Emergency Preparedness Tips for Families
(Resources for educators can be found after this section for families.)
- Complete and return to school your child's student release forms.
- Know your school's emergency plan.
Questions to ask about a school’s emergency preparedness plans
- How will the school communicate with families during a crisis or critical incident?
- Does the school store adequate food, water, and other basic emergency supplies?
- Is the school prepared to shelter-in-place if needed? Where do they plan to go if students and staff must leave the school premises?
In the event of an emergency or disaster during school hours
- Please do not phone the school; phone lines must be kept open for emergency communications.
- Check the school district and/or school website for information and updates.
- Before picking up your children, check your home first to ensure there is no danger and it is safe to return to with children.
- Whenever possible, travel by foot to pick up children. Streets and access to the school may be cluttered with debris, and school access routes must remain clear for emergency vehicles.
- Bring photo identification to the school. This applies to all others (19+ years) listed on student release forms.
Take a closer look
Contact your school to learn more about its emergency preparedness plans.
Emergency preparedness resources for educators
Master of Disaster is a free classroom program designed to help youth in Grades 4 to 8 learn about hazards in B.C.—like floods, wildfires and earthquakes—and how to get prepared. Learn more about the program and order your free teaching and student kits by visiting Prepared BC’s Master of Disaster: Youth emergency preparedness web page.
