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Create an emergency plan

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Get Prepared

Are You Ready?

A natural disaster can strike at any time, without warning. Learn how to make an emergency kit and plan, and protect yourself, your family, and your property.

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How to create an emergency plan

What would you do if there was a disaster or other emergency and you were separated from your family? How would you communicate to make sure everyone was safe and get your family back together?

Having an emergency plan — and making sure everyone in your family is familiar with it — can help save valuable time during an emergency and make the situation less stressful for everyone.

Tips for creating your plan 

Your emergency plan should include: 

  • meeting place locations for your family and loved ones to reunite to: one close to your home and another outside your community
  • the names and contact information of your neighbours
  • the names and contact information of out-of-town contacts
  • the names of people assigned to pick up children and/or pets, and assist family members who require assistance, in case you're not able to
  • family health details (e.g., medication names, BC Services Card numbers, doctor contact information)
  • the location of your emergency kit and grab-and-go bags
  • sources of credible emergency information (e.g., website, social media, radio or TV news stations)
Make sure you review the plan with every member of your family, and update it annually. ​
Research insurance options

Whether you rent or own a property, insurance is available to help you rebuild and to replace your belongings after a loss. Learn more about insurance coverage and how it can help you prepare.

Check with your insurance representative to determine what insurance is available for your property. You can also contact the Insurance Bureau of Canada at 1 844 227 5422 for information regarding home insurance.

Add your insurance information to your emergency plan to ensure it’s handy when you need it.

How to turn off utilities

Know how to turn off your main utilities – water, electricity, gas. In certain emergencies, authorities will ask that these be turned off for safety reasons. Write out instructions, if needed, and post them somewhere visible.

Important: Do not shut off your natural gas when you receive an Evacuation Order. Your natural gas service may be turned off by your provider as a precautionary measure at the request of emergency officials. If your gas is shut off at the meter, do not try to turn it back on. Only a licensed gas contractor can do that safely.

Take a closer look 

Use the resources listed below to help you create your emergency plan: