds of dust)
✔ emergency radio/flashlight with extra batteries
BASIC ✔ Potable (drinkable) water: 4 litres per person per
day for at least 7 days, plus water for pets.
✔ Food, emergency stove and cooking equipment:
a variety of long-storing healthy foods that do not need refrigeration and are easy to prepare and eat under difficult conditions, such as nutritious canned food.
✔ multi-tool/Swiss Army knife ✔ mini first aid kit – items such as pain tablets, eye drops,
ointment, nitrite gloves, foil pack of water, etc.
SECURITY, PEACE OF MIND ✔ photocopies or password-protected USB drive of
important wallet contents and insurance policies
needs such as refrigerated medication, medical appliances and equipment, etc. Generators must never be operated in the house or other enclosed space. Generators may be a target for theft if left unattended.
✔ Health and safety: home first aid kit and first aid
manual; power failure lights for halls/stairwells; fire extinguishers.
✔ Communications: a landline phone that operates
on a phone jack and does not require electrical power (corded phone) or an emergency radio (battery- or solar-powered, or wind-up).
✔ key contacts list, cellphone and phone card ✔ notebook and pen or retractable pencil ✔ supply of cash in small bills and coins
✔ Household generator and fuel: especially for
✔ Heat, light and warmth: sleeping bags (much
✔ spare keys for home, car, other ✔ recent photos of family and pets ✔ book, cards, puzzles ✔ chargers and adaptors for cellphones and other
electronics included in your grab & go bags
warmer than regular bedding, Mylar blankets, ground sheets or air mattresses, newspaper (for insulation); camping tent or tarpaulin and ropes (in case house is unsafe and there are no other alternatives); flashlights with lots of batteries, light sticks, battery-powered or solar lanterns.
My Pharmacy Online Avoid Covid-19 and other illnesses by shopping online, medication is sent directly to your door for FREE! Their staff aren’t exposed to the public thereby keeping you safe. Medication used at mypharmacyonline.ca is identical to the medication you receive from your regular pharmacy; their low prices are due to their lean online operating costs. At mypharmacyonline.ca they have an incredibly low dispensing fee (only $3.99), which includes free delivery. Trusted by local physicians, their pharmacy manager has been recognized by VIHA for providing excellent support and collaboration, they bill all major insurance plans, provide compounding services and ostomy supplies, and do 13 weeks of blister packs for only $3.99 dispensing fee (60% savings)! You can even see a doctor online for free (service provided by Virtual Access BC). They can transfer your prescriptions from your regular pharmacy or receive new prescriptions via text.
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March 17, 2020 | IN CASE OF EMERGENCY
5
You and your family should be prepared to be self-sufficient for at least seven days after an emergency. This section will provide you with the resources to be ready and equipped for all emergencies, including how to create an emergency plan to reunite with your family, how to secure heavy items in your home, and how to build emergency kits and grab & go bags. Once you’re prepared, you will learn about the hazards in the capital region and specific considerations for each of those hazards.
Recommendations: EMERGENCY PLAN 1 Ask an out-of-area friend or relative to act as a contact for family members who may become separated during a disaster. 2 Decide in advance, as a family, where to meet and where to shelter in case you are separated and/or are unable to remain in your home in a disaster. 3 Make copies of important photos and documents and store them offsite, online or on a password-protected USB drive. 4 Connect with your neighbours and discuss how you can work together to help each other during emergencies.
MAKE AN EMERGENCY PLAN Contact Information and Reunification Planning
One of the most important things you can do is to plan how you will connect with your family in case of an emergency. An emergency can strike at any time, maybe while you are at home, work, school, driving or pursuing hobbies. It is important to know where each family member will be, how you will communicate with each other and to have a reunification spot identified ahead of time. It is also important to know how to contact trusted information services.
Planning For You And Your Family An emergency plan will help guide you and your family in case of an emergency. The plan should include: ✔ Places to stay in case you cannot access your home, such as a
friend or relative’s house, RV, boat or hotel.
✔ Two routes, that everyone knows, to the reunification spot from
where they live, work and play.
✔ How you will communicate in case you and your family members
are separated.
✔ Contact people both in your local area and out-of-area. ✔ Safe exit routes from your home and work. ✔ Risks in the region. ✔ Locations and proper use of important equipment such as fire
extinguishers, gas and water valves, floor drain(s) and the electrical box.
✔ Those who may rely on you for assistance: children, family
members with special considerations, and pets.
✔ Arrangement for care and evacuation of pets and farm animals,
especially if you are away when disaster strikes.
✔ Health information, such as allergies, necessary medication,
equipment and contact details for doctor, pharmacy, and other important health providers.
✔ A list of important contacts, vital
documents, and small valuables to take with you if you are evacuated.
✔ Insurance policies and photo
or video documentation of home contents.
6 IN CASE OF EMERGENCY | March 17, 2020
Planning for Special Considerations You may have special considerations during an emergency, such as vision, hearing, mobility, speech, language or understanding limitations. Your plan should include the things you may need to shelter in your home or away from your home. ✔ Develop a “buddy” system with family, friends and neighbours to check on each
other after an emergency. Telephones may not be working, so arrange check-ins with people who live near you. You may want to give your “buddy” a key to your home.
✔ Keep a list of medications, allergies and special equipment. Include the name,
address and telephone numbers of important contacts such as your doctor, pharmacist, family members, clergy or friends. Provide a copy to each “buddy” and keep a copy with you at all times.
✔ Remove or properly secure hazards in the home that could fall or cause injury. ✔ Develop a backup plan for life-sustaining equipment so it works in the event
of a power outage, which may include buying an emergency generator. Ensure you know how to properly operate and fuel your equipment.
✔ If you use oxygen, ensure the tank is secure. ✔ If you use a wheelchair or walking aids, keep them near you at all times
and have extra walking aids in other areas of the house.
✔ Place a battery-powered night light or flashlight in each room. ✔ Keep a whistle or horn handy to signal for help. ✔ If you use battery-powered equipment, ensure you have extra batteries
properly stored and accessible.
✔ If you require continued service from a service provider during an emergency,
make a list of all the required contact and service information and put it with your important papers. Ask each service provider for a summary of their emergency plans so you know what to expect following an emergency or disaster.
Planning for Pets and Farm Animals PETS Plans for pets can save precious time and maybe even your pet’s life. Make sure you designate someone to care for or evacuate your pet if you are not home when disaster strikes. If you have to leave your home, you will have to decide whether to take your pet with you. Keep in mind if you are evacuated to a group lodging facility or reception centre, you may need to make alternative arrangements for your pets. If you choose to leave your pet at home: ✔ Make sure they have dry food and water for at least seven days. ✔ Put them in a room where there is access to a high counter in case of flooding
and that is free of hazards such as windows, large mirrors or picture frames.
✔ Separate your dogs, cats and other smaller pets as they may behave differently
under stress.
✔ Leave a sign on your door with the number of animals in the house along
with their locations so emergency responders know where to look.
If you choose to take your pet with you: ✔ Put them in a sturdy portable carrier and make sure they are comfortable
with it beforehand.
✔ Include items for your pet in your emergency kit, such as dry food, water
and medications.
FARM ANIMALS Farm animals include alpacas, cattle, donkeys, fur-farmed animals, goats, horses, llamas, mules, poultry, rabbits, sheep and swine. Make sure you have an evacuation plan in place and that you designate someone to execute the plan in case you are away when an emergency happens.
March 17, 2020 | IN CASE OF EMERGENCY
7
GET THE FACTS ABOUT NOVEL CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19) FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT: BCCDC.CA/HEALTH-INFO/DISEASES-CONDITIONS/CORONAVIRUS-(NOVEL) WHAT IS NOVEL CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19) Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses found mostly in animals. In humans, they can cause diseases ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases such as Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) and Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS-CoV). The new coronavirus has been named COVID-19. While many of the characteristics of COVID-19 are still unknown, mild to severe illness has been reported for confirmed cases. Anyone concerned that they may have been exposed to, or are experiencing symptoms of the novel coronavirus, should contact their primary care provider, local public health office, or call 8-1-1.
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTONS? The symptoms of COVID-19, are similar to other respiratory illnesses, including the flu and common cold. They include cough, sneezing, fever, sore throat and difficulty breathing. If you have traveled to the affected area of Hubei Province, China, and develop these symptoms, avoid contact with others and call ahead to a health-care professional. Do the same if you develop symptoms and have been in contact with a confirmed case or a traveller returning from the affected area with these symptoms. • Tell your health-care professional: • your symptoms; • where you have been travelling or living; • if you had direct contact with animals (for example, if you visited a live animal market); and • if you had close contact with a sick person, especially if they had a fever, cough or difficulty breathing. Call ahead to the health-care facility you are planning to visit so they can
8 IN CASE OF EMERGENCY | March 17, 2020
be prepared to take precautions. In an emergency, describe your symptoms, travel history and any sick contacts when you first arrive at the facility so that appropriate precautions can be taken. Until more is understood about the virus, older people and people with a weakened immune system or underlying medical condition are considered at higher risk of severe disease.
HOW DO I PROTECT MYSELF AND MY FAMILY? Follow the same advice that public health officials recommend for the cold and flu season: wash your hands often with soap and water, cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, avoid others who are unwell, and stay home when you are sick. The most important thing you can do to prevent coronavirus and other illnesses is to wash your hands regularly and avoid touching your face. Cover your mouth when you cough so you’re not exposing other people. If you are sick yourself, stay away from others. Contact your health-care provider ahead of time so you can be safely assessed.
WHAT IS THE RISK TO THE PUBLIC? The risk of spread of this virus in B.C. communities remains low at this time. In B.C., Canada and many other countries, we continue to be in active containment mode to detect cases and respond to prevent the virus from spreading in the community. We are closely monitoring the global situation and recognize that the virus is spreading within communities in other parts of the world. We are preparing and planning for more widespread transmission in BC and Canada to mitigate the impact of the virus on individuals, the health care system and the community.
CAN I GET SICK TOUCHING A PACKAGE FROM CHINA?
INFORMATION FOR TRAVELLERS
To our knowledge, no one has become ill from touching a package from China so far and the risk is low.
People arriving in Canada from Hubei Province, China, Iran and Italy are asked to stay home and self-isolate for 14 days and monitor closely for symptoms of illness. If any symptoms arise, connect with your primary care provider, local public health office or call 8-1-1.
COVID-19 is transmitted through respiratory droplets that come from a person’s throat or lungs when they’re coughing or sneezing. While droplets can fall on surfaces including packages, viruses in the coronavirus family don’t survive very long on surfaces. They are sensitive to the environment and likely won’t survive for the amount of time it takes for packages to travel internationally.
Canada has active COVID-19 travel advisories for: • China • France • Germany
We recommend washing your hands frequently with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds as a precaution to further lower your risk of getting sick from COVID-19 and other viruses. Whenever you have touched surfaces, packages or other people, wash your hands before you touch your face, take care of other people or prepare food.
• Hong Kong
HOW IS B.C. PREPARING FOR A SPREAD OF COVID-19
Canada is also recommending that Canadians avoid all cruise ship travel due to the ongoing COVID-19 outbreak.
The Ministry of Health and BCCDC, working with many partners, have plans and are prepared to respond to new illnesses of public health concern.
British Columbians should monitor their health while they are travelling and after they return. If you have any symptoms at all of a cold or influenza, even if they’re mild, stay away from others. If you have been to areas, particularly where we know there has been transmission of COVID-19, then call your health care provider, call 8-1-1, call public health. Always tell health care providers about recent travel if you become ill after returning to Canada.
We have been actively monitoring the situation with COVID-19 over the past weeks, together with national and international groups, to be ready for identifying and caring for those who may have COVID-19 and to prevent its spread. B.C. developed one of the first tests to confirm COVID-19. A Provincial Coordination Committee is in place to respond to COVID-19 in British Columbia. This committee will co-ordinate provincial preparedness and response across our health sector.
• Iran • Italy • Japan • Singapore • South Korea • Spain
