Were you prepared for the windstorm this past weekend? Storms like the one on Saturday are a reminder about the importance of being prepared for both small and large incidences. When disaster strikes, it can knock out utilities leaving you without light, heat and hot water for extended periods of time. Responders will be busy and might not be available to provide assistance or restore services for at least three days (72 hours).

What’s in an emergency kit?

During an emergency, you may need to get by without power or tap water. Be prepared to be self‐sufficient for at least 72 hours. Have the following kit prepared:
• Three Day Supply of Water (2 – 4 litres is recommended per person)
• Battery Operated or Wind‐Up Radio
• Pocket Knife
• Extra Set of Keys
• Copies of Important Documents
• Non‐Perishable Food
• Flashlights & Batteries
• First Aid Kit
• Prescriptions
• Money (Bills and Coins)
• Personal items – Toiletries, games, cards and books

Special offer – order by Oct. 31 and save 15%

HEMBC has partnered with local emergency supplies vendor to offer PHC and VCH staff a 15% discount off any emergency kits ordered during September & October, 2015. Purchase your kits now using the following links:
• Braidner Survival Kits Ltd – use discount code: HEM02
• FAST Inc – use discount code: HEMBC

What to do in a power outage

• Turn off electrical appliances. Appliances start up automatically upon restoration of service – turning them off will prevent injury, damage or fire.
• Never use a camp stove, barbeque or propane or kerosene heater indoors. A buildup of carbon monoxide gas in unventilated areas can be dangerous.
• Never plug a portable generator into a regular household electrical outlet. This can cause electrical danger to you and your neighbours.
• Turn off all lights except one in your home and one outside. The inside light lets you know when power is back on and the outside light lets BC Hydro workers know that power is back on.
• Refrigerators and freezers – keep doors closed as much as possible to keep your food as fresh as possible.

o Freezers – Cover with blankets, quilts or sleeping bags to further insulate the freezer and help keep food frozen longer.
o Refrigerated food – Don’t open doors unnecessarily; try placing bags of ice in the refrigerator, or place food on ice in a cooler or ice chest.

• Anticipate traffic delays – Use caution when driving, especially if the power is out and debris is cluttering the road. Intersections should be treated as a four way stop when traffic lights are out.

More information

For more information on safety around downed power lines and during a power outage, visit BC Hydro and Fortis BC.

For general information about preparedness visit HEMBC’s intranet site by clicking the yellow triangle on VCH Connect.