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PERSONAL EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS

1. Disclaimer Every reasonable effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of this Handbook Saanich Emergency Program assumes no responsibility and disclaims any liability for any injury or damage resulting from the use or effect of the information in the Handbook Published by the Saanich Emergency Program February 2014 ii TABLE OF CONTENTS ARPOCUGT ION e dic Sedat cts a ac ae iii Part 1 Basic Personal and Family Preparedness Part 1 includes strategies and checklists for all types of disasters These are the minimum preparations needed to survive on your own at home or as evacuees for up to 7days Emergency Kits E e e RE Le S EETA AET E AEAEE 1 Car Mobile 4a vara ene etee ern ver eee mente Nee nsier a n a a aa 3 e Home KITS tec xe cathe cea devel dana ce sd a a bee vid ai aaa Seal aea Ea 4 First Aid amp Home NURSING sccsstesesdventucedentosiscevs dunsouets nasi Sunreedscnngons danseuntetavanin tandveed 6 Emergency Watemi eriei bata A AAAA A AEA a 7 Emergency Food e a aa a aia a oe 9 Food Safety in Emergencies ssnnnssssssssssssssosessssssssttseosssssssttsrosssssstteeosssssstteeensss 12 Emergency Cooking Equipment c cccceccsssssssssssssessssecsesseeseeseescsnscseeneeaseaeseeenees 16 Communicating in Emergencies 911 Emergency Services sssssnssssssssssssessssssssssttesssssssstttsossssssstttessssssstteeenssssssteeenssssse 17 e Broadcast Media ies cla each le ener Rael at le ail A easel ode ied 18 s
2. Turn off all lights except one inside your home and one outside The inside light lets you know and the outside light lets BC Hydro crews know when the power is back on During a Power Outage Unplug all appliances and tools with electronic controls microchips such as a stereo television VCR microwave oven stove refrigerator computers and light control systems This will reduce the risk from damaging power surges when power is restored Before you leave your home or go to bed be sure all heat producing appliances such as your range and iron are unplugged to minimize the risk of fire while you are away or asleep If you leave your home visually scan the neighbourhood to look for trouble indicators such as flashes of light and downed wires and keep away from these dangerous areas Conserve water and keep doors windows and drapes closed to retain heat Do not open freezers or refrigerators unless necessary 37 Use a shiny aluminum pan behind a candle to reflect more light or place a candle near a large mirror Be very careful of fire hazards caused by candles and other open flame light sources Never leave candles or fuel powered equipment unattended Non electrical heating system safety wood burning stoves or fireplaces gas fireplaces portable kerosene heaters e Do not use a kerosene heater in an unattended room Open a window slightly to provide combustion air and ventilation e If you have a wood burning st
3. Learn how to protect yourself during earthquakes storm surges tsunamis and floods Home Preparedness 1 Install smoke alarms to save lives If you use propane or natural gas for indoor heating and appliances install carbon monoxide detectors These are just as important as smoke alarms Buy an ABC type fire extinguisher for each floor of your home plus kitchen and workshop 3 Secure your hot water tank to the studs with steel strapping Secure furniture and contents Use Velcro strips or putty to secure art and mirrors Understand your homeowner s tenant s insurance policy in detail what disasters and damages are covered your responsibility after a disaster occurs etc Home insurance can mean the difference between eventual disaster recovery and deep financial loss DWELLING FIRES Did you know Fire doubles in size every 30 seconds Fire can fill an average sized room with deadly fumes within 20 45 seconds Fumes kill before flames reach most victims Fire can consume an average sized room within 3 minutes 48 Prepare 1 Plan and practise home fire drills Statistics show families that practise fire drills at home have a much higher chance of surviving a dwelling fire With your family make a step by step plan for escaping a fire Draw a floor plan of your home marking two ways out of every room especially sleeping areas Discuss the escape routes with every member of your househo
4. e Keep freezer and refrigerator thermometers inside the refrigerator If there is a power outage these thermometers will indicate the internal temperature of the appliances to help you determine if the stored food is safe 12 If you know in advance that the power will be out for more than 4 hours prepare a cooler with ice to keep refrigerated food cold 2 During a power failure Open the refrigerator or freezer door as little as possible A full freezer will keep food frozen for about 48 hours A half full freezer will keep food frozen for about 24 hours An unopened refrigerator will keep food cold for about 4 hours Do not place frozen food outside even in winter The sun s rays could thaw frozen food even when the outdoor temperature is very cold and animals could contaminate your food 3 After a power failure For refrigerated foods follow the guidelines on the chart see next two pages Thawed food that still contains ice crystals or feels refrigerator cold can be re frozen If raw meat has leaked during thawing clean and disinfect the areas the food has touched then disinfect the cloths with bleach water If buying food at the grocery store or eating out ask retailers and restaurateurs to explain how food has been kept safe during a power failure Refrigerated Foods What to Save and What to Throw Out Adapted from Keeping Food Safe During an Emergency USDA web site Discard any food that has an unusual colour o
5. of your family Everyone should have the same information on the wallet card 28 e Instruct all family members to contact this person as soon as possible to report how and where they are and their plans for the next few days Keep messages short as communications systems will be overloaded Tip If you are the designated emergency contact for family or a friend change your voice mail answering machine message as soon as you become aware of the disaster to assure them that you are available to coordinate communications For example You have reached I am the emergency contact for the family Please leave your message after the tone Home Insurance Purchasing home tenant insurance is an important step toward emergency preparedness and disaster recovery Insurance provides some peace of mind and covers out of pocket expenses in the stressful days immediately following the event Longer term it helps fund the cost of repairing or replacing your home and contents thus reducing the disaster s impact on your family s financial security e Keep your insurance up to date Find out how to reduce the cost of your insurance for example many insurers offer discounts if you have a monitored security system with fire detection and alarms built in e Inform your insurance company of any changes that might alter your coverage or the value of your dwelling and possessions e Find out if your insurance policy includes repla
6. bag which will be removed for disposal Put the seat down Dispose of the bowl water outside Use the toilet only for solid waste After using the toilet cover the feces with toilet paper and then with hydrated lime Use the bag several times then remove it for disposal leaving the liner bag in place Wear disposable gloves or use rubber gloves that can be disinfected with mild bleach water 1 10 Tie the bag loosely so that air can continue to work with the lime Place the bag outside in a lined dedicated garbage can with lid Spread more lime on top of bags as they are added to control odours When the can is full dig a shallow trench in the ground line it with heavy duty plastic bags place the bags of feces in the trench and sprinkle with more hydrated lime Do NOT cover the bags with earth When emergency officials organize solid waste collection and disposal follow their instructions Set up hand washing stations for bathroom and food preparation areas During a disaster it is very hard to control cleanliness but it is important to guard health when people are stressed and vulnerable so when at all possible make extra efforts You will need plain liquid soap in a dispenser bottles of potable water lots of paper towels lots of inexpensive disposable gloves lots of garbage bags and a mild chlorine bleach solution in a spray bottle for disinfecting With clean hands tear fold and stack lots of paper towels so t
7. by water and wind Never move through a gas cloud Travel cross wind to avoid fumes e If inavehicle close windows and shut off ventilation This will reduce the risk of contamination e If evacuation is necessary comply with instructions and follow the recommended route If leaving animals at home make sure all the doors and windows are closed e If you are ordered to shelter inside shelter in place comply even if you can smell fumes inside the building The fumes will be even stronger outside Sheltering in Place e Do not risk your safety to look for pets If they are not inside shelter in place without them e While inside stay tuned to local television or radio for information updates and use telephones only to call 911 for emergencies 82 E Turn off ventilation systems heating and air conditioning and fireplace dampers E Close all windows and doors E Go into a room with the fewest doors and windows and seal the room E Stay in the room until told by the authorities that it is safe to come out After a Spill If you have been exposed to a hazardous material follow official decontamination instructions e You may be advised to take a thorough shower or follow another procedure e Place exposed clothing and shoes in tightly sealed containers Ask local authorities about proper disposal e Seek treatment for unusual symptoms as soon as possible If evacuated do not return home until local au
8. countertops Secure items such as televisions stereos computers and microwaves Children who sit close to TVs are frequently injured when TVs fly off the shelf Use Velcro putty museum wax dental wax or double sided tape to secure breakable collectibles to shelves Lay a rubber strip across the front of bookcases to help keep books and files from sliding forward Or install decorative removable wooden or wrought iron library rods Rubbery shelf liner helps keep items from sliding off shelves Pictures and mirrors Consider moving all framed pictures and mirrors away from beds couches and chairs Place angle screws at the top and bottom or secure frames to an eyebolt with wire Screw the eyebolt directly into wall studs if possible Eyebolt Poster Putty or Velcro may also be used in diagonal corners to secure pictures mirrors wall clocks etc to the wall Window safety film can be applied to mirrors to prevent injury from breakage 68 Hanging objects e Check the location of hanging plants and other hanging objects Determine if they could strike windows in the motion of an earthquake If so consider moving them e Secure these objects by closing the gap in the hook Make sure the hook is screwed directly into a ceiling stud Kitchen cabinets To prevent cabinet doors from flying open install one of the latches shown below or consider seismically tested passive latches that engage only when shaking
9. foundation Cripple walls have been strengthened Chimneys are stable and plywood sheeting is affixed to the attic floor around the chimneys There are smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors in good working order on each floor of the house and near bedrooms A qualified professional has installed flexible pipe fittings to minimize line ruptures natural gas leaks and water leaks ABC fire extinguishers are easily accessible on each floor of the house especially in kitchen garage and workshop Congratulations on your efforts to make your home safer PART 3 DISASTER RECOVERY a Top 5 Recommendations 1 Remember that unfamiliar emotional responses are normal reactions to disasters 2 Recovery can take a long time even years so be kind to yourself and others as you work your way through this process 3 Help your children and pets cope with their fears 4 Follow health and safety guidelines throughout the recovery process 5 Attend community meetings or information sessions to find out what resources are available and how community members can help each other Recovery goals and resources Disasters have a definite beginning and end but recovery continues long after the emergency response and immediate danger have passed 91 The goals are to restore infrastructure and public services help meet short and long term housing needs restart the local economy and rebuild th
10. immobility Responses by Pets e Unusually nervous or fearful e Sensitive to noise or storms e Increased aggression e Excessive protectiveness Healing Emotionally e Discuss what happened however you may want to limit your family s exposure to media coverage of the event e Recognize the losses you have suffered Give yourself and your family permission to grieve and time to heal 93 e Take time to appreciate what you still have Helping Children Cope with Fear Don t ignore the emotional needs of your children once you have determined that everyone is physically okay e Give lots of hugs to your children and tell them everything will be fine This provides physical and verbal reassurance e Encourage your children to express their feelings especially through play and physical activities Listen to them carefully when they share these things with you Include children in safe clean up activities It is comforting to the child to watch the household begin to resume its normal functions It also gives them a job to do e Children may revert to immature behaviour for a few days Do not focus on this behaviour rather praise them for their help in cleaning up etc e Maintain or restore routines but reduce performance expectations If fears sleep or unusual behaviours get worse for more than two weeks seek professional help e After a disaster pets may be too upset or unpredictable to offer comfort to children Expla
11. is not possible After a Landslide e Stay away from the slide area There may be a danger of additional slides e Watch for hazards broken electrical water natural gas and sewage lines and damaged roadways bridges and railways e On damaged ground plant vegetation with good root systems as soon as possible to prevent erosion and further slides e Hire a geotechnical expert to evaluate remaining hazards and design corrective measures to reduce risk v Home SAFETY HUNT Involve your whole family in the home safety hunt Identify what needs to be done and then make a plan to do it one step at a time Every change you make helps a little and some changes help a lot Yes No Fixed Cooking areas are clean and clear of combustibles Electrical outlets near water are Ground Fault Interrupt GFI equipped Hot water heater is secured to wall studs Tall furniture is secured to walls ideally to wall studs Heavy objects are on lower shelves or in lower cupboards Electronic equipment and small appliances are secured to shelves Mirrors and framed pictures are secured with earthquake hangers and are not placed above beds 90 Hanging plants and lights are securely attached to ceilings and will not hit windows if they swing Cupboards and storage cabinet doors have earthquake resistant latches Chemicals are stored safely House is bolted to its
12. is safe to do so put out the fire using an ABC extinguisher Home Fire Prevention Flammable liquids gasoline diesel oil benzene naptha kerosene etc e Never use flammable liquids indoors Exception kerosene can be used indoors if great care is taken The room should be well ventilated and the appliance should be clean and in good repair When operating the kerosene appliance should not be left unattended should be at least 1 metre away from all combustibles including furnishings and should be secured on a stable non flammable surface so that it cannot easily tip over while in use e Never smoke near flammable liquids e Store fuels in approved containers in well ventilated storage areas e Safely discard all rags or materials that have been soaked in flammable liquids Place outdoors in a metal container stored away from structures Do not clean such rags in home washers and dryers Clothes Dryers e Read the manufacturer warnings in the user manual and on the inside of the dryer door e Clean the lint screen filter before or after drying each load of clothes Clean the dryer vent and exhaust duct periodically 54 Have a certified service technician clean and inspect the dryer and venting system regularly Replace plastic or vinyl exhaust hoses with rigid or flexible metal venting which provides maximum airflow Keep the area around the dryer clean and free from clutter Don t place clothing or fabric stained with
13. most changes is modest Other changes are more expensive but the cost could be far less than the insurance deductible for losses in a major quake To make your home more quake resistant 63 e Ensure the home is properly bolted to its foundation e Inspect and if necessary reinforce cripple walls a k a pony walls e Consult an engineer on how to secure brick stone and masonry e Reinforce windows e Protect interiors from falling chimney bricks e Secure and arrange objects in your home to prevent injuries e Strap the water heater to wall studs e Secure tall free standing furniture to wall studs e Secure microwave ovens TVs computers and other electronics so they do not fly off the shelf e Use earthquake hooks for heavy and framed glass covered pictures e Install earthquake proof latches on cupboards e Ensure hanging lamps are securely affixed to the ceilings Foundations Most residential structural damage is caused by homes sliding off their foundations during major earthquakes If a home is off its foundation it is usually condemned and demolished This can be prevented by properly bolting the home to its foundation e Check your house and garage for foundation bolts Have your home inspected to ensure anchor bolts have been properly installed These bolts secure the wood structure to the concrete foundation They are placed approximately 2 metres 6 feet apart along the sill plate and should look like
14. or green plastic garbage bag C whistle amp dust mask earthquakes can stir up thick clouds of dust O small emergency radio flashlight extra batteries O multi tool Swiss army knife L mini first aid kit compact purchased kits may have extra room for small items such as pain tablets eye drops ointment disposable nitrile gloves foil pack of water etc Security peace of mind L photocopies of ID cards and insurance policies O key contacts list cell phone amp phone card L notebook and pen or retractable pencil L supply of cash in small bills and coins O spare keys L recent photos of family and pets L book cards or puzzles Warmth L hand and foot warmers chemical packets 2 of each L pair of socks wool is warmest even when wet L toque knitted hat O gloves mitts O neck scarf silk is lightweight and effective O lightweight warm sweater or vest Comfort amp sanitation O basic toiletries including hand sanitizer L change of underwear O toilet paper packet of baby wipes Ziploc bags O flip flops for use in public showers L small rapid dry camping towel For young children include L Ziploc bag of important documents o full name address date of birth and recent photo of child o names and current photo ID of adults authorized to accompany child including family members and legal guardians o name and address of school family doctor and dentist o immunization history allergies current medica
15. precious commodity following disasters and especially after floods and major earthquakes All family members should learn how to shut off the water immediately after disaster strikes for three reasons The normal supply of water to your home could be disrupted or perhaps polluted because of broken or cracked lines or failures in the water treatment system Shut off the water supply until you hear from local authorities that it is safe for drinking Shutting off the water will retain the water in the hot water heater and toilet tanks for your use Otherwise the water could flow back out to the municipal main If you suspect the water has already been contaminated you must purify it Shutting off the water supply will prevent water damage to your house if the pipes inside your home are broken during an earthquake or aftershocks Locate the shut off valve for the water line that enters your home Make sure this valve can be completely shut off Your valve may be rusted open or it may only partially close Check it periodically and replace it if necessary 40 Make sure all household members know where the shut off valve is located often hidden in a crawl space or ina closet Your main water shut off valve may look like one of these Tips Turning off the water at the meter usually located in a concrete box is not recommended because it is difficult to turn this valve The exception would be if there is a break in the water lin
16. purification options 1 boil 2 chlorinate and 3 use purification tablets If water is cloudy before purifying it you should strain it through several layers of paper towels cheesecloth or coffee filters or use charcoal filters designed for drinking water 1 Boil This is the safest method but you will use a lot of hydro gas or emergency fuel to boil enough water for daily consumption Boil for 10 minutes 2 Add unscented liquid household bleach must contain 5 25 sodium hypochlorite and be less than one year old in these amounts WATER AMOUNT FOR CLEAR WATER FOR CLOUDY WATER 1 litre quart 2 drops 4 drops 5 litres 1 gallon 5 8 drops 16 drops 25 litres 5 gallons 4 teaspoon 1 teaspoon 3 Purification tablets This is an acceptable method if you cannot boil or chlorinate Follow directions on the package Purification tablets have a short shelf life Note the expiry date and replace them regularly Tip Water is very heavy During prolonged water shortages you may have to walk to a water tanker truck Keep a food grade water container in your home kit Clean Utility Water Water that is not pure enough for consumption may still be clean enough for sponge bathing but not hand washing or first aid and for essential laundry and house cleaning but not for washing dishes Sources e expired drinking water hot water tank if not pure enough to drink e water from toilet tank
17. remove wet clothing and warm the centre of the body first Give warm non alcoholic non caf feine beverages if conscious Get medical help as soon as possible Watch for signs of frostbite loss of feeling and white or pale skin in extremities such as fingers toes ear lobes and the tip of the nose Get medical help immediately Sleeping bags are usually warmer than sheets and blankets Clothing Tips Wear several layers of loose fitting lightweight warm clothing rather than one layer of heavy clothing The outer garments should be tightly woven and water repellent 79 Mittens are warmer than gloves wool stays warm even when wet silk neck scarves help keep body heat inside jackets If your house is very cold wear a hat even while sleeping to avoid hypothermia Cover your mouth with a scarf to protect your lungs Driving in Winter Storms Drive only if it is absolutely necessary Travel during the day travel with someone and keep others informed of your schedule Stay on main roads and avoid back road shortcuts If a blizzard traps you in the car Pull to the side of the road Turn on hazard lights and hang a distress flag from the radio antenna or window Remain in your vehicle where rescuers are most likely to find you Do not set out on foot unless you can see a building close by where you know you can take shelter Be careful Distances are distorted by blowing snow A building may seem close but be too far to
18. starts Cabinet Pull Latch Cabinet Push Latch 69 Water heaters A typical water heater weighs between 200 to 400 kilograms when full The jolts and motions that accompany most earthquakes can cause them to topple over This movement can also cause the natural gas and water line connectors to break au e Wrap ai wide 16 gauge thick metal strap around the top of the water heater and about 1 3 of the way up from the bottom Bolt the ends together e Take four lengths of EMT electrical conduit each no longer than 30 inches Flatten the ends Bolt one end to the metal strap as shown Screw the other end to a 2 by 4 stud in the wall using a 5 16 by 3 lag screw e For natural gas hot water heaters a flexible pipe may be installed to connect the gas supply The installation should be carried out by a licensed gas fitter p b x 3 lag bolt with ii A washer into structure _J 2 EMT conduite with flat ends is et 7 Ea at i ie ag fico cea jhe Hees 5 6 bolts typicat a 4 Flexible gas or lectrical connection Anchor to floor TSUNAMIS SUL ECV ATS A tsunami is a natural hazard consisting of a series of long surge like waves generated when a large volume of ocean water is rapidly displaced by a coastal EA landslide an undersea earthquake or an undersea volcano There is no way to predict when these types of tsunami generating events will occur IN CASE OF EARTHQUAKE GO AO ANEN Most tsu
19. the posts and beams of the walls and the floor and ceiling join e Strengthen the connection between ceilings walls and floors using the appropriate hardware including exposed framing in garages basements porches and patio covers Strengthen this where necessary A 35 metal framing anchors with six screws into each leg Framing hardware Brick and masonry fa ades Brick masonry and stone fa ades are very susceptible to earthquake damage During an earthquake family members need to keep away from such facades If you have a large amount of brick or stone in your home you may want to consult a structural engineer for advice on how to secure it Windows Windows are a major hazard in an earthquake As the building moves pressure on the windows may cause them to shatter e Consider adding a safety film to the inside of all windows greater than 60 square centimetres 2 square feet in size This does not prevent the window from cracking but it does keep the glass from falling and injuring loved ones e Closing heavy drapes at night can prevent glass from flying into seating and sleeping areas Chimneys Toppled chimneys are one of the most common types of earthquake damage This becomes extremely dangerous when bricks penetrate the roof and fall to the rooms below e Check the chimney for loose tiles and bricks Have it repaired and re pointed if necessary e In the attic reinforce the floor surrounding the
20. to the surface is affected Tsunami waves contain considerable energy and travel further inland compared to ordinary coastal waves A tsunami may not look like a wave at all but will have very strong currents under the surface Distant vs Local Tsunamis e A distant tsunami is the result of an earthquake in a distant area of the Pacific Ocean Saanich Emergency Program and Emergency Management British Columbia EMBC monitor a number of channels including the West Coast Alaska Tsunami 71 Warning Centre WCATWC WCATWC will issue one of three alerts a Watch an Advisory or a Warning and EMBC will do the same Emergency management personnel will issue alerts via local TV and radio channels and social media A local tsunami will be associated with a felt earthquake in our own region There will likely be no time for official warnings because the tsunami has originated so near the coast As well communications networks may be disrupted by the quake Strong shaking IS the warning to move to higher ground Official Tsunami Alerts Warning the highest level of tsunami alert Warnings are issued when there is the imminent threat from a large tsunami after large undersea earthquake or following confirmation that a potentially destructive tsunami is underway Warnings may initially be based only on seismic information as a means of providing the earliest possible alert Warnings advise that appropriate actions be taken in response to th
21. trained volunteers on a call out basis After a major disaster it may take a day or more before a centre can be opened Officials will decide when and where reception centres will open and evacuees will be informed On arrival evacuees will be greeted at the door and directed to a seating area where they will wait in turn to be registered The centre will have a notice board for official updates about the disaster and officials may give updates on the status of evacuation areas When you meet with an ESS volunteer you will be given as much time as you need e You will register all your family members living at your address and whom you know to be safe Tenants will register separately Registrations are confidential e Ifa family member is missing the volunteer will help you complete an inquiry request to learn whether he or she has registered elsewhere and to help with reunification Registrations cannot be disclosed to others without the registrant s permission e As needed you may receive vouchers for food lodging hotel room or group lodging and basic necessities for up to 72 hours after the disaster occurs Accessible washrooms a children s play area but not child care light refreshments basic first aid and basic emotional care will usually be available Animals other than service dogs are not allowed inside To protect evacuees privacy media are not allowed inside the reception centre and no one may use any kind of cam
22. 2014 08 33 00 AM Last Saved By RobbinsK Total Editing Time 6 Minutes Last Printed On 03 04 2014 08 33 00 AM As of Last Complete Printing Number of Pages 107 Number of Words 27 045 approx Number of Characters 154 158 approx
23. Damage to home and contents resulting from an earthquake is an insurable loss If you have earthquake insurance contact your insurance agent or company right away to begin your claims process Keep records of any repair or cleaning costs Take pictures of damage to your property or home Tip Many earthquake survivors are seriously injured by stepping on broken glass and other debris Wear firm soled shoes indoors and keep a pair by the bed at night Sheltering in Place at Home After an Earthquake After a strong earthquake accommodations may be in very short supply Whenever possible it is best to remain at home Even if your home is damaged or littered with debris all or part of the dwelling may still be safe to occupy If your home has not moved off its foundation if gas and water leaks are stopped and if you judge or are told by officials that your dwelling can withstand strong aftershocks and is safe to occupy follow these suggestions for sheltering in place 62 1 Rope off hazards in and around the home damaged trees cracked chimneys unstable raised decks unstable stairwells etc 2 Tape cracked windows and tape plastic sheeting or heavy plastic bags over broken windows damaged entrances and cracks in walls Be wary of using ladders which may tip in an aftershock Clean up chemical spills See Hazardous Spills section for advice 4 It could take many days to clean up the house so start with a limited area Cho
24. LHA 8 60 fo Reece cetera ce a ere e ee cen Se RC ea PT 18 Phones and Internet x nu cnanovermdernconmasern Mi acconnssuern iaevereesiecn din cceueonuninaun cveeiesnecatemeenve 19 Evacuations amp Family Emergency Planning e Evac ation Alerts and Orden Se csie ieaiai 21 Disaster RECEPTION COMES is sisissisisssctssstaseinonssceassadaiganuatashishasassivenesonssnagadeinaaisainiadedle 23 e Family Evacuation and Reunification Plan ou esesseesssessessecseeceeesecseeseeenteseeeseeenens 24 e Home EMSUP ONCE ani a ah aida te a aa a etl 29 e Planning Worksheets Family Reunification and Sheltering seccceseeeneen 30 Utilities e Power Outages tsa eate lcs nets aba tos ouslack duanesc alte ole Glades ate Sicteinab uate wes uncanubetotentecumansbete 36 Power Lines DOWN acanmet tease ia ditt enn avian Maisie Anaod Malian 39 Interruptions in Water Supply cccccscsesssssesecsesssessesscssecsecseeseesessesseeseeseesseneenees 40 e Sewerage Failures amp Emergency Toilets c ccccecsssssesessecssessesececeeseeseesseseenees 42 e Natural Gas and Propane ccc sisal iss ccrudun toast hrensem sonit cree hiaetinneuioeionmaa 44 Part 2 Nine Disasters Part 2 includes advice specific to each of nine disasters we may face in Saanich Learn how to stay safe in each situation and make your home safer and less prone to damage UD Welling Fires aaeietotecsitecs t esaietct Mctesarnatat ieaie ie ean eia 49 e Forest Fires Urban Interface Fir
25. OR INDUSTRY amp COMMERCE COUNCIL www epicc org Add more contacts here ORGANIZATION Web Site or Phone 100 Free 90 minute Public Information Sessions Personal Emergency Preparedness Offered regularly during the Fall Winter and Spring at Saanich Recreation Centres If you have enjoyed this session urge your friends family and co workers to register through the Saanich Recreation department for an upcoming session To request the presentation for your workplace association club society or neighbourhood group contact the Saanich Emergency Program at 250 475 7140 The session must be held in a Saanich location Free Consultation for Leadership Groups Neighbours Helping Neighbours Designed for neighbourhood leadership groups interested in developing a collective disaster plan for the neighbourhood The session is a private consultation for your group e g block watch committee tenants committee strata committee It suggests simple steps your committee can take in advance even if most neighbours aren t willing to be involved Participants will also learn how to quickly organize neighbours to help one another during and after a disaster when people are typically most willing to help The planning tools allow leaders to create a simple disaster plan tailored to the needs and capacities of their own neighbourhood Contact the Saanich Emergency Program at 250 475 7140 V
26. PERSONAL EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS HANDBOOK FOR WORKSHOP PARTICIPANTS EMERGENCY PROGRAM FOREWORD We are overdue for a major earthquake or other disaster Are you prepared As one who has significant responsibilities in an emergency let me make it clear it will be a disaster We will have significant infrastructure failures not everyone working for us will be available and even high priority requests will be placed in a queue Your government may not be able to meet your needs You and your family need to be prepared to look after yourselves for at least 7 days I hope blunt language might inspire more people to become better prepared The goal of this handbook is e to help you prepare for and respond effectively to a wide variety of emergencies and disasters e to help you understand what constitutes a disaster e to help you develop a sense of how to prepare and e to motivate you to move forward I hope both the presentation you attended and this Handbook will help prepare you and give you the confidence to face any disaster May you have the good fortune never to be required to use these newly found skills Hakkad Frank Leonard Mayor District of Saanich Acknowledgement The Saanich Emergency Program sincerely thanks The Cowichan Valley Regional District Emergency Program CVRDEP for sharing the Cowichan Valley Emergency Preparedness Workbook The spirit of cooperation ensures that many more people will benefit
27. Stay off the streets If you must go out watch for fallen objects downed electrical wires and weakened walls bridges roads and sidewalks Before You Enter Your Home Walk around the outside and check for loose power lines gas leaks and structural damage Look down as well as up watch for sink holes fissures and trip hazards on the ground Do not enter the house if e you smell gas e floodwaters remain around the building e your home has moved even partially off its foundation or e your home was damaged by fire and the authorities have not declared it safe If you have any doubts about its safety or structural integrity have your home inspected by a qualified building inspector or structural engineer before entering Review the Inspection Checklist below before entering your home v Entering Your Home Inspection Checklist 96 If you are using a flashlight turn it on before entering to avoid a spark that could ignite gas that may be leaking inside Enter carefully watching for loose boards and slippery floors 1 Critical Safety Checks L Natural gas Do not smoke or use oil gas lanterns candles or torches or turn cameras cell phones and switches on or off until you are sure there is no gas or other flammable materials present If you detect natural gas opena window and leave immediately Turn off the gas at the meter if you can Call the gas company from another location Sparks broken or fra
28. Understand how they work and be prepared to comply Fire fighters and other emergency personnel cannot work on the fire or other problems until life and safety issues are under control Resisting evacuation orders wastes rescuers precious time and puts others lives at risk BC has several laws which authorize evacuations Regardless which legal authority orders an evacuation warning and implementation should follow the provincial standard of a three staged process You can help by tuning into local media remaining aware of the situation and getting organized to leave If you hear a media bulletin about an evacuation be sure to note whether it is an Alert or an Order The response is different for each stage Following these guidelines helps first responders protect you Stage 1 Evacuation Alert Officials will alert the population at risk of an impending danger At this point the priority could be the movement of people with disabilities hospital patients transient populations including tourists school populations and any voluntary evacuees Others should quickly prepare for evacuation in case ordered to do so People with farm animals may wish to be voluntary evacuees at this stage because they cannot quickly evacuate their animals later Stage 2 Evacuation Order Officials will order everyone who is at risk to leave the area immediately There is no discretion allowed in the Order which clearly indicates immediate evacuati
29. a flammable substance such as alcohol cooking oils gasoline spot removers or motor oil in the dryer Flammable substances give off vapors that could ignite or explode Instead dry the fabrics outdoors Don t dry any item containing foam rubber or plastic such as bathroom and non slip rugs and athletic shoes in the dryer Don t dry any item that contains glass fiber materials such as a blouse or sweater with glass buttons or decorations in the dryer Don t overload the dryer with wet clothes Heating Equipment Insulate chimneys and place spark arresters on top The chimney should be at least 1 metre 3 feet higher than the roof Remove tree branches hanging near the chimney Fill kerosene heaters outside and be sure they have cooled before filling Keep portable and space heaters at least 1 metre 3 feet away from anything that can burn Never leave heaters on when you leave home or go to bed Use only the proper fuel and follow manufacturer s instructions Store ashes ina metal container outside and away from your residence Keep a screen in front of wood burning fireplaces There are also safety screens available to keep children away from the glass front of gas burning fireplaces Have heating units inspected and cleaned annually by a certified specialist Hydro Electricity Inspect extension cords for frayed or exposed wires or loose plugs Do not overload extension cords or outlets If you need to plug in two or thr
30. ab whatever you can to protect your head and face sofa cushions pillows blankets coats etc Inside corners interior hallways and closets are much stronger than outer walls In a narrow hallway brace your back against one wall your feet against the other and cover your head and neck with your arms e If you are ina wheelchair face an inside wall or corner and lock the wheels Cover your head and body with pillows or blankets to protect your head from falling objects e If outdoors get into an open area away from trees buildings walls and power lines e Ina moving vehicle stop as quickly as safety permits and stay in the vehicle until the movement stops Avoid stopping near or under buildings trees overpasses and utility wires Proceed cautiously once the earthquake has stopped watching for road and bridge damage Risky locations In kitchens garages and workshops heavy sharp or breakable objects may fly off shelves or out of cupboards Appliances may move Pots of hot liquid or containers of chemicals may fall and splash Move from the kitchen to a safer room if you can In a workshop or garage keep space clear under a workbench or counter so you can take refuge there rather than trying to exit through a door Move away from anything that may fall topple over or break e g glass objects picture frames free standing tall bookcases wall units etc Teach your children to immediately move away from TVs which
31. ad Make sure a neighbour friend or relative knows you are ill and can check on you by phone frequently to ensure you re coping This is especially important if you are alone a single parent or responsible for the care of someone who is frail or disabled Home treatment and self care may relieve most symptoms and reduce the risk of further problems e Drink lots of fluids including water real juice and herbal teas It is best to have drinks without caffeine because caffeine makes you lose fluid from your body e Usea hot water bottle or heating pad for short periods of time to help reduce muscle pain Watch for burns and blisters e Get lots of rest e Take a warm bath with Epsom salts e Gargle with warm water and or suck on sugarless hard candy or lozenges to ease a sore throat e Avoid alcohol and tobacco Smoking especially irritates damaged airways e Avoid sharing anything that may carry germs such as towels lipstick cigarettes drinks or toys Wash your hands often Use soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds each time This will help you avoid spreading the flu to others For children seek medical care right away if you notice any of the following e fast or troubled breathing 76 bluish or dark coloured lips or skin color drowsiness to the point that you cannot wake your child severe crankiness not wanting to be held not drinking enough fluids and or not urinating regularly about every 6 hours wh
32. afe location known to all family members e Learn how to shut off your home propane tank at the outdoor valve Follow the manufacturer s instructions gt Tip Paint your propane tank white and repaint regularly to maintain its reflective properties An unpainted or dark coloured tank does not reflect sunlight and may absorb heat This may cause an increase in pressure leading to a possible discharge from the pressure relief valve How to respond to gas leaks If there is a strong smell of gas indoors or outside or if you hear the flow of escaping gas or if gas is leaking from a broken or disconnected gas pipe e Do not smoke light matches start engines use any phone turn ona flashlight or operate electrical switches Emergency light sticks are safe to use e Extinguish open flames Leave the premise leaving doors and windows open e Shut off your natural gas meter or propane tank only if you judge that you can safely do so e Warn others in the area e Do not start your car Run from the area on foot until you cannot smell gas then double that distance e Call 911 or the gas utility propane supplier from a safe distance Shutting off propane tank If your home gas supply is propane tank you may turn the propane valve off and on again at any time without help from a technician This is because your gas supply comes from a stand alone tank rather than from a pressurized community pipeline Note Turning off the
33. age 1 Meet at home 2 Meet at friend s neighbour s house name address phone 3 Location outside our immediate area details Sheltering Options 1 Home 2 3 30 Below are four wallet cards to clip and fold Photocopy this page complete the information and make enough completed copies so that each family member has a card to carry in a wallet or grab amp go bag Out of Province Emergency Contact Rendezvous Points Name Home phone Work phone Cell pager E mail Out of Province Emergency Contact Rendezvous Points Name Home phone Work phone Cell pager E mail Out of Province Emergency Contact Rendezvous Points Name Home phone Work phone Cell pager E mail Out of Province Emergency Contact Rendezvous Points Name Home phone Work phone Cell pager E mail 31 Family Members Information Home Address Home Telephone 1 Name Work School Address Phone MSP Medical Medications Allergies 2 Name Work School Address Phone MSP Medical Medications Allergies 3 Name Work School Address Phone MSP Medical Medications Allergies 4 Name Work School Address Phone MSP Medical Medications Allergies 5 Name Work School Address Phone MSP Medical Medications Allergies 32 Local Contacts neighbours insurers doctor etc Name Address Phone E mail Name Address Phone E mail Name Address Phone E mail Name Add
34. and keep a flashlight by the phone Ask an out of province friend or family member to be the emergency contact in case your family members are separated during a disaster Ideally the contact should have voice mail e mail and a cell phone This person will pass messages among the family members until they are reunited This person may also notify family and friends living outside the disaster area to update them on your situation 911 Emergency Services Contact a 911 dispatcher when you need immediate emergency assistance from Police Ambulance or Fire Departments Never call 911 unless life is at risk You may endanger someone else s life by tying up emergency dispatchers These departments are dispatched separately so the first question you need to answer is Police Ambulance or Fire Once connected to the right dispatch centre e give the address or location and phone number from which you are calling e speak clearly and describe the problem e g there has been a hazardous spill or someone is injured or a power line is down e follow instructions from dispatch or emergency personnel e stay with the injured person and give comfort if you can do so without risking your own safety and e ask bystanders to stay back and clear the way for responders Broadcast Media Emergency officials will rely partly on broadcast media and the internet to get information to the public using cable TV radio and the internet to help
35. ar fewer data than a voice call and can be sent in an instant If you leave your phone on the text message will be held in queue until it can be delivered You won t have to re dial and re text and you can send the same message to several destinations For 911 calls land lines display the building address so 911 operators can dispatch emergency responders even if the caller cannot speak Cell phone locations do not display an address even if the call comes from within the subscriber s home Technology may eventually overcome these limitations Meanwhile if using a cell phone for 911 calls provide an exact location Don t allow children to play with old cell phones If they dial 911 they can tie up operators and emergency responders for quite some time putting lives at risk Tips Enter a contact name or next of kin under ICE in case of emergency in your cell phone directory First responders can contact this person via your cell phone if you are unable to Most cell phones emit a GPS signal Cell phone companies can ping or contact your cell phone to discover the nearest tower the signal is coming from at the time of the ping Police use this method to find missing persons so if you are lost stay in one place 20 EVACUATIONS This section gives general information only During an evacuation emergency personnel will contact you and give specific instructions Evacuations can be chaotic and nerve wracking
36. asures kd Top 5 Recommendations 1 Pack a small grab amp go kit for each family member tailored to their needs 2 Store 7 days of drinking water and emergency foods in your home 3 Ask an out of province friend or relative to act as contact for family members who may become separated during a disaster 4 Decide in advance as a family where to meet and where to shelter in case you are separated and or unable to remain in your home in a disaster 5 Back up scan and save important photos and documents and store them offsite on line or on a password protected USB drive on your key chain or place them in a safe deposit box Y GRAB amp GO BAG A disaster could force you to spend an extended time away from home You will want to have personal supplies with you so that you can be as comfortable as possible or keep the supplies near the door in case you must evacuate quickly Every person and pet in your family should have a kit with basic survival supplies and other items that meet their own needs The suggested contents should fit in an average sized knapsack You may prefer to add or omit items Large Ziploc bags help keep things organized Basic survival CI 2 small bottles of water 2 energy bars chewing gum O 1 week s worth of prescription medication amp copy of prescriptions O extra pair of eye glasses batteries for hearing aids etc L emergency blanket Mylar space blanket L emergency rain poncho
37. cement value e Ask what out of pocket expenses are covered if you must evacuate your home e Find out what perils are not insured for example most insurers do not cover damage from overland flooding from any cause and earthquake coverage in Greater Victoria is a costly but important option e Understand the deductibles in your policy for example the deductible for fire damage may be much smaller than the deductible for earthquake damages e Find out what benefits and services your insurer will provide after an insured loss e Document your belongings Take videos or snapshots of your home s exterior interior and the contents of closets cupboards and drawers Photograph artwork jewelry electronics and other valuables Store photos digital images and receipts evaluations for valuables in a bank safe deposit box or store images digitally at a secure internet site 29 WORKSHEETS FAMILY REUNIFICATION AND SHELTERING PLAN 1 Collect the information you will need to fill out the forms 2 Develop your rough draft separately and then write the final details onto the pages in this workbook as a handy reference tool 3 Give each family member a photocopy of the sheets in a waterproof Ziploc bag for the grab amp go bag 4 Update the information as needed 5 Keep this Handbook easily accessible for example by the main phone Reunification Plan Rendezvous Sites Enter this information on the wallet cards next p
38. chimney with 5 8 5 ply plywood screwed to the beams This will protect the rooms below from falling bricks In attic plywood panels screwed to beams at base of chimney Wood burning appliances A typical wood burning stove or heater weighs between 100 and 150 kilograms It can easily topple over from the rolling action of in an earthquake This movement can cause a fire or let smoke and other gases to leak into the house Have a professional secure your wood burning appliance so it will not move or topple over If you do the work yourself have it inspected Do not compromise your safety Furniture and contents A major earthquake can cause substantial damage to your possessions Approximately one third of the cost of earthquake damage is from non structural losses like furniture equipment heirlooms etc How you secure your furniture depends upon its value location and your imagination There are many ways to protect each piece e Secure all tall free standing furniture such as bookcases china cabinets and shelving units to the wall studs using L brackets corner brackets or anodized aluminum moulding Examples are illustrated e Attach a wooden or metal guardrail to open shelves to keep items from sliding off This is especially important wherever there are a lot of glass items e Place heavy and or large items on lower shelves Fastening hardware for furniture and contents 67 Securing items to shelves and
39. clean salvageable items Appliances If appliances are wet turn off the electricity at the circuit box Then unplug appliances and let them dry out Have a professional check them before using them again 97 L Water and sewage systems If pipes are damaged turn off the main water valve Check with local authorities before using water as it could be contaminated Pump out wells and have the water tested before drinking Do not flush toilets until you know that sewage lines are intact L Cabinets Open cabinets carefully and watch for falling objects L Food and other supplies Throw out all food and other supplies that may be contaminated or that may have come into contact with floodwater PART 4 USEFUL INFORMATION amp RESOURCE LINKS EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS amp RESPONSE GOVERNMENT AGENCIES SAANICH EMERGENCY PROGRAM www saanich ca sep CAPITAL REGION DISTRICT www prepareyourself ca Preparing Southern Vancouver Island for emergencies PROVINCIAL EMERGENCY www pep bc ca PROGRAM FEDERAL EMERGENCY www getprepared gc ca PREPAREDNESS BC and Saanich recommend 7 days of emergency preparedness not 3 days as recommended at this site PUBLIC SAFETY CANADA www ps sp gc ca BC CENTRE FOR DISEASE CONTROL www bccdc ca ISLAND HEALTH formerly Vancouver Island Health Authority VIHA www viha ca Tip sheets on health emergency preparedness immunizations seasonal influenza e
40. communicate evacuation alerts and bulletins about impending dangers such as severe storms wildfires and tsunami After a disaster of ficials will provide updates via the media as facts and information are confirmed Most local broadcasters TV and radio do not have broadcast staff on duty 24 7 therefore if a disaster occurs during the night only the stations with staff on duty will be able to broadcast during the first few hours of the disaster Other stations might bring in staff to provide 24 7 news during the disaster but that could take hours or days Become familiar with your local broadcasters and check periodically which stations have 24 7 live broadcasts In Greater Victoria local broadcast media include e SUN FM 89 7 e The Q 100 3 FM in Fall 2013 the only local broadcaster with 24 7 broadcast staff e The WAVE 102 3 FM e CKEG 1570 AM e CFAX 1070 AM e SHAW Cable Channel 3 e AChannel Channel 53 Cable 12 During a disaster tune in to local media for news updates via your emergency radio There will be lots of rumour opinion and speculation especially on the internet When making decisions for yourself and your family rely on news that clearly comes from of ficial sources such as government officials first responders utilities and Environment Canada Ham Radio Operators Amateur radio operators use ham radios and other stand alone systems when communication utilities fail Disaster officials may send p
41. d Be aware that high waters can cut off your return route If You Must Evacuate Lock all doors and windows Ensure gas and other heating fuel sources are turned off and that electricity and the water are shut off at the main valve or breaker leading to the house Remove insecticides and toxic chemicals from the house to prevent contamination In your grab amp go bags ensure all personal documents and family papers are sealed in plastic In addition to the grab amp go bags take a blanket warm clothing and waterproof outer wear and footwear for each person Ensure each family member has identification especially the young children Name tags on the inside of clothing wallet cards or wrist bands are all useful Review your family reunification and sheltering plan Choose a destination and alternate before leaving and make sure each family member knows where it is Ensure children s grab amp go bags contain a note sealed in plastic stating the family s destination and a few key contacts Staying Safe During a Flood Avoid floodwaters They may be contaminated by oil gasoline or raw sewage Water may also be electrically charged from underground or downed power lines Do not walk through moving water Six inches of moving water can make you fall If you have to walk in water walk where the water is not moving Use a stick to check the firmness of the ground in front of you Stay out of any building surrounded by floodwater
42. d on each level than to have one large one that may be difficult to find quickly Regularly review their operating instructions so you ll know what to do when a fire occurs At least once a year turn your fire extinguisher upside down give the bottom a good smack and shake it to keep the chemical powder from caking Some manufacturers recommend shaking your dry chemical extinguishers once a month to prevent the powder from settling packing Check the extinguisher s gauge to ensure the pressure is at the recommended level e in the green zone not too high and not too low Fire extinguishers should be pressure tested a process called hydrostatic testing after a number of years to ensure that the cylinder is safe to use Consult your owner s manual extinguisher label or the manufacturer to see when yours may need such testing How to Respond To a Dwelling Fire e Get out fast Do not try to rescue possessions or pets Go directly to your assembly point then call 911 from a neighbour s phone or a cell phone If you live in a multi storey building pull the fire alarm switch on your way out if possible Everyone in your family should know how to call 911 and inform the dispatcher of the fire o If you are at the spot where the fire has started and can quickly put it out with a fire extinguisher try to do so If you cannot control the fire get everyone out immediately and call 911 from outside the building e If your clothing is on f
43. d small towel L instant cold packs O Mylar space blankets O disposable nitrile gloves Potable drinkable Water Only potable water is safe for drinking cooking brushing teeth hand washing first aid and washing cooking equipment surfaces Storing adequate potable water is essential for survival You can live for some time without food but only a few days without drinking water You may need to drink more ina disaster Most canned emergency foods contain high levels of salt and or sugar so thirst is a major concern Earthquake dust also adds to thirst You will need 4 litres of potable water per person per day plus water for pets fora minimum of 7 days A family of four without pets will need about 30 US gallons or 112 litres Water based foods such as pop juice beer and clear soups help keep you hydrated but have limited use compared with clear water e Commercially packaged water is usually safest as it has been prepared in controlled sterile conditions and is in food safe containers At time of bottling it must be good for 2 years Water on sale may be close to its expiry date so always check Most 4 oz foil packs of water are good for 5 years and are impervious to hydrocarbon vapours and concrete leachates They are more expensive per unit Even if you choose to bottle your own water it is wise to have a flat of smaller commercially packaged bottles of water to take with you if evacuating e Home prepared water re
44. disaster area on your behalf securing your home in case you are away when an evacuation occurs etc Everyone should know where to find the supplies and information they will need to carry out their respective tasks List important contacts as well as vital documents and small valuables to take with you if you are evacuated Planning with Children Talk about your own experiences and or read aloud about emergencies Local libraries have some good books Be sensitive to your children s needs The point is not to frighten but to increase their awareness of what may happen Reassure your children that your family and your home are prepared for emergencies e Show children where emergency food and water are kept Give them a light stick and sturdy shoes to keep near the bed 24 e Walk through your house with them and point out each room s safe places Teach them how to take shelter and exit safely Hold frequent earthquake and fire drills to reinforce this e Show children the safest places in their favourite outdoor play areas e Give your children the name of a relative or friend who will care for them if you should get stuck at work etc Preferably this will be a person whom the children know and like Review this with them from time to time e Ask the school about its emergency response plan The plan may include holding children until parents arrive Explain this to your children Planning for Special Needs Hearing im
45. dows and installing storm windows or covering windows with plastic This reduces the demand on emergency heating fuel Winterize your car before the season begins Consider purchasing winter tires Keep sand or non clumping kitty litter in your car trunk and at home to improve traction Trim branches and dead trees to reduce the threat of trees falling onto your home vehicle or power lines Check the drainage around your house to reduce flooding risk after a heavy rain When you go out take along mitts a hat and a warm jacket in case you are surprised by the weather How to Respond Check on your neighbours especially elderly and vulnerable people Listen to local weather reports and stay tuned for emergency information Eat regularly and drink ample fluids avoid caffeine and alcohol that dehydrate Conserve fuel if necessary by keeping your residence cooler than normal or closing off heat to some rooms temporarily Avoid overexertion when shoveling snow Stretch before going outside and again afterwards to keep from getting stiff and sore When using kerosene heaters or lanterns keep a window open slightly to avoid a build up of toxic fumes Refuel kerosene appliances outside and keep them at least 1 metre 3 feet from flammable objects Watch for signs of hypothermia uncontrollable shivering memory loss disorientation incoherence slurred speech drowsiness and apparent exhaustion Move the person to a warm location
46. e for example the maximum wave height could be 4 2 metres 14 feet not 2 5 metres Tip In the event of a tsunami the easiest way to be safe throughout Greater Victoria is to seek high ground that is more than 4 metres 14 feet above the highest tide level Or evacuate up take the stairs to the third floor of a concrete building PANDEMICS INFECTIOUS DISEASE OUTBREAKS Pandemics happen when a new virus strain which can spread easily from person to person spreads quickly around the world If it causes serious illness or death a pandemic can disrupt the normal functioning of society No one can predict exactly when a pandemic will happen Influenza flu viruses are the most common cause of pandemics Since people have no protection against a new virus it can cause more illnesses and more deaths than seasonal flu Flu pandemics have happened every ten to forty years for at least the last 500 years Three occurred in the 20 century the last in 1968 The most severe often 74 called the Spanish Flu was in 1918 The flu can be spread easily by an infected person from about one day before symptoms start to appear until as many as five days after symptoms appear and possibly longer in children and some adults You can catch the flu by breathing tiny droplets that are in the air after an infected person coughs or sneezes sharing food cosmetics or utensils with an infected person touching
47. e utility companies order you to do so k Top 5 recommendations 1 Prepare for service disruptions by purchasing basic affordable emergency equipment and supplies to substitute for lost services 2 Learn how to stay safe while using emergency equipment and how to minimize the impact of service disruptions 3 Learn how and when to shut off utilities Don t wait until disaster strikes to figure it out 4 If you live in a multi residential complex find out who has 24 7 emergency access to and responsibility for centrally controlled utilities 5 Follow instructions and advice from utility companies Consult them if you have questions Power Outages and Power Line Dangers Prepare e People who rely on life sustaining equipment should contact their local health provider and consider purchasing or renting a small generator ona priority basis e Home power failure lights are an inexpensive way to provide immediate emergency lighting e Consider installing a non electric back up heating system for warmth during winter storms if power is off e g energy efficient wood burning stove or gas fireplace e Stock fuel for barbeques and camp stoves Store safely and use only outside BC does not permit the storage or use of propane and natural gas tanks inside or in an enclosed space e If you rely on power to pump water into your dwelling the pumps will not work during a power failure You will need to store emergency drin
48. e work and play e If you leave your reunion site leave a note telling others where you have gone e If you are separated from family during an evacuation it is wise to register ata Reception Centre so other family members can inquire about your status Sheltering Plan If you cannot shelter in your home or ina camping tent on your property can you reach one of these locations without using the Disaster Response Routes e RV boat cottage e family or friends e hotel will your home insurance policy cover hotel accommodation in various types of disasters If so for how many days At what rate During a disaster hotels may be full If you have no other option there may be group shelters for evacuees e g a gymnasium Your family must register at a disaster reception centre to be eligible for this option Out of Province Emergency Contact Choose a relative or friend whom your family members can contact if they cannot reach one another within the disaster area Choose someone living beyond your potential disaster area ideally in another province Communication within a disaster area is usually less reliable than calling from a disaster zone to an area not affected The contact should have voice mail or answering machine plus cell phone and or internet Make sure the person agrees in advance to play this role and understands what to do e Fill out wallet cards with the contact s information and provide one to each member
49. e and use Less effective alternatives are powdered cleansers e g Comet which are also caustic or kitty litter with baking soda which adds more weight to the disposal bag e Useachemical or camp toilet viable as long as chemical supplies and containment capacity hold out e Use a bucket for urine and Brief Relief bags for feces Brief Relief bags gel the waste and start to biodegrade it instantly A solution of 1 part liquid bleach to 10 parts utility water can be used to disinfect the urine bucket e Keep large zip lock plastic bags or Brief Relief bags and toilet paper at work and in the car for use if you are away from home Feces bags must be stored safely until permanent disposal is available If you do not have a private yard garden space or dedicated container where solid waste can be stored ask your strata council or building manager what plans if any are in place to store solid waste temporarily 42 Adapting a home toilet for dry use during a disaster 1 2 3 Put duct tape on all toilet handles so toilets cannot be accidentally flushed Designate one toilet for emergency use Lift the seat and scoop water from the bowl into a container leaving just enough water to cover the flush hole so that sewer gases cannot seep through Place an aluminum pie plate over the hole to support the liner bags Line the bowl witha heavy duty plastic bag This will be a permanent liner Add a second heavy duty garbage
50. e between this valve and the main valve to your home causing water to flood the area If you cannot turn off this valve contact a plumber who offers 24 7 emergency service If you have an electric hot water tank when you turn off your main water supply turn off the electric circuit for the hot water tank so that the unit will not burn out as emergency water is drawn from the tank During water emergencies If the water supply or distribution system is contaminated for any reason municipal authorities will normally issue a boil water advisory Follow the instructions of local officials regarding water usage and purification methods which may be different from methods outlined in the earlier section on emergency drinking water Boiling water may not be possible in a disaster so it is important to have emergency water Conserve water e Keep a jug of water in the refrigerator for drinking e When using big containers for small jobs like washing hands or brushing teeth pour some water into a cup or glass and only use that amount e Wash essential clothing by hand using clean utility water e Turn off garden sprinkler systems and hand water only food plants as necessary Use mulch and compost to reduce evaporation promote plant growth and control weeds e Capture rainwater from the roof for use in your garden and for sponge bathing 41 Sewerage System Disruptions Ina disaster the lack of sewerage service can quickly cr
51. e capacity of the community to help its own members Saanich emergency officials can call upon the following agencies e Saanich Emergency Social Services volunteers are trained to operate Disaster Reception Centres which help evacuees immediately after the disaster They also operate Emergency Group Lodging when other shelter options are not available Call 250 475 7140 to ask about volunteering e BC Housing provides cots and blankets for Emergency Group Lodging and facilitates the provision of short and long term housing for evacuees e Canadian Red Cross provides family reunification services and collects donations for disaster relief e Salvation Army provides disaster relief and emotional support services BC property and business owners may qualify for recovery assistance e Province of BC Disaster Financial Assistance may be offered to qualifying home owners tenants small businesses farm operations and not for profit charitable organizations The program helps with the cost of repairs and recovery from disaster related property damage if losses could not have been insured or where other programs are not available Tips e Emergency officials first responders agency staff and community volunteers commonly experience many of the same stress reactions as the survivors they are trying to help Physical and emotional care is important for everyone involved e After a limited disaster e g a house fire or flooding on one stre
52. e chimneys and install spark arresters in chimneys and stovepipes The chimney should extend at least 1 metre 3 feet above the roof Remove branches hanging above and around the chimney Before burning debris in a wooded area check with local authorities whether burning is allowed obtain a burning permit if applicable and follow these guidelines e Use an approved incinerator with a safety lid or covering with holes no larger than 3 e Create at least a 3 metre 10 foot clearing around the incinerator before burning debris e Have a fire extinguisher or garden hose on hand when burning debris How to respond If you receive an evacuation order Assemble your family and pets and leave immediately If you wait your escape may be blocked by flames or smoke or you may hamper emergency responders who are trying to save lives and properties Follow the instructions provided and use the route specified in the evacuation order Watch for changes in the speed and direction of the fire and smoke If you receive an evacuation warning Evacuate your pets and all family members who are not essential to preparing your home Anyone with medical or physical limitations the young and the elderly should be evacuated immediately Face your car in the direction of escape Shut the car doors and roll up windows Disconnect automatic garage door openers so doors can be opened manually Place important papers mementos and anything yo
53. e how to stay as safe as possible during each type of disaster e home modifications to minimize the risk of personal injury and property damage e how to shelter in place remain at home safely after certain disasters and e checklists to assess overall home safety and preparedness Decide which disasters are most likely to affect you where you live work play and commute and focus on those sections first 46 Dwelling Fires Forest Fires Urban Interface Fires Earthquakes Tsunami Pandemics Winter Storms Hazardous Spills Floods Landslides OOOOOOoOoao od 9 Top 5 Recommendations Personal Safety Practise safe responses before disaster strikes Training your body to respond automatically will free your mind to think more clearly during the event 1 In an earthquake DROP to the ground take COVER under a sturdy table or cover yourself with anything available and HOLD your position hold onto the table When the shaking stops COUNT to 60 and assess your escape route before moving 2 To extinguish fire on your clothing STOP DROP and ROLL 3 Plan and review escape routes with your whole family Practice escaping from each room in daylight and in the dark 47 4 Before taking action at a disaster scene always check for hazards around you and 9 Top 5 Recommendations in your intended path Don t leave a safe place for one that is more dangerous Be aware of the destructive power and dangers of water
54. e these are the best ways to preserve them They are good choices for emergency food supplies however also include some foods that have reduced salt and sugar even though their shelf life will be shorter Check the expiry dates of your emergency food when the clocks change in spring and fall Rotate foods out of your emergency supply before they expire and use in regular meals or donate to a food bank 10 e Protect food from pests and debris by storing in metal containers or large sealable plastic containers on wheels Keeping foods in containers makes it easier to pack them if you have to evacuate and feed yourself away from home e Store containers ina cool dark place on the floor or a low shelf to minimize shaking and packaging ruptures Keep food away from gasoline and chemicals Shopping List for Emergency Foods Make and photocopy a master shopping list and use it to build up a 7 day supply of emergency foods To manage costs buy a few items from each category and add items weekly Consider going in with neighbours to buy bulk quantities of some items canned soups canned meats fish vegetables beans beverages snacks stews Qty lentils fruits QIY spreads cereals grains SY condiments amp other Qty Food Safety e First use fresh foods and perishable refrigerated foods e Next use frozen foods in your freezer T
55. e tsunami threat Such actions could include the evacuation of low lying coastal areas Advisory the second highest level of tsunami alert Advisories are issued when a tsunami has the potential to produce strong currents dangerous to those in or near the water Significant inundation is not expected for areas under an Advisory but coastal zones may be at risk due to strong currents Appropriate actions by local emergency management personnel may include closing beaches and evacuating harbours and marinas Watch the lowest level of tsunami alert Watches are based on seismic information without confirmation that a destructive tsunami is underway There is a potential threat to a zone under a tsunami Watch but communities have time to prepare Emergency management personnel and coastal residents should prepare to take action in case the Watch is upgraded Other tsunami advisories Information Statement issued when an earthquake has occurred locally and there is no threat of a destructive tsunami affecting coastal BC Information Statements prevent unnecessary concern when an earthquake has occurred but there is no tsunami threat Cancellation cancels any previously issued tsunami messages It is issued when there is no longer observed evidence of tsunami waves at tide gauge stations Once a cancellation has been issued for a tsunami event Emergency Management BC will no longer issue tsunami messages however local conditions
56. e your life O Install smoke detectors on every level of your home Place them on the ceiling outside bedrooms in stairways and near but not in the kitchen O Install high quality carbon monoxide CO detectors if your home heating or cooking is supplied by natural gas or propane Place the CO detectors near bedrooms and away from gas appliances L Test and vacuum the smoke and CO detectors once a month and replace any batteries every six months when the clocks change Replace detectors 49 immediately if they fail to test properly otherwise follow the manufacturer s recommendations for maximum operating life before replacement is needed even if the detectors appear to be operating properly If you can t find the life span recommendation replace your smoke detectors after 10 years and your CO detectors after 5 years O Purchase ABC type fire extinguishers for each floor of your home plus extras for the kitchen and hobby room workshop See details on following pages L If you work with flammable metals oils or solvents in your hobby room workshop you should consider purchasing a D type extinguisher as well as a proper oily waste container for rags that are oil or solvent soaked These are metal receptacles with lids and ventilated bottoms Do not clean oily or solvent soaked rags in your washer and clothes dryer O Clean out storage areas Do not let trash and recycling materials stack up L Plan and review esca
57. ease fires When oil mixes with water the mixture superheats vaporizing into a huge ball of flaming steam Never carry a flaming pan outside the draft will fan the flames How to Use a Fire Extinguisher Only fight a fire if 1 the fire is small and contained and you are safe from toxic smoke and 2 you have a means of escape if the fire spreads and your instincts tell you it s okay Place yourself between the exit and the fire so you can withdraw if the fire does not go out Fight the fire using the PASS method 1 2 PULL the pin AIM at the base to unlock the of the fire lever 52 3 4 SQUEEZE the SWEEP from side lever slowly to to side moving release the carefully toward the fire Aim the extinguisher extinguishing agent Release a the handle the handle to side to side at the base of the fir stop the and sweep back and discharge forth until the flames appear to be out Watch the fire area If the fire re ignites repeat the process Extinguishers will work for approximately 30 seconds If you have not put the fire out in that time or if the smoke becomes hazardous leave the area immediately Once you leave a burning room do not re enter Close the door to a room with a fire Evacuate your home In a multi unit residential building activate the fire alarm Once outside call 911 After a Fire Call 911 anytime there is a fire in your home even if you ve put the fire out yourself The f
58. eate community health risks It is not feasible for most households to store enough emergency water for toilet flushing even if it is safe to flush Solid waste feces is a serious health risk When toilets cannot be flushed because water is lacking or pipes sewer mains are broken solid waste must be stored safely until officials arrange collection and permanent disposal Urine is not a serious health risk Urinate in a separate container and then dispose of the urine ona lawn or other green space Options for solid waste disposal Whatever option you choose it is important to keep solid waste separate from liquid waste You will need to purchase supplies before disaster strikes and determine where you would store solid waste temporarily Feces feces bags must be stored in dedicated containers until municipal pick up e Adapt a home toilet for dry operation using inexpensive emergency supplies and simple procedures For most families this will be the least expensive and most comfortable choice See instructions next page o Purchase a large supply of heavy duty non biodegradable plastic bags twist ties a desiccant deodorizer toilet paper and disposable gloves o Purchase hydrated lime not dolomite garden lime to dry and deodorize waste and to discourage insects Hydrated lime can be purchased in large sacks very inexpensively One sack could supply a few households It is caustic so care must be taken in storag
59. ee appliances use a UL approved unit with built in circuit breakers to prevent sparks and short circuits Have the electrical wiring in your residence checked by an electrician Make sure outlets and switches have cover plates accessible junction boxes and no exposed wiring Also ensure insulation does not touch bare electrical wiring Do not run wiring and cables under rugs over nails or across high traffic areas Consider installing an automatic fire sprinkler system in your residence Ask your local fire department to inspect your residence for fire safety and prevention 55 Forest FIRES amp URBAN INTERFACE FIRES 56 In British Columbia forest fires threaten or destroy many homes every year Homes and lives are at risk not only from the path of the flames but also from wind borne embers which can travel many kilometers Saanich subdivisions farms acreage and cottages are potentially at risk from forest fires in nearby wooded areas Taking some basic steps will help reduce risks to your home and family Prepare Make your home less vulnerable to wild fires Mark your property entrance with address signs that are clearly visible from roads and back alleys Keep lawns trimmed leaves raked and the roof and rain gutters free from debris Stack firewood at least 10 metres 33 feet away from your residence and outbuildings Store flammable materials liquids and solvents in metal containers outside y
60. en awake or symptoms improve and then suddenly become worse For adults seek medical care right away if you have any of the following difficulty breathing or shortness of breath pain or pressure in the chest or stomach confusion or disorientation coughing up bloody sputum severe vomiting or vomiting that does not go away or symptoms improve and then suddenly become worse Proper Hand washing Wash hands thoroughly O O O O after using the bathroom after handling pets before handling or preparing food and before and after administering first aid Wash hands frequently during flu season to protect yourself from infection Plain non antibacterial soap and potable water are sufficient Scrub your hands wrists and between your fingers for as long as it takes to sing Happy Birthday twice 77 WINTER STORMS Though Southern Vancouver Island has relatively mild winters occasional winter storms can wreak havoc with strong winds heavy rains black ice or unexpected snow As well we may need to drive in areas where road conditions may change suddenly Prepare e Stock up on rock salt to melt ice on walkways and steps Keep snow shovels and other snow removal equipment on hand Stock enough heating fuel Prepare alternate sources of heat such as your fireplace or wood burning stove 78 Winterize your home by insulating walls and attics caulking and weather stripping doors and win
61. era inside 23 FAMILY EVACUATION amp REUNIFICATION PLAN A family plan will enhance safety and peace of mind if disaster strikes Include your children in planning Work sheets are provided at the end of this section Before the Emergency Assess your own needs capabilities and limitations and write them down Be sure to include your requirements for special equipment and medications Prepare your grab amp go bags first aid kit and home emergency kit accordingly Consider those who will rely on you for assistance children family members with special needs and pets If you have farm animals arrange for their care or evacuation if you are away when disaster strikes For each room determine the safest place to be during an emergency Consider places of refuge exits hallways and alternate escape routes Note obstacles that might make a safe exit difficult and plan to remove them if possible Decide on a communications plan in case you and your family members are separated Decide on meeting places where your family can reunite if you can t all get home Decide on sheltering options if you are evacuated or if your home is not safe for occupancy Create a mutual support network of neighbours relatives friends and coworkers Discuss needs and ensure everyone knows what their duties would be care of children pets or vulnerable people providing temporary shelter contacting your family and friends outside the
62. es oiiccccccccccsscssssesssssesssssssessessesessesseseseeseesess 57 EGRENGUOKES a nce tins cesar eee i ce ee cereale on ee eee 60 Se SIV alien esata E cas enh Rata Dud ack Danette a a Yel pte ak ast Cae cedhece 71 PandeMi S cate ceo a ca car cle oe eng Yd ac ol ee aca ai 75 WNter STORMS vernier nenn e a E a a a a 79 kiazardo s Spills muera ie TE E T e E R 82 E 1o aeRO RIPE ONE OAT E ESAE AAN A AO 85 C M 111o C1 o A 90 Home Safety HUNT orner E A ON E OER 91 Part 3 Recovery Part 3 outlines steps to take after a disaster to promote recovery and a return to routine life e Recovery Goals and Resources sssssssssssesesesssssssssssssssstttttttseeeeesssssssssssssssstttteeeeeeeee 92 e Emotional Responses to Disasters ooo ececsssessesssessessessecsessesseessesuesneesecseeseenteaneenees 93 Getting Back on Track s sssssssssssssssssesssssssssseressssssssstrssssssssstteosssssssttteonsssssstteeosssssssteee 95 e Returning Home amp Disaster Clean Up sssssssssssssssssssssssssssttttteseoeesssssssssssssssssetteeeeeeeeee 96 e Home Inspection CHECKS Tics ose snssccwusGeessiansconsdensorareavesbusdunceshaduyusoavacrsoebvesnedonssewen easier 97 Part 4 Information Resources Parts of this Handbook may become outdated The organizations and web sites on this list can be trusted to provide the most current and reliable advice 99 iv INTRODUCTION When disaster strikes the most important person is yo
63. et it is easier to get help with insurance claims housing counseling etc After a large disaster service providers could be overwhelmed for weeks Remember that everyone is in the same boat e For disaster relief the best donation is money Donations of food clothing furniture toys etc become a secondary disaster for officials who must receive sort and store truckloads of such items For safety reasons donations of homemade food cannot be accepted Emotional Responses to Disasters Typical First Reactions e Disbelief shock e Disorientation numbness 92 e Fear e Reluctance to abandon property e Problems with concentration or e Difficulty in making decisions memory e Need for help or information e Helpfulness to others Some Later Responses e Frustration and anxiety e Anger suspicion e Moodiness and irritability e Apathy and depression e Unexplained crying e Fatigue low energy e Change in appetite e Digestive problems e Difficulty sleeping or sleeping too Headaches body pain much e Feelings of powerlessness e Feeling overwhelmed e Guilt for surviving or for not e Isolation from family and friends preventing disaster Responses by Children e Return to past behaviour suchas Clinging to parents crying or thumb sucking or bed wetting screaming e Reluctance to go to bed e Nightmares e Fantasies that the disaster didn t Refusal to attend school happen e Inability to concentrate e Withdrawal
64. for halls stairwells fire extinguishers For safety candles should be in tins holders or jars that are heavier wider and higher than the candles themselves Communications a corded land line phone that works on a phone jack no electrical power or batteries needed an emergency radio wind up solar powered or battery Heat light and warmth sleeping bags much 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 36 hour candles battery operated or solar lanterns Sanitation amp hand washing duct tape aluminum pie plate lots of green plastic garbage bags emergency toilet kit disposable gloves outside garbage can for disposal of waste bags toilet paper baby wipes liquid soap potable water paper towels kitchen waste bags Rescue repair and clean up tarpaulins nylon 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 dust masks rags non permeable disposable gloves clean utility water non drinkable detergents garbage bags Household generator www bchydro com and fuel especially for needs such as refrigerated medication medical appliances and equipment etc Generat
65. hawed food usually can be eaten if it has been kept constantly refrigerator cold 4 C 40 F or colder It can be re frozen if it still contains ice crystals e Last use canned and dried foods e Keep kitchen equipment and surfaces clean e Wash hands frequently with soap and potable water Scrub hands for at least 20 seconds each time e Keep garbage in closed containers and dispose outside burying garbage in plastic bags if necessary so it can be dug up and properly disposed of later Do not use foods contaminated by flooding chemicals snow and ice pests rodents or debris such as dust and glass Discard items in the refrigerator that have come into contact with raw meat juices Discard food in containers that are not waterproof and could have come into contact with floodwater Note These include containers with pull tops screw caps and snap lids Discard food in damaged cans and containers Damage is shown by o crushing denting that prevents normal stacking or opening o deep rusting o holes punctures o leakage or swelling Discard the following items if they have come into contact with floodwater or hazardous material because they cannot be sanitized properly o baby formula containers o cardboard juice containers o home canned foods o milk containers Refrigerated Food and Power Outages 1 Plan for emergencies e Keep refrigerators at or below 4 C 40 F Keep freezers at or below 18 C 0 F
66. he roll is not being handled by people with unclean hands Cough and sneeze into elbows rather than hands Wash hands after using tissue after using the toilet urine bucket after changing diapers after handling pets or their litter boxes before handling any food or cooking utensils and before and after administering first aid To wash hands moisten with about 4 cup of bottled water Lather soap and rub hands thoroughly all over and under nails for about 20 seconds Rinse with more bottled water Dry hands and dispose of the paper towel Liquid hand sanitizers are 43 not nearly as effective as proper hand washing with soap and water but they are better than nothing if proper hand washing is not possible e Wearing disposable gloves regularly wipe down toilet floor area and counters with mild bleach water and safely dispose of garbage bags Tip When showering is limited or impossible baby wipes or similar products are a good supplement to dry toilet paper If the pack dries out rehydrate it with a little water Natural Gas and Propane Natural gas is one of the safest fuels A pressure regulator at the natural gas meter ensures a safe flow of gas from the main supply into your home Gas appliances stoves fireplaces barbeques and clothes dryers also have pressure regulators and shut off valves A sulphur rotten egg odour is added to natural gas for leak detection If leaked outdoors natural gas will rise and diss
67. heel one to toe to prevent arcing which can cause severe shock another e If your vehicle makes contact with an energized line remain inside until help arrives and do not allow anyone inside the vehicle to touch metal Warn bystanders not to touch the car If you must get out because of fire jump out with your feet together and without touching the vehicle on the way out Then shuffle away e Don t become another victim Do not try to help victims Warn other bystanders to stay away Call 911 and wait for crews to arrive to cut power to the line Only then can you assist victims until an ambulance arrives 39 Where there is construction excavation heavy machinery or maintenance work power lines could be at risk so stay safe Don t hang around operating equipment Stay at least 10 meters 33 feet away in case it contacts an energized line or exposes a live cable Interruptions in Water Supply Besides stocking emergency water and storing emergency food that needs little water to prepare you will need to take other measures before and during a water service interruption Prepare Learn how to shut off the water line that enters your home Learn how to convert your toilet for dry non flushing use Develop the habit of conserving water whenever you can Install rain collection barrels to supply emergency utility water Flush your hot water tank annually to flush out sediments Respond Shut Off Water Water is a
68. if not chemically treated e dehumidifiers e water beds swimming pools e garden ponds garden hoses and irrigation rain barrels Emergency Food You will need food for 7 days and possibly longer after a major earthquake Cooking and meal times can be very challenging in disasters You may be without power light and refrigeration cooking outside in bad weather and or experiencing frequent aftershocks which make the use of stoves dangerous Emergency food should be quick and easy to prepare and serve and palatable enough to be eaten cold from the can Look for e food needing little or no cooking or refrigeration e unopened food witha shelf life of at least 6 months e food needing little or no water for preparation 2 g food canned with juices or water e low sodium snacks to reduce thirst e healthy snacks e portions that can be consumed by your family in one meal in case there is no refrigeration or storage for leftovers e foods familiar to your family comfort foods e food for special diets infants and pets 9 Suggestions ready to eat canned meats fish beans fruits and vegetables instant meals that don t need cooking or water e g canned tuna stew chilli packaged juices milk and soups peanut butter jelly crackers granola bars trail mix unsalted nuts and dried fruits healthy snacks comfort foods such as hard candy and cookies salt and pepper sugar powdered coffee creamer for infants ready to use bab
69. ilities for example It could be a week or more before emergency personnel can begin to prioritize and attend to the less critical needs of families and neighbourhoods 3 Vancouver Island has few options for rapid large scale evacuation and it could take some time for outside help and supplies to arrive We accept these added challenges in exchange for living on such a beautiful island but we must go the extra mile to be prepared You have taken the first step toward preparedness by attending the Personal Emergency Preparedness presentation This Handbook can be your guide as you improve your family s preparedness e Follow the Handbook from front to back or in whatever order makes sense to your family e Involve all family members in preparedness tasks and plans This will help them feel more confident knowledgeable and resilient if disaster strikes e Track your progress on the checklists and reward your family each time you complete a major step watch a movie go for ice cream or visit a beach or park e Keep this Handbook near your main phone or in your home emergency kit Personal preparedness is a gradual process so don t be discouraged Start with an easy task and keep going Every small step makes a difference vi PART 1 PERSONAL AND FAMILY PREPAREDNESS These pages take you through general preparedness in order of priority grab amp go bags food and water and other personal and family preparedness me
70. important to allow equipment surfaces dishes and utensils to air dry thoroughly before storage use Do not stack wet cutting boards Bacteria can multiply in trapped water Protecting Your Home When Flooding is Imminent 1 Wrap the exterior lower levels of your home with polyethylene sheeting to provide extra protection to your home s structure Use sandbags to secure the base of the 87 6 sheeting and brace the structure with 2 by 4 s and sandbags Officials will announce where sandbags and sand can be obtained Shut off the main power breaker to your house and outbuildings In suburban or rural areas the yard switch must be opened Shut off the gas supply valve to all appliances These valves are usually in the gas line near the bottom of the appliance Turn off the propane valve at the tank Disconnect tubing to tank and securely plug it Fasten a cable heavy rope or chain around the tank and secure the other end to a pole building or substantial structure to prevent the tank from floating away Note Once the flood waters have receded have a qualified technician safely re connect the tank to appliances Do not attempt this yourself Move chemicals such as weed killer insecticides and corrosives to a dry area to reduce the likelihood of contamination fires explosions and personal injuries Time allowing move valuables to upper floors Sandbag Dykes To resist the forces of flood water a dyke m
71. in this to your children and teach them not to pat hold or bother a pet until it is back to normal e Anxious children may feel more secure if they can play and sleep under a table draped with a blanket or in a small pup tent Lightweight emergency pup tents tube tents are available for under 10 They fold very small for storage Helping Pets Cope with Fear Pets may show fear be in physical pain or display unfriendly behaviours e Approach pets slowly and calmly watching for injuries or unfriendly behaviours Avoid direct eye contact Speak to them in soft reassuring voices e Familiar routine is comforting to animals Provide food and fresh water ona regular schedule for caged or fostered animals e Isolate pets from children if pets display aggression or extreme fear e Time and patience are often the best medicines but some pets will require the professional care of a board certified veterinary behaviorist Intense fear and anxiety should be considered forms of pain that deserve immediate treatment After Disaster Strikes Get Back on Track 94 Take care of yourself and your family first e Stay with family or friends for a few days if possible as their support can be invaluable Determine where you will live for the longer term during recovery e Promote physical health Eat healthy meals get lots of sleep and exercise e Return to familiar routines This is especially helpful for children and pets e Pr
72. ind Leave plenty of water in large tip proof containers inside and outside your home Leave dry food in timed feeders check local pet stores to prevent your pet from eating a week s worth of food in one day 26 e Do not tether or cage pets Their chances of survival are greater if they can escape easily Finding lost pets after a disaster Distribute lost pet posters Ask neighbours mail and newspaper carriers joggers and others to look out for your pet Check with local animal shelters to report your pet missing They may have already rescued your pet Don t give up Sometimes lost pets turn up months after they have gone missing Planning for Farm Animals Plan for situations where you are not at home when disaster strikes and your animals are alone Talk with neighbours whom you know and trust If they also have animals discuss what you could do to help one another Get to know one another s animals A neighbourhood pet sitter or dog walker might be another alternative Here are some points to discuss e Times of the day and week are you most often away from home e Your animals names and any behavioural problems e Where food medications carriers gloves leashes halters and lead ropes are kept e Contact information including your designated emergency contact person e Keys and any security codes e A rendezvous point outside a likely evacuation area e What should be done if animals cannot be evacuated the
73. ind it It is also advisable to have your pet micro chipped Provide the microchip service with an alternate contact in case you are away Your pet will be easier to handle during an evacuation if it does not fear cages and cars Before disaster strikes use the carrier and car rides for pleasurable safe experiences rather than just for trips to the kennel or vet Emergency kit for pets Don t expect pet rescue centres to have supplies for pets This is your responsibility O food water 7 day supply C1 manual can opener O ID tag and collar O recent photos of your pet O sturdy crate carrier L copy of pet s current vaccination history O pet first aid kit L medications amp instructions O dog leash harness and muzzle O phone numbers amp addresses pet L non spill bowls friendly hotels emergency vet clinic O litter amp box for cats amp small critters local animal shelter boarding kennels etc During a Disaster If possible take your pet with you Note however that pets are not allowed inside disaster reception centres Service dogs are an exception to this policy Evacuees with pets may be registered and assisted ina nearby designated area If your family is referred to a hotel ask for one that accepts pets but be aware they are few If you must leave your pet at home Keep an up to date poster of your pets with pictures and descriptions Post this in a window so rescue workers know how many pets were left beh
74. inute period after a 6 hour outage reconnect over 2 hours after a 12 hour outage and reconnect over 4 hours following a 24 hour outage Make sure the refrigerator and freezer are back on Check whether food can be refrozen Plug in appliances Reset clocks and check automatic timers alarms and smoke detectors Restock emergency supplies 38 Shutting off electricity e If power is disrupted during a disaster turn off the main circuit breaker as well as individual circuits fuses to lessen the risk of fire damage if no one is home when the power system is restored NOTE If you are ordered to evacuate do not turn off power unless advised to do so master switch individual circuit breakers If you have fuses rather than circuit breakers turn fuses to the left to unscrew circuit labels When turning off your circuits or master switch stand to one side in case of arcing Power Lines Down If power lines are down or buried cables are exposed assess the scene before trying to help Always assume the line is live until emergency crews give the all clear e Stay back at least 10 metres 33 feet from a fallen power line or exposed underground cable If there is water on the ground stay much further away huffl TE PA If you are on foot within the danger zone move away by always shuffling backward keeping both feet on the ground at all touching times and keeping your feet in contact with one another
75. ipate into the atmosphere however if leaked in a confined space such as inside your home it mixes with air and can cause a fire or explosion if ignited Unburned natural gas gas that leaks indoors and or is not burned efficiently also emits deadly carbon monoxide Propane gas is safe when handled properly A sulphur odour is added for leak detection Propane is heavier than air so when checking for leaks be aware that it gathers in low lying areas A spark or flame can cause a powerful explosion and fire A propane leak also emits deadly carbon monoxide If you use natural gas or propane cylinders for your barbeque remember that these cylinders must never be stored or operated indoors or ina confined space Prepare e Ask your propane or natural gas supplier for a scratch and sniff card so you will know what a gas leak smells like Read safety advice about what to do if you think there is a leak e Leaking gas cannot always be detected by smell alone If your home is supplied by natural gas or propane for heating and cooking you should have a plug in carbon monoxide detector alarm outside each bedroom area They should not be placed near gas appliances Like smoke detectors they can save your life e Learn how to shut off your natural gas supply at the meter but do not shut it of f for practice as only a technician is permitted to turn it back on Keep a dedicated 44 aluminum shut off wrench in an easily accessible and s
76. ire do NOT run stop drop and roll to smother the flames e If you are ina closed room and there is fire elsewhere in the building check closed doors for heat before you open them Use the back of your hand to feel the top 51 of the door the doorknob and the crack between the door and doorframe before you open it This will protect your palms from burns so you can more easily climb down ladders or crawl to safety Hot Door Cool Door Open slowly and ensure fire and or smoke is not blocking your escape route If clear crawl low under the smoke to exit keeping your head 30 60 centimeters 1 2 feet above the floor Close doors behind you to delay the spread of the fire Do not use elevators Do not re enter the building Call 911 Do not open Escape through a window or other exit Do not re enter the building Call 911 If you cannot escape or your escape route is blocked close all doors between yourself and the fire Place cloths at the bottom of the door to keep out fumes Call 911 and tell the dispatcher your location within the building Stay by the window alerting fire fighters to your presence If there is no phone use a whistle to draw attention to your plight Kitchen Fires oil and grease Smother the pan fire by putting a lid on the fire If that doesn t work immediately use an ABC type fire extinguisher which contains dry chemical not water Never use water to extinguish oil or gr
77. ire department will ensure there are no lingering embers or hot spots that might erupt later and will let you know about any necessary further precautions e Cool and cover burns to reduce chance of further injury or infection e Stay out of damaged buildings e If you area tenant contact the landlord e Do not open safes or strong boxes until they have cooled for several hours 53 e If you must leave your home because an inspector says the building is unsafe contact your insurance company about your obligations for example you may have to board up windows or hire a security guard to prevent further loss and liability to protect from vandalism and to prevent others from entering or playing in an unsafe house Fires Following Earthquakes Earthquakes frequently cause fires candles may tip over downed power lines may spark flammable materials may spill and gas lines may be ruptured Having a fire extinguisher handy and knowing how to use it may save your home your possessions and even your life This is especially true following a major earthquake when the fire department will be overwhelmed However be smart Knowing when the fire is too big to handle is equally important Do not endanger yourself or your family by trying to save your home e Natural gas fires If you can safely do so shut off the gas and then put out the fire using an ABC type extinguisher e Electrical fires First shut off the electricity Second if it
78. king water e For your home emergency kit choose manual equipment basic can openers non electric phones battery wind up or solar powered radios manual hack saws e If you have an electric garage door opener learn how to open the garage door manually Follow the instructions supplied by the manufacturer 36 Stock your emergency kit with safe stable sources of light Candles should be in cans or jars with a wide heavy base and the holder should be taller than the candle in case the candle tips If there is a gas leak use light sticks instead of candles or lanterns Camping lanterns store extra fuel wicks mantles and matches use only outdoors When power fails Don t assume the hydro company is aware of it Check first to see if power is off only in your house or throughout your neighbourhood If only your home is affected check your electrical panel If the neighbourhood is affected call BC Hydro at 1 888 POWERON 1 888 769 3766 ona land line phone or HYDRO 49376 ona cell phone and tell Hydro where the blackout has occurred If you know what has caused the blackout provide this information as well Please call only once per outage Using an emergency radio or your car radio tune into your local radio station for storm and power outage updates Turn off all appliances including home computers and peripherals especially those that generate heat This helps prevent hazards or damage when service is restored
79. la making ice washing food and food containers first aid dish washing kitchen cleaning or in pets water bowls Preparing amp storing drinking water reserves e Use sturdy non rusting food grade containers made of opaque plastic or metal These are usually available at camping outdoor and hardware stores Don t re use plastic milk jugs or plastic beverage bottles e Thoroughly rinse the inside of the container Add a few drops of chlorine bleach OR vinegar OR baking soda to the second rinse water and shake well Empty the bottle and fill with fresh water to the very top Do not use these additives in any combination together They will generate dangerous gases e Date the bottle Use before and label it Drinking Water Replace bottled water every six months e Store containers bottles in cool dark locations Store water in areas where fuel and pesticides are not stored as vapours can penetrate the plastic over time Store water containers on wood rather than directly on concrete floors If storing in freezer use only plastic containers and leave room in the container for expansion due to freezing Purifying utility water for drinking If you run out of potable emergency water you can purify utility water or water from other suitable sources Also if there is any doubt that your potable water supply is safe to drink or if bottled water has expired you must purify it before consuming There are three
80. ld Make sure everyone in the household can unlock all doors and windows quickly even in the dark Windows or doors with security bars should be equipped with quick release devices Everyone in the household should know how to use them If you live ina multi storey building and you must escape from an upper story window be sure there is a safe way to reach the ground such as a fire resistant escape ladder Some high rise buildings may have evacuation plans that require you to stay where you are and wait for the fire department Know what to do in your building Make special arrangements for children older adults and people with disabilities People with mobility challenges should have a phone and if possible sleep on the ground floor Agree ona meeting place where every member of the household will gather outside your home after escaping a fire to wait for the fire department This allows you to count heads and inform the fire department if anyone is missing or trapped inside the burning building Practice your escape plan at least twice a year Have a fire drill in your home Appoint a monitor and have everyone participate This is not a race Get out quickly but carefully Make your exit drill realistic Pretend that some exits are blocked by fire and practice alternative escape routes Pretend that the lights are out and that some escape routes are filling with smoke 2 V HOME FIRE SAFETY CHECKLIST simple steps that can sav
81. lf full of clay silt or layer lengthwise with dyke next layer crosswise sand 2 Lap unfilled portion under next sack 5 Tamp thoroughly in place 3 Tying or sewing of sacks not necessary LANDSLIDES Some landslides are triggered by storms earthquakes volcanic eruptions fires erosion and human modification to slopes Others are mudflows which develop when heavy rain or rapidly melting snow saturates and destabilizes the ground Masses of rock earth or debris move down a slope These flows can develop rapidly striking with little or no warning and travelling at avalanche eeds They can travel several miles from their source growing in size as they pick up trees boulders cars etc The longer and higher the slope the greater the risk Be Aware e Consult a qualified expert on corrective measures if you notice o changes in your landscape such as patterns of storm water drainage on slopes especially where runoff water converges land movement small slides flows or progressively leaning trees 89 O O new cracks appearing in plaster tile brick or foundations outside walls walks or stairs pulling away from the building cracks developing over time on the ground or on paved areas tilting or movement in fences retaining walls utility poles or trees How to Respond e Move away from the path of a landslide as quickly as possible Curl into a tight ball and protect your head if escape
82. may differ from those at tide gauge stations and local authorities should determine the safety of coastlines 72 How to Respond to Natural and Official Tsunami Warnings Do not remain on the shore to watch a tsunami arrive A few inches of tsunami floodwater can sweep you off your feet and pull you under e If you feel strong shaking from an earthquake drop cover and hold When the shaking stops move to higher ground if you are near the coast on a beach or near a river or stream that leads to the ocean If you cannot reach higher ground take the stairs to upper floors 3 storey or higher of a concrete building or move inland as far as possible e If you notice a sudden very low tide or hear the ocean roar like a jet engine move inland immediately e If you receive an official warning leave quickly and comply with all instructions There is nothing you can do to defend your home against a tsunami After a Tsunami e Stay out of flooded and damaged areas until officials announce it is safe to return e Watch for debris in the water It may pose a safety hazard to boats and people e If your property has been flooded by a tsunami consult the section on Floods which offers detailed advice on post flood hazards and clean up Local Tsunami Arrival Times and Wave Height on Vancouver Island Vancouver Island is in the Cascadia Subduction Zone Undersea earthquakes in this zone would occur about 100 km off the West Coast of the I
83. may topple onto them This is a common cause of injury to young children In a high rise building move away from large windows and do not use the elevators 61 e Ina crowded public place do not rush for the doors Move away from display shelves containing objects that may fall e During aftershocks which may quickly follow the main shock squat cover and hold on but watch for debris before kneeling down Immediately After an Earthquake e Stay in your safe location and count to at least 60 seconds to give things time to settle e Before you move check your immediate area for hazards broken glass spilled chemicals or items that have shifted and may easily fall in an aftershock e If you are trapped under debris do not light a match move about or kick up dust Cover your mouth with a handkerchief or clothing Tap on a pipe or wall so rescuers can locate you Use a whistle or flashlight if one is available Shout only as a last resort to avoid inhaling dangerous amounts of dust e Evacuate your family to an outside location free of potential hazards trees power lines etc Do not enter your home until you know it is safe e Check your home for gas leaks chemical spills damaged electrical wiring and broken water pipes e Monitor local radio or television reports about where to get emergency housing food first aid clothing and financial assistance e Check on your neighbors especially seniors or the disabled e
84. most likely alternative is to turn them loose Evacuating farm animals e Don t plan to leave animals behind even if you are not sure where to take them Once you evacuate it is unlikely you will be allowed to return to retrieve them Outside the evacuation area organizations may be able to help care for your animals e Don t wait until the last minute to start evacuating The more animals you have and the larger they are the sooner you should prepare to evacuate them at the first sign of danger If you wait too long you may not be able to move the animals e Panicked animals may try to escape to a place where they feel safe Transport them safely and securely to minimize the risk of losing them 27 Family Reunification Plan You may not be with your loved ones when a disaster occurs To find your family members as quickly as possible agree on at least 3 reunion sites and an emergency contact person to help you find each other and get back together Remember phone services may not be available To help with searches keep family photos including pets photos up to date e Your family s first reunion site should be your home e Identify two other places to go if your home is not accessible or if your area has been evacuated Examples neighbours friends nearby relatives homes neighbourhood cafes and shopping centres or designated reception centres Ensure everyone knows two routes to the reunion sites from where they liv
85. namis are caused by a major undersea or coastal earthquake where there is significant displacement of the ocean floor These subduction zone earthquakes cause strong shaking on land and also cause some of the biggest tsunamis in terms of wave height at shore and the size of the area that will be subject to flooding the inundation area Tsunamis quickly affect coastal areas nearest the earthquake site but over many hours they can also cross the Pacific to affect foreign coastal communities e Coastal landslides undersea landslides and volcanic eruptions can occasionally cause tsunamis too but they affect a much smaller length of coast and are infrequent Some landslides and eruptions are not associated with trembling of the earth so be aware of other warning signs of a tsunami Always evacuate if the ocean recedes from the shore or if the ocean roar sounds like a jet engine How Tsunamis Behave Tsunamis are known for their capacity to violently flood coastlines causing devastating property damage as well as injuries or death to those who do not evacuate to high ground 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 Tsunami waves differ from ordinary coastal waves in that the entire column of water from the ocean floor
86. nes VoIP phones and tablets e When the internet is operating use social networking sites to keep people up to date on your situation e Send brief e mail messages to people but avoid large attachments Compose and save your message in a word processing program first then copy to e mail and send If the send fails you don t have to re enter the message e Follow local officials on Twitter They may tweet brief updates on the situation time allowing Do not tweet them or expect personal replies Tip Scan and save your most important documents e g PDF files and photos 2 g jpeg files Forward the scanned files via e mail to a web based e mail account or upload them to a secure cloud an internet electronic filing cabinet such as Dropbox or Canada Post s E Post Vault or place your valuable documents in a bank safe deposit box These documents help establish proof of identity insurance coverage etc if your originals and paper copies are destroyed 19 Cell Phones If infrastructure is damaged cell phone towers can often be restored to service more quickly than phone and cable lines Keep your cell phone charged and keep a charger in each vehicle Even if you have no pre paid minutes or service plan for your cell phone it can be used for 911 calls if the battery is charged Even if you are an infrequent cell phone user be sure your cellular service plan includes texting and learn how to use this feature Texting uses f
87. obvious While lengthy evacuations can be frustrating remember that if your return is delayed it is because officials know that your area is still too hazardous to enter You may not be permitted to return to your neighbourhood until officials have made arrangements for e asafe water supply e utilities inspections service restoration and e sewerage solid waste disposal Your house may be inspected for health and safety hazards before it is declared safe for occupancy Use extreme caution when entering buildings there may be hidden damage particularly in foundations Wear rubber boots and gloves to avoid contamination If you smell natural gas or propane do not enter Call your local gas company immediately Air out the building before you spend time inside Restoring Your Home Keep heat at or below 4 C to reduce mould and bacteria growth Add 2 litres of bleach to flood water every 3 days to retard the growth of bacteria and mould 86 If there is water inside pump out a third of the flood water each day Further damages to the structure can occur by pumping water out too quickly After flooding natural gas lines equipment and appliances must be checked and all leaks repaired and pressure tested by a licensed gas fitter Do not handle live electrical equipment in wet areas Do not use electrical equipment that was exposed to floodwaters until it has been professionally checked and serviced Repair damaged sep
88. olunteer with the Saanich Emergency Program SEP The Saanich Emergency Program is operated by the Saanich Fire Department Volunteers receive excellent ongoing training including Justice Institute of BC courses For more information call the Saanich Emergency Program at 250 475 7140 e Emergency Social Services ESS Offers temporary help to evacuees after dwelling fires local emergencies and wide area disasters Operates Disaster Reception Centres and Emergency Group Lodging e Communications Team COMMS Operates technical communications links between Reception Centres Group Lodging and the Emergency Operations Centre EOC and as needed between the EOC and various response agencies e Search and Rescue SAR Under the direction of the Saanich Police helps search for and rescue missing stranded and trapped people May also help with evacuation notifications and police evidence searches e Neighbourhood Emergency Preparedness Presentation Team NEPP Under the direction of the Saanich Emergency Program office presents free emergency preparedness workshops throughout the Saanich community 101 Filename COMPLETE PEP Handbook 2014 docx Directory G Secure_EP NEPP 2013 Handbook Nov 12 13 final version Template C Users robbinsk AppData Roaming Microsoft Templates Normal dot Title EARTHQUAKES Subject Author RBresden Keywords Comments Creation Date 03 04 2014 08 33 00 AM Change Number 2 Last Saved On 03 04
89. omote emotional health learn to recognize symptoms of post disaster stress in yourself and others Talk about your experiences with understanding family and friends or with a professional if you are struggling in any way e Attend debriefing sessions in your community They provide opportunities to share experiences and get answers to questions When support services are in great demand insurance companies and support agencies may participate in these sessions so that many more people can be helped in one place Assess losses e Find out if special precautions must be taken before entering your home e Contact your insurance company to start a claim Request security services from the insurance company if you cannot secure your home This prevents trespassers and local children from causing further damage or being injured e If you can safely do so look for salvageable items you wish to keep e List items and property you have lost This may take considerably more time and effort if you have no photographic records to work with Determine what needs to be done e Have your home inspected to determine whether it can be repaired or must be demolished and rebuilt e Find out when it will be safe to begin rebuilding or repairing Determine recovery resources A Recovery Centre may be set up to help Returning Home and Cleaning Up After a Disaster Returning home and cleaning up after a disaster can be physically emotionall
90. on and relocation The RCMP will enforce this Evacuation Order If you delay you risk having your evacuation route blocked by smoke hazardous materials debris or rescue vehicles and you may also put others at risk Listen to emergency broadcasts and follow the directions of emergency personnel Usually reception centres will be opened to register and provide assistance to evacuees Alerts Stage 1 and Orders Stage 2 may be communicated in one or more ways e news media bulletins and program broadcast interruptions e door to door or street to street e warning sirens or horns e public address systems e automated telephone dialing and messages 21 Stage 3 Rescind When the emergency is under control and the area is declared safe the Evacuation Order will be rescinded and information will be broadcast to advise evacuees that they may return home Remember if the emergency reoccurs another evacuation may be necessary starting at stage 1 if danger is imminent or may go directly to stage 2 if the danger is immediate Responding to Evacuation Alerts and Orders If an evacuation alert is issued prepare 1 Find your grab amp go bag or if you do not have one gather essential items such as bottled water and energy bars medications eyeglasses valuable papers immediate care needs for dependants and valuable keepsakes If leaving by motor vehicle include a couple of blankets and pillows Be practical about what to take
91. ors must never be operated in the house or other enclosed space Generators may bea target for theft if left unattended Storage Tips for Home Kits Finding extra space to store emergency supplies is a challenge They will do you little good if they are damaged or if you cannot get to them after an earthquake If you have a camper or trailer you may already have all the emergency supplies you need Remember to restock so that your home away from home is ready for emergencies Perishable supplies will remain stable longer if they are stored ina cool dark place Place supplies in a large covered container preferably plastic or rubber and on wheels Put the contents inside a tightly closed plastic bag before placing them in the container Place desiccant sachets in your containers to keep things dry In a shed or other outbuildings keep supplies off concrete floors condensation will rust cans and concrete will leach into plastics Store food and water away from gasoline and other chemicals Food and water containers may be kept ona closet floor behind a sofa or under a bed preferably close to an exit Food or supply bins may be stored in closets tucked under racks of shirts and jackets Clean out the kitchen junk drawer to make room for a first aid kit emergency radio and flashlights or light sticks Store some batteries there and some in the refrigerator A decorative trunk or chest in your family room or entrance hall ma
92. ose a safe home entrance exit door and clear it of objects spills and debris Choose a nearby room that will be safe to live and sleep in for a few days Clear a path from that room to the home entrance exit door 5 Remove all debris from the room and any furniture and objects that could cause injury during a strong aftershock 6 Keep grab amp go kits emergency supplies amp equipment sleeping bags and books toys in the room with you Young children may feel more secure in a small pup tent set up inside the room Lightweight inexpensive pup tents fold small for storage and are widely available 7 Set up a stable fireproof cooking surface away from flammable materials Most camping portable stoves and fuels must be used outdoors Small burners using sterno fuel or butane cartridges may be safe for use indoors in a ventilated space 8 If there is no water or sewerage adapt a toilet for dry use and set up a sanitation station Tip If there is no electricity to run a vacuum cleaner use duct tape or wet paper towels to pick up fine particles of broken glass Make Your Home and Contents More Quake Resistant Homes framed in wood are generally quite resistant to earthquake damage It is unlikely that conventionally framed houses will collapse if the home remains on its foundation and the roof ceiling and walls remain connected Here are some steps you can take to improve your home s stability in an earthquake The cost of
93. our residence at least 10 metres 33 feet away from structures and wooden fences Create defensible space by thinning trees and brush within 10 metres 33 feet around your residence Beyond 10 metres 33 feet remove dead wood debris and low tree branches Landscape your property with fire resistant plants and vegetation to prevent fire from spreading quickly For example hardwood trees are more fire resistant than conifers pine fir spruce etc and eucalyptus which contain resins that fuel flames Make sure water sources such as hydrants ponds swimming pools and wells are accessible to the fire department Use fire resistant protective roofing slate or tile rather than cedar shakes and materials like stone brick and stucco to protect your residence Wood materials offer the least fire protection BC building codes require that all new roofing have good fire resistance but over time it can deteriorate especially if there is combustible debris on the roof Cover all exterior vents attics and eaves with metal mesh screens no larger than 6 millimeters or 1 4 inch to prevent debris from collecting and to help keep sparks out Install multi pane windows tempered safety glass or fireproof shutters to protect large windows from radiant heat Use fire resistant draperies for added window protection 57 Have chimneys wood stoves and all home heating systems inspected and cleaned annually by a certified specialist Insulat
94. ove or fireplace you may use it for both warmth and cooking but keep a window slightly open in the room to provide combustion air and ventilation After a strong earthquake or if the equipment has not been used for some time be sure flues chimneys and stove pipes are in working order e Do not use the gas burners or ovens to heat the kitchen A draft could blow out the oven pilot light resulting in carbon monoxide build up which is poisonous Maintaining too high an oven temperature over time could cause a fire If an extended outage occurs during very cold weather drain water systems or leave taps dripping very slowly to prevent pipes from freezing and bursting Home Generators Never connect portable generators to the house wiring This can cause dangerous feedback into the utility system Operate out of doors only and follow the manufacturer s instructions Connect lights tools or appliances directly to the generator with standard CSA approved extension cords After a power outage When power is restored turn on the master switch if it is off and then turn on individual circuits one by one over a few hours to avoid strain on the grid and damage to appliances Turn on only the most essential appliances and wait 10 to 15 minutes before reconnecting others If the outage lasts more than four hours in cold weather it is helpful to reconnect the heating system and appliances gradually For example reconnect appliances over a 45 m
95. paired May need to make special arrangements to receive warnings Mobility impaired May need to make special arrangements to get to a shelter Working parents May need to make alternate child care arrangements Non English speaking May need help planning for and responding to emergencies No vehicle May need to make arrangements for transportation Special dietary needs Plan to have an adequate emergency food supply Daily medication needs Ensure you have an adequate supply Find out about special assistance that may be available in your community Discuss your needs with your employer If you are mobility impaired and live or work in a multi story building have a stairway escape chair If you live in an apartment building ask the management to mark accessible exits clearly and to make arrangements to help you leave the building Keep specialized items ready including extra wheelchair batteries oxygen catheters medication food for service animals and any other items you might need Be sure to make provisions for medications that require refrigeration Keep a list of the types and model numbers of your medical devices 25 Planning for Pets Plans for pets can save precious time and maybe even your pet s life Designate someone to care for or evacuate your pet if you are not home when disaster strikes A recent photo and description of your pet will help rescue workers f
96. pe routes with your family Practice escaping from each room in the day time and in the dark Teach family members to avoid elevators and to stay low to the floor to avoid deadly fumes when escaping from a fire L Designate a safe meeting place outside the home where family can assemble count heads and wait for the fire department O Make sure windows can open and are not nailed or painted shut Make sure security gratings on windows have a safety feature allowing the window to be easily opened from the inside O Consider escape ladders on the upper floors if your home has more than one level Choosing amp Maintaining Fire Extinguishers Combustible materials are divided into four classes Class A Ordinary Combustibles wood paper cloth rubber efc Class B Flammable Liquids fuel oil gasoline cooking grease solvents etc Class C Electrical Equipment wiring fuse box motors electronics etc Class D Combustible Metals magnesium sodium zirconium efc 50 An ABC extinguisher will handle most types of home fires Type D is needed in hobby shops garages if the homeowner works with combustible metals such as magnesium sodium zirconium etc Buy extinguishers which have been UL or CSA approved Place extinguishers where they are readily accessible When used correctly they can keep small fires from becoming big ones It is better to have several smaller extinguishers located throughout the house an
97. pidemics etc NON PROFIT AGENCIES AND RESPONDERS FIRST NATIONS EMERGENCY www fness bc ca SERVICES SOCIETY OF BC CANADIAN RED CROSS www redcross ca SALVATION ARMY www salvationarmy ca ST JOHN AMBULANCE BC amp YUKON be sjatraining ca Includes first aid course information ANIMAL RESCUE 98 BC SOCIETY FOR THE www spca bc ca PREVENTION OF CRUELTY TO ANIMALS SPCA NoAH s WISH www noahswish org Emergency animal rescues amp shelters 99 UTILITIES amp INFORMATION SERVICES BC HYDRO www bchydro com FORTIS GAS www fortisbc com SAANICH WATER www saanich ca services utilities water html SAANICH SEWAGE www saanich ca services utilities wastewater html SAANICH GIS www saanich ca services GIS Geographic Information System GIS Layers of maps showing streets infrastructure amp underground utilities topography etc SAANICH TSUNAMI HAZARD www saanich ca sep emergencies pdf tsunami pdf INFORMATION A web brochure including maps of neighbourhoods at risk of tsunami flooding Each CRD municipality has its own brochure ROAD CONDITION REPORTS www drivebc ca US NATIONAL OCEANIC AND ATMOSPHERIC ADMINISTRATION NOAA www noaa gov Issues weather information tsunami alerts etc OTHER ORGANIZATIONS INSURANCE BUREAU OF CANADA www ibc ca en Home_Insurance EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS F
98. propane tank as explained above is a minor procedure whereas disconnecting the tank from household appliances is a major procedure There are specific instructions in Part II under Floods outlining how to disconnect your propane tank from home appliances if flooding is imminent In that scenario you ll need a technician to safely reconnect the tank to home appliances after the emergency is over 45 Shutting off natural gas at the meter With the wrench give the valve 4 turn left or right Do not practise shutting off your natural gas meter If you do only pm N a qualified technician is permitted to turn it back on If there is a minor leak in the line for a specific appliance you can E turn off the individual gas valve for that line and turn it back on bhi yourself once the leak is repaired Qn op wO After an earthquake When the bar on the valve is OFF across the pipe the gas supply is OFF E After an earthquake you do not have to turn off natural gas at the meter unless ordered to do so or you detect a leak If your gas supply is shut off at the meter only a technician is permitted to turn it back because it is part of a pressurized community distribution system After a major disaster you may have to wait days or weeks for a technician to turn on the gas PART 2 NINE DISASTERS This section offers specific advice about each of nine disasters we may face in Saanich It includes
99. r bad odour But remember you can t rely on taste appearance or odour to determine whether food is safe Food contaminated with dangerous bacteria does not necessarily smell bad taste bad or appear spoiled Never taste food to determine its safety Some foods we keep in the refrigerator are safe to eat even without refrigeration until they become dry or moldy or go off in flavor Use the chart to evaluate each item separately Remember when in doubt throw it out eld above 4 C O F for 2 hrs Raw or leftover cooked meat poultry fish or eafood soy meat substitutes Thawing meat or poultry alads Meat tuna shrimp chicken or egg anned hams labeled Keep Refrigerated Canned meats and fish opened oft Cheeses blue bleu Roquefort Brie Camembert cottage cream Edam Monterey Jack ricotta mozzarella Muenster Neufchatel queso blanco queso fresco ard Cheeses Cheddar Colby Swiss Parmesan rovolone Romano commercially grated rocessed Cheeses Shredded Cheeses Fresh eggs hard cooked in shell egg dishes gg products Custards and puddings quiche cheesecakes 14 eld above O F for 2 hrs Dried and candied fruits coconut iscard if held bove 10 C 50 F Worcestershire soy barbecue hoisin sauces li and ish sauces oyster sauce pened vinegar based dressings READ DOUGH Bread rolls cakes muffins quick breads ASTA GRAINS tortillas waffles pancakes bagels efrigerator bisc
100. r utility Lock your house Leave gates unlocked and time allowing clear driveways for fire fighter access 22 4 Keep a flashlight and portable radio with you They should be in grab amp go bags Follow the directions of emergency personnel and obey traffic control Travel will be one way only out of your area to allow emergency vehicles access Do not use roads or highways designated as Disaster Response Routes unless specifically directed to do so During disasters these are normally reserved for emergency response vehicles only Re admission is not permitted until the Order is lifted 6 As information is received from the operational front lines the public will be notified of developments location of reception centres and other important information Listen for news on your emergency radio 7 It is important to report to the Reception Centre indicated This helps with communication among emergency officials and first responders Reporting to the reception centre also facilitates contact with friends or relatives and helps reunite family members Bulletins at the Reception Centre are a reliable source of information about when you can return home Do not act on rumours Disaster Reception Centres What to Expect Reception centres are set up to help evacuees Public facilities such as recreation centres schools places of worship and shopping malls may be converted for this purpose In Saanich reception centres are staffed by
101. rdy tables or desks and in closets e Search for potential hazards in your home using the Home Safety Checklist at the end of Part 1 Make recommended modifications to your home and furniture e Conduct earthquake drills Call out Earthquake Give family members time to react After the drill discuss what each did to be safe and what each could have done How to Respond 1 Don t run If you are outside stay outside If you are inside stay inside Do not shelter in doorways Doors could slam on you and injure you Brick chimneys roof tiles and building facades could fall on you as you enter or leave a building 2 Move to the safest place you can find and DROP COVER and HOLD ON Ground movement is seldom the actual cause of death or injury Most casualties result from falling objects and debris like toppling chimneys ceiling plaster building facades light fixtures and tall furniture so protect your head and the back of your neck as much as possible 60 A sturdy table or desk offers good protection from flying and falling objects Hold on to a table leg with one hand as the furniture may move around during an earthquake Safe locations e If you are in bed curl into a fetal position cover your head with a pillow and hold on Take shelter under a sturdy desk or table if possible Hold onto a table leg and try to move with the furniture if it is sliding so that you remain covered If you unable to take cover gr
102. reach in deep snow Use lights heat and radio sparingly to conserve battery power Run the engine and heater about 10 minutes every half hour to keep warm In addition to your hazard flashers turn on the inside light at night periodically so work crews or rescuers can see you Periodically clear snow from the exhaust pipe to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning Remember you can t smell carbon monoxide fumes Keep a window open slightly on the side away from the wind to allow fresh air into your car Exercise to maintain body heat but avoid overexertion In extreme cold use foil emergency blankets road maps seat covers and floor mats for insulation Huddle with passengers and use your coat for a blanket A burning candle can provide much needed heat to keep you from freezing use a canned safety candle to reduce fire risk Take turns sleeping One person should be awake at all times to look for rescue crews Drink fluids to avoid dehydration If stranded ina remote area stomp large block letters in an open area spelling out HELP or SOS and line with rocks or tree limbs to attract the attention of rescue airplanes 80 After a Winter Storm e Check your home for storm damage e Make repairs Restock emergency supplies HAZARDOUS MATERIALS SPILLS Spills of chemicals and other contaminants may occur in transportation industry businesses medical centres and even our homes Hazardous spills can create a secondar
103. ress Phone E mail Name Address Phone Number E mail 33 Animal Control Boarding Kennel Emergency Clinic Humane Society Micro Chip Registry Missing Pet Registry Out of Town Contact Alt Pet Sitter Pets amp Farm Animals Emergency Contacts Primary Veterinarian Alternate Veterinarian 34 Important Family Documents and Small Valuables For evacuations items not already in your grab amp go bags At the top of the list place items that can be carried on foot along with or inside the grab amp go bag Be realistic about how much you can gather in the time available and how much weight and bulk you can carry Consider that you might need hands free to accompany pets small children or people with disabilities Also consider where you can store the valuables when you reach your destination List by priority and note location 1 5 N S A A W N 2 N Other notes 35 UTILITIES SERVICE INTERRUPTIONS AND DISASTERS Human error aging infrastructure technical failures and natural disasters can lead to complete utility service disruptions or cause unpredictable intermittent service In several types of disasters you may have to shut off one or more of your utilities if they are obviously damaged if you are evacuating or if emergency officials th
104. ropane charcoal lighter fluid and matches outside Know how and where to operate the emergency stove safely In all situations ensure that the stove is ona stable non flammable surface and away from combustibles such as drapery furnishings dry grasses chemicals etc Do not try to cook over a live flame if aftershocks occur frequently Fireplaces inspect chimney and flue for cracks before using Small portable stoves and compact fuels are easy to carry if you are evacuated and must provide your own cooking equipment Heavy duty aluminum foil saves having to clean a pan thus saving potable water 16 COMMUNICATING IN EMERGENCIES It is hard to predict how a disaster will affect communications Communication lines may be overwhelmed by the volume of users The infrastructure may be damaged and work only part of the time Some systems may not work at all while others will be fine Calls within the disaster zone may be difficult while out of area calling may be normal Expect all communication systems to behave erratically Call 911 only when life is at risk Do not call 911 to inquire about the disaster Tune in to the media Use your emergency radio to learn about the event Have more than one option available for contacting family and friends land line internet cell phones Know how to use these options to their best advantage Keep communications brief to reduce strain on the system Write down your message first
105. s Be careful when entering buildings There may be hidden damage particularly in foundations Driving in Flood Conditions 15 cm 6 inches of water will reach the bottom of most passenger cars causing loss of control and possible stalling 30 cm 1 foot of water will float many vehicles 60 cm 2 feet of rushing water can carry away most vehicles including sport utility vehicles SUVs and pick ups 85 Do not drive into flooded areas If you are caught in a flood while driving or must drive through a flood zone to evacuate follow these safety precautions If floodwaters rise around your car you and the vehicle can quickly be swept away Leave the car and move to higher ground if you can do so safely Familiar roads will appear drastically different when covered by flood waters Take extra care when driving Be on the lookout for damaged bridges slides and washouts and be particularly alert for downed power lines Report these to the power company Be alert for emergency personnel and signs providing evacuation directions Obey officials who are directing traffic or involved in rescue or flood control operations Be aware of areas where floodwaters have receded Roads may have weakened and could collapse under the weight of a car Returning Home Do not return home until local officials announce that it is safe to do so in your area Some areas will become safe sooner than others Many flood hazards are not
106. s nose and mouth Stock up on food clear fluids soups and juices tissue and over the counter remedies to deal with the discomforts of flu Ask your pharmacist for advice on remedies and tell him her of any conditions you may have If you live alone arrange mutual aid with a neighbour or nearby friend If one gets the flu the other may stay in touch by phone deliver medicine and food to the doorstep etc Keep a list of contacts by the phone your doctor drugstore friends family 75 Keep your grab amp go bag ready in case you must go to the hospital Visit http www healthlinkbc ca_ for up to date information about influenza If You Have the Flu If many people are sick it may be difficult to get medical care Be prepared to take care of yourself and others at home as much as possible If you are feeling unwell contact the BC Nurses Hotline from anywhere in BC at 811 711 for people with hearing impairments Translation services are available in more than 130 languages A health service representative can also connect you with e a registered nurse any time every day of the year e a registered dietician every weekday e apharmacist after hours from 5pm to 9am every day of the year Call your doctor about your symptoms before visiting so that you don t infect other people at the office If special clinics for people with the flu or flu like symptoms have been set up your doctor s office may ask you to go there inste
107. serves prepared in advance Ensure clean handling surfaces utensils and containers Use only non contaminated water sources safe wells municipal water supply and clean food grade containers e Water heaters and household pipes Know how to isolate the home water supply as soon as possible after disaster strikes to minimize this risk that contaminated municipal or well water can enter the system If there is any doubt the water must be purified before consumption Water containing chemical softeners is not potable e Toilet flush tanks but not if there are chemical pucks in the toilet tank Both the water and a container must first be purified e Water from freshwater rivers lakes and ponds should be filtered and must be purified before consumption to eliminate risks from wildlife carcasses rotting vegetation and feces sewage etc Don t consume salt water There are no practical affordable emergency desalination systems for home use Don t consume water you know or suspect to be chemically polluted chemically treated including water from water beds swimming pools and water softening systems Municipal water treatment chemicals and home water purification treatments are the exceptions to this rule Water treatment systems to remove chemical pollutants are available but are unaffordable for most households T Use only clean potable water for drinking cooking hand washing brushing teeth first aid making baby formu
108. sland and a major shake of this type The Big One would generate a local tsunami affecting all coastal areas of the Island to varying degrees The chart on the next page is based on scientific data gathered from recent tsunami around the world The estimates take into account maximum earthquake magnitude normal high tide levels and the possibility that areas of the coast will sink subside during the earthquake making them more prone to flooding A further margin of safety is added to the calculations Therefore if you evacuate to land that is higher than the maximum water level shown for each area listed you will likely be safe from the tsunami Note that the first wave will not be the largest wave Local Tsunami Arrival Times and Wave Height CRD Greater Victoria First wave Time to Maximum Water arrival time maximum level m ft From a 2012 2013 CRD commissioned water level scientific study Port Renfrew entrance 35 min 50 min 3 5 11 5 73 Sooke Harbour entrance 60 min 75 min 2 5 8 2 Esquimalt Harbour entrance 77 min 96 min 2 7 8 9 Victoria Harbour amp Gorge Waterway 76 min 95 min 2 5 8 2 entrance Cadboro Bay 90 min 160 min 2 0 6 6 Sidney 110 min 150 min 2 0 6 6 Important Note e The tsunami could build in height after passing the entrance and reaching the more confined inner areas of harbours and waterways At the head of the Gorg
109. the one illustrated on the next page e Using a hammer drill and carbide bit drill a hole through the sill plate into the foundation Place these holes every 2 metres 6 feet 10 e Drop az x 8 expansion bolt into the hole and finish by tightening the nut and washer Cripple wall above concrete Steel pronged foundation sub washer CONCRETE EXPANSION ANCHOR BOLT I Anchor bolt through sill plate movie nome tounudtions A mobile home can be thrown off its supports during even minor shaking e Leave the wheels on the coach to limit its fall e Check the undercarriage to make sure that it has been securely tied to the foundation e Tie doublewide mobiles together The two halves generally are of different weights Because of this they move differently in an earthquake and can easily pull apart Cripple walls pony walls e Inspect the vertical studs that extend from the foundation to the first floor of your home These are called cripple walls or pony walls If they are exposed on the inside they could buckle with severe ground motion e Strengthen the cripple walls by nailing plywood sheeting to the vertical studs e Inspect the garage for exposed cripple walls This is particularly important if the garage is supporting living quarters Framing For a building to stay together in an earthquake all of its parts must be fastened together Metal connectors brackets are used to strengthen places where
110. thorities say it is safe Upon returning home open windows and vents and turn on fans to provide ventilation Find out from local authorities how to clean up your land and property Cleaning Up Spills After an Earthquake Though not an immediate priority check your stored chemicals as soon as possible Wear disposable gloves 83 Clean up spilled chemicals with rags or paper towels that can be discarded Do not use your water supply to rinse out rags If several bottles have broken try to clean up each chemical separately Then place rags in individual plastic garbage bags Mixing the chemicals may cause a reaction The individual plastic bags may be put ina larger trash bag To avoid spontaneous combustion fires rags and paper that have been used to mop up oils should be placed in a separate bag and kept well away from vehicles buildings and any other combustibles FLoops Prepare Be aware of your property s susceptibility to flooding and of flood height forecasts for your area Take steps to minimize loss and damage e store valuable items on upper floors e keep all chemicals out of the basement e install check valves in sewer traps so flood water cannot back up in sewer drains Find out what kinds of flooding are covered by your home insurance policy Make an inventory of your possessions valuables papers and property 84 Learn the safest route from your home or business to high safe groun
111. tic tanks cesspools pits and leaching systems as soon as possible Damaged sewage systems are serious health hazards Clean and disinfect everything that got wet Mud left from floodwater may contain sewage and chemicals Food and Kitchen Clean up After a Flood Never eat food that was submerged in flood waters Health officials recommend disposal of the following food items e fresh and dried foods e canned goods if damaged and showing signs of leakage e home canned foods and bottled foods contamination can gather under caps Only undamaged commercially prepared foods in sealed unopened airtight waterproof cans jars or pouches are entirely safe to use However these cans and or pouches must be carefully inspected cleaned and disinfected before use by following these procedures 1 If possible remove the labels since they could have come into contact with dirt or bacteria Re label each can or pouch including the expiry date with a permanent marker that will not wash off or bleach out 2 After labels are removed clean cans by washing them for two minutes with a mild bleach solution 5 ml or 1 tsp of bleach per 750 ml or 3 cups of water 3 Air dry all cleaned food cans jars and pouches to prevent potential contamination when the containers are opened Food preparation equipment surfaces dishes and utensils should be properly sanitized with a mild bleach solution 1 part chlorine bleach to 4 parts water It is
112. tiny droplets of nose or eye secretions from an infected person and then touching your eyes nose or mouth or touching dirty tissues or objects that have been handled by an infected person and then touching your eyes nose or mouth The flu virus can be picked up from hard surfaces like doorknobs for up to twelve hours and from softer porous surfaces like hands and tissues for several minutes During Flu Season Prepare Ask your doctor whether you should have a flu shot each year Follow good health practices e Eat well get enough sleep and exercise regularly e Wash your hands often and for at least 20 seconds with ordinary soap and warm water and always after you cough or sneeze This is one of the best and easiest ways to protect yourself from the flu e Practice good cough manners Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze or cough into your upper sleeve if you don t have a tissue Throw the used tissue into the garbage right away and wash your hands e Stay home if you are sick to get the rest you need and so that you don t spread your germs Stay away from people who are sick You should especially try to stay at least 1 metre 3 feet away from people sick with the flu Avoid public gatherings and crowds If you must be in a crowded place or travel by plane bus or train note that some pharmacies carry nasal sprays and salves designed to help you resist airborne infections Avoid touching your eye
113. tions and instructions O small stuffed toy or other favourite item Tip Knapsacks duffle bags or rolling suitcases work well Hands free knapsacks and fanny packs are very helpful for people who walk with canes or who must accompany pets small children or family members with limited mobility People who use electric carts or walkers should store their grab amp go bags with their mobility equipment vY CAR MOBILE KIT If you spend a lot of time in your car boat or RV you should have an emergency kit to supplement your grab amp go bag Regularly maintain your vehicles and keep the fuel tanks at least half full so you re ready to leave in a hurry Even if you do not have to evacuate your car can be a place to shelter recharge your cell phone warm up or listen to radio reports If your grab amp go bag is small or is normally left at home your mobile kit might include some of the items listed under Grab amp Go Kit as well as these suggested items O extra water bottled or foil packs O extra packets of nutritious foods dried fruits granola bars unsalted nuts or beef jerky or emergency rations compact dry cubes supplying essential nutrients L automobile first aid kit and manual L comfortable sturdy walking shoes L change of clothing L warm blanket or sleeping bag O candle in a can butane lighter O toilet tissue amp Ziploc bags L deck of cards good book O large sturdy backpack in case you ha
114. u If you are well prepared you will be ina better position to help your family friends and neighbours The first priority is personal safety surviving the disaster and reducing the risk of injury Most people survive most disasters but survivors commonly face many challenges afterwards therefore the second priority is self sufficiency for 7 days following a disaster During that time your family s safety health comfort and general well being may be entirely in your own hands for these reasons 1 Major disasters disrupt the normal functions of society and seriously affect infrastructure and public services Shops may be closed or quickly run out of supplies businesses schools and public offices may shut down hospitals may be overwhelmed transportation and communications may be very difficult hydro water and gas services may be completely disrupted or intermittent and unpredictable 2 Emergency officials first responders and community agencies can handle several small simultaneous disasters but will likely be overwhelmed if the disaster is widespread or long lasting Immediate priorities will be e life saving first aid search amp rescue evacuations medical care e damage control fighting fires preventing the spread of disease dealing with hazardous materials and e restoring or maintaining critical services needed for emergency response transportation hospitals and emergency shelters communications and basic ut
115. u can t live without inside your car ready for departure Time allowing remain behind to prepare your home inside and out Inside your home o Remove flammable drapes and curtains Close all shutters blinds or heavy non combustible window coverings to reduce radiant heat 58 O Close windows and all interior doors to prevent drafts Open fireplace dampers Close fireplace screens Move flammable furniture into the centre of rooms away from windows and sliding glass doors Turn on outside and inside lights to make house more visible in heavy smoke Outside your home O Gather fire tools such as a ladder rake axe handsaw or chainsaw bucket and shovel Close or cover vents to attic eaves and fireplace close basement windows doors pet doors etc Shut off natural gas at the meter Only a qualified professional may turn the gas back on Disconnect propane tanks and move them at least 10 metres 33 feet from your home if possible Connect garden hose to outside taps Place lawn sprinklers on the roof and near above ground fuel tanks Wet the roof Remove from around against your house any items that will burn including wood piles lawn furniture barbeque grills tarp coverings etc Fill pools hot tubs garbage cans tubs or large containers with water and unlock security fences so fire fighters have access to pools decks etc Wet down or cut down and remove shrubs within 5 metres 15 feet of
116. ublic announcements to the ham radio community for wider distribution and may monitor the system for news about dire situations or developments of which they are unaware 18 Phones and Internet Land Line Phones You have land line service if your phone is activated by phone jacks in the wall If land lines are working there is enough power to operate a simple phone even during a power failure Cordless phones will not work during power failures Buy an inexpensive corded land line phone for your emergency kit e After an earthquake when there may be aftershocks choose one land line phone and make sure the receiver stays on the hook or unplug it when the phone is not in use Use masking tape to secure the receivers on other phones or unplug them e When you place a call wait on the line for up to two minutes until you hear a dial tone then dial quickly and state your message If there is no dial tone hang up and try again later If you are able to dial but hear no ring at the other end wait on the line for a minute or two Your call may be queued because of heavy volume e After a major disaster home phone service might be the last lines restored Land lines for emergency officials public services and businesses will have higher priority Tip Pay telephones where still available are emergency telephones When you pick up the phone it may seem dead Hold it and wait for the dial tone Internet Devices computers smart pho
117. uits rolls cookie dough ies custard cheese filled or chiffon quiche ies fruit resh mushrooms raw vegetables egetables cooked asseroles soups stews v Home Kit KISS Cooking Equipment Keep It Super Simple C manual can opener invest in a good one that always works O utility knife O bottle opener L emergency stove amp fuel supply waterproof matches pot amp pan with lids ladle spatula serving spoon BBQ tongs OO oven mitts or pot holders paper towels lots heavy duty aluminum foil heavy duty plastic garbage bags OOOOOO disposable cutlery dishes and cups to reduce potable water consumption O dish detergent pot scrubber amp unscented chlorine bleach Tips Pressure cookers reduce cooking time and emergency fuel consumption during a simple power outage but in more complex and disruptive disasters such as floods and earthquakes prepare food that can be quickly heated or eaten cold Have at least one alternative to your kitchen stove for example kerosene camp stove sterno stove compact emergency stove with fuel pellets buffet burner with butane cartridges a k a storm buster charcoal propane natural gas barbecue hibachi Be aware Small butane cartridge stoves are generally safe for indoor use but barbeques camp stoves and most other types of emergency stoves and fuels emit deadly amounts of carbon monoxide and are not safe for indoor use Store extra p
118. ust be 3 times as wide at its base as it is high For example a dyke 1 metre 3 feet high needs to be 3 metres 10 feet wide at the base If you choose to construct a sandbag dyke to protect your property follow these steps to ensure that it is effective 1 Dig a trench one sack deep and two sacks wide as a foundation for the dyke structure Fill sandbags only half full Individual bags need not be tied shut Overlapping the bags will hold the sand in place Lay bags in layers in alternating crisscross directions Tamp each bag firmly into place to ensure that the finished dyke will stand e The base level should be laid in the same direction as the water flow e The second level should be laid perpendicular to the direction of the water flow e Continue alternating directions for subsequent layers Each layer must be set back one half sandbag width on both sides from the previous layer so that the cross section looks like a triangle 88 RECOMMENDED METHOD FOR SANDBAG DYKING Dyke Bags Required for 100 Linear Feet of Dyke Height Above Bags lt A oie Required PLAN OF BOTTOM LAYER METHOD OF LAPPING SACKS 1 3 metre 600 2 3 metre 2000 1 metre 3400 1 metre 3H a gt EXISTING DYKE i riverside landside Strip sod before placing bottom layer onding trench 1 sack deep by 2 sacks wide 1 Alternate direction of sacks with bottom layer i e bottom 4 Sacks should be approximately one ha
119. ve to leave your vehicle L road map and compass O shovel traction aids sand or kitty litter L duct tape and garbage bags O heavy duty work gloves leather O axe crowbar and fire extinguisher O flares flashlight extra batteries reflective vest or arm bands L hardhat eye goggles and coveralls O ice scraper and brush O booster cables Tips e Plastic water bottles will absorb vehicle fuel vapours so foil packs are a good option for mobile kits or place plastic water bottles in a sealed plastic container e Aplastic storage bucket for car mobile supplies can be converted to a toilet if needed Small portable toilet seats can be purchased for some types of buckets V Home 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 Here is what you ll need Details and storage tips for some items are provided on following pages d O O Potable drinkable water clean utility water Food emergency stove and cooking equipment a variety of long storing healthy foods which do not need refrigeration and which are easy to prepare and eat under difficult conditions Health and safety home first aid kit and first aid manual power failure lights
120. with you Place items by the door or load them in the vehicle Determine the location of all family members and agree on one of your planned meeting places should an evacuation be ordered while you are separated Immediately relocate large pets and livestock to an area outside of the evacuation alert zone Keep small pets with you in their carrying cages and put their emergency kit with yours Arrange accommodation for your family in the event of an evacuation Should you be unable to find any Emergency Social Services will be available at reception centres Emergency relief can be provided for up to 72 hours Turn off utilities if ordered to do so If not turn off major appliances and prepare to secure your home If wildfire is a risk water vegetation adjacent to structures if time allows and enough water is available If an evacuation order is issued comply 1 You must leave the area immediately Gather your family and small pets your grab amp go bags etc If you need transportation to evacuate advise the individual providing the notice of evacuation Time permitting do the following e Turn off major appliances such as stoves washers and dryers Close doors and windows Leave a radio on if possible preferably a talk radio station This gives the impression of an occupied home and may deter criminals e Turn off utilities if ordered to do so Once they are off do not turn them on until you check with the prope
121. y and mentally challenging Following a plan and safety guidelines will help Tips General Health and Safety Avoid exhaustion Don t try to do too much at once Set priorities make a plan and pace yourself Take lots of breaks to rest eat and rehydrate Be aware of safety hazards created by the disaster e g contaminated buildings contaminated water or air gas leaks broken glass damaged wiring slippery floors 95 e Inform local authorities of chemical spills downed power lines washed out roads smoldering buildings dead animals and other hazards If the hazard presents an immediate danger to life call 911 otherwise use non emergency contact numbers Wear sturdy shoes and gloves Depending on the hazards created by the disaster you may need other protective gear When working in debris wash your hands thoroughly and often with soap and clean water Returning to Your Neighbourhood Keep a battery powered radio with you for emergency updates and news reports Watch out for animals in and around your home o Wildlife can be aggressive and unpredictable Never approach corner or attempt to help rescue it o Be cautious with pets that are obviously lost or abandoned They too can be unpredictable if hungry or frightened Provide food and water if possible o Do not move or touch a dead animal Carcasses can present serious health risks Contact your local government or health department for help and instructions
122. y be used to store basic cooking equipment and emergency foods First Aid and Home Nursing e Consider taking a first aid course Some are available for children e Store prescribed medications and copies of critical medical information in your grab amp go bag or in watertight bags in the refrigerator e Buya first aid kit and supplement it with other supplies or assemble your own using suggestions from the list below Storing supplies in a case with a handle e g fishing tackle box or tool box makes them easier to carry Tape a list of contents inside the lid When the clocks change replace expired items Bandages O band aids O pressure bandages O butterfly bandages O 3 6 triangular bandages O rolled gauze 1 2 3 widths O bandage sterile rolls 2 4 widths L splinting materials O adhesive tape L tensor bandages L cotton tipped swabs Medications amp remedies include remedies appropriate for your children O pain relievers anti itch powder lotion L antibiotic ointment O sunscreen insect repellent O lip balm cold sore cream Additional supplies L first aid manual L pen and notebook O scissors safety pins L tweezers and magnifying glass O individually wrapped alcohol swabs L plastic bags O needle and thread L diarrhea control anti nausea O antacid laxative O eye drops ear drops L antihistamines L thermometer O tissue O pre moistened towelettes L hot water bottle an
123. y disaster following an event such as an earthquake or flood After a large spill evacuation is common but in some cases officials may judge that evacuation would pose a greater risk than having people remain indoors Be prepared for either scenario Prepare e Learn how to turn off all intakes and exhaust fans for air conditioning and heating systems in case evacuation is too dangerous and you are required to shelter at home 81 e Be sure your home emergency kit contains supplies to repair or seal off a broken window or other damage to the building envelope where contamination could enter e Store household chemicals properly e Keep only chemicals you need and use Dispose of old or unwanted chemicals at a designated collection depot e Place pesticides gasoline paint thinners and other chemicals on the floor ona low shelf or in a cabinet with earthquake proof latches Note Store ammonia and bleach in separate locations If mixed through breakage they create toxic fumes e Store chemicals away from children s play areas and food water storage e Keep chemical container lids tightly closed How to Respond e Call 911 to report a hazardous spill e Stay away from the site to minimize the risk of contamination Listen to the radio for instructions and information about a possible evacuation e If outside during an incident try to stay upstream uphill and upwind Hazardous materials can quickly be transported
124. y formula You may wish to add small quantities of the following to your emergency supplies Fats We need fats to absorb certain vitamins regulate body heat and energy improve the texture of some foods diminish food cravings and improve morale Given the low fat levels in most tinned and dried foods consider including olive oil ina small can to drizzle over foods Grains beans and lentils These provide fibre and essential nutrients sustain energy and help us feel full Peas and lentils also add protein Use chickpeas and beans canned in liquid Instant oatmeal fine cornmeal polenta and fine couscous have less nutritional value than whole grains but cook quickly and absorb all the water contributing to hydration Instant potatoes and instant rice have even less nutritional value but also cook quickly and absorb all water Note Dry pasta requires a lot of water time and fuel to cook and instant noodle meals are salty with lots of additives and little nutritional value These are not good choices for emergency supplies Tips While returning to a routine is important after a disaster be flexible about meals Traditional breakfast and supper foods can be eaten at any meal You might have breakfast three times in one day to use foods that are still fresh or your family might want smaller more frequent meals and snacks Canned foods with a long shelf life are low in fat and high in sodium or sugar or both becaus
125. yed wires Check the electrical system If you are wet standing in water or unsure of your safety do not enter If possible turn off the electricity at the circuit box If unsafe leave the building and call for help Do not turn lights on until you are sure they are safe to use Have an electrician inspect your wiring Roof foundation and chimney cracks If it looks as if the building may collapse leave immediately and stay back twice the distance of the height of the house If only the chimney is unstable stay well back and rope off areas that may be hit by falling bricks or masonry Wild Animals If a wild animal is trapped in your house open a door or window and stay back so it can escape Call animal control or wildlife officials if the animal will not leave 2 Damage Assessment and Clean up O O For insurance purposes take pictures of damages Keep good records of repair and cleaning costs including the hours your family and friends spend cleaning etc Basement Basement walls may collapse and the floor may buckle if the basement is pumped out while the surrounding ground is still waterlogged If your basement is flooded pump it out gradually about 1 3 of the water per day to avoid damage Household chemical spills Clean up spills and safely dispose of used rags paper towels to avoid spontaneous combustion Disinfect items that may have been contaminated by raw sewage bacteria or chemicals Also
126. your residence After a Forest Fire Follow the instructions provided by local officials Do not try to re enter the evacuation zone until officials rescind the evacuation order When you return home officials may advise you to watch for lingering dangers such as hot spots from smoldering tree roots EARTHQUAKES 59 The Pacific Northwest is prone to many different types of earthquakes We have ample geological evidence and historical accounts of major guak in our region s past It is not possible to predict when an g earthquake will occur how large or what type it will be or where the epicentre will be You may have a few seconds warning e a sound and vibration like a train rumbling down a track e a sound like small stones or sand hitting a window e aloud jolt like a large truck hitting a building e a brief interruption in hydro power flickering of lights If the earthquake is small and short this may be all you will experience On the other hand these are warning signs that can occur at the beginning of a major shock Major earthquakes are usually followed by aftershocks which may occur for many days or months after the main shock Some aftershocks may be large Both the main shock and aftershocks are earthquakes and your response to all should be the same Prepare to Stay Safe e Ensure family members know the safe spots in each room against inside walls and corners in narrow hallways under stu

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