Stay Safe

Key Objectives

* Stay informed of emergencies as they arise

* Mitigate potential hazards in your home to minimize the risk of injury

* Take the correct actions during and immediately after an earthquake to protect yourself and your property

Resources and Suggestions

~ Receive timely emergency notifications by downloading the J-Alert app in Japan or following Philippine Emergency Alerts on Twitter or Facebook. 

~ Identify potential hazards in your home and purchase the appropriate straps to anchor furniture. 

~ Ensure that your water heater is firmly secured to the structure of your home. 

~ Identify the safest place in each room of your home in the event of an earthquake. Preferably away from windows, clear of items that could potentially fall, or below a table/desk if possible). Run regular earthquake drills with your family. 

Create Your Emergency Plan

Key Objectives

* Develop an emergency communication strategy with your loved ones

* Assign responsibilities for gathering and caring for vulnerable loved ones like children,  aging relatives and pets

*Determine where you might reunify if your home, neighborhood or city becomes unsafe

Resources and Suggestions

~ For your family emergency plan, download the Creating Your Emergency Plan

~ For apartment considerations, refer to the BC Prepared Guide for Apartments, Condos and Townhouses.

~ Choose a central point of contact outside of your local hazard zone. Texting will likely be more reliable than voice communications after a large event. Keep a battery or crank powered radio in your kit.

Equip Yourself 

Key Objectives

* Be prepared to quickly evacuate should danger approach

* Be equipped to shelter in place at home without utilities and services during a widespread disaster

* Be ready for events that could occur without warning when you're outside of your home

Resources and Suggestions

~ Download the Building Your Emergency Kit guide.

~ Choose a container that is portable and durable. This container is similar to the one the presenter uses for his home. Store in a place that is free of falling hazards, accessible, and secure from possible theft. Sheds, car trunks and main-story closets are good options. Don't store in the basement or attic. If you camp, put all your camping items near or in the kit. 

~ Each member of your household needs one gallon of water per day for drinking, eating, and basic sanitation needs  during a disaster. The presenter uses water containers like these for his family. 

~ Be sure to properly prepare, store and replenish your emergency drinking water.

~ Have several days of shelf-stable food for each person in your home. In the event of an emergency, eat perishables first, then your emergency foods. 

~ If you rely on prescription medications, this too should be stockpiled should your doctor and pharmacy be unavailable. 

Additional Resources

& 

Answers to Audience Questions

~ The Tokyo Bousai guide has great information relevant to earthquake preparedness, even if you don't live in Japan.  

~ Prepare Manilla

~ Inspire yourself and others to begin their preparedness journey with this TED Talk