News

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Tune in to see three news stories premiered each day of Emergency Preparedness Week from our regional correspondents. If you miss them on TV, you can watch them here.

Sunday May 4

Tornado preparedness for schools
Having a plan in place to properly evacuate your home is crucial to emergency planning. But, what if you’re at school when bad weather hits? As Kelly Noseworthy found out, many schools in Ontario are taking precautions to ensure students stay safe in case of an emergency.

 

Alberta Landslide Risk
It was a nightmare scenario more than a century ago, when Turtle Mountain collapsed on the town of Frank in southern Alberta. But could there be a similar rock slide there again? Scientists think there's a good chance it will happen. Ross Hull looks at the technology that's in place now to avert another disaster.

 

Home Emergency Kit
Do you have your home emergency kit fully stocked and ready to use in the event of a disaster? If not, here's Shelley Steeves with some tips on how you can get started.

 

 

Monday May 5

First Nations Emergency Preparedness
During an emergency it can take days for fire, police and emergency medical services to reach outlying communities. That's why First Nations communities in Prince Edward Island are stocking up on emergency supplies. Shelley Steeves has more in this report.

 

Alberta Public Alert System
The devastating tornado that stunned Alberta's capital in 1987 was actually the catalyst for what is considered one of the most effective public alert systems in the country.

 

Campus Security
At Simon Fraser University's Burnaby campus, near Vancouver, the weather can at times be a threat to student safety. They have come up with a new communication tool to deal with it.

 

Tuesday May 6

BC Tsunami Warning system
The tsunami that hit the city of Port Alberni more than forty years ago changed that community forever. But the lessons they have learned from it has provided for an early warning system that is expected to be an important safety tool in the event of another giant wave.

Emergency plans for people with disabilities
Emergency officials stress the importance of having an emergency kit on hand at all times. Make sure you family has enough food and emergency supplies to last up to three days. No two kits will be the alike because every family has different needs. Shelley Steeves has more in this report.

Ontario EMO
“Be Prepared” - that’s the motto behind Emergency Preparedness Week in Canada. Emergency Management Ontario talked to us about this year's activities and the importance of planning ahead.

Wednesday May 7

Neighbour helping Neighbour
When disaster strikes, when people work together it can save lives and property. That's why emergency officials encourage neighbours to come together and check in on one another during times of need.

 

Car Safety in Extreme Weather
Canadian weather can be unpredictable at times and if you’re not prepared for it, you could get into trouble…especially if you’re in your car! Kelly Noseworthy met up with a well known stormchaser to get his advice on emergency preparedness for your car.

Impact of Climate Change on Severe Weather
How will climate change impact natural disasters? What can communities do to prepare? Ross Hull speaks with a leading Canadian climate change expert to help provide some answers.

Thursday May 8

Lines of Communication
When power is knocked out during a disaster it can cut off lines of communication between emergency officials and those who need their help. So where do people turn to find out where to go and what to do? Shelley Steeves has more in this report.

 

Heavy Urban Search and Rescue
Natural or man-made hazards can happen anytime and without warning…that’s why it’s so important for every community to have its own emergency plan. In some cases, the disaster is just so big a special emergency response team may be needed.

 

Mount Baker - closest volcano to Vancouver
Earthquakes are often thought of as a major threat to Vancouver and its surrounding areas. But the west coast of North America is also an active volcano zone. Ross Hull looks at the risk and consequences of Mount Baker erupting.

Friday May 9

Emergency flooding preparation
During a flood, people are often left powerless to stop flood water from invading their homes. But there are things people can do to minimize damages. Shelley Steeves has more in this report.

 

Getting the word out - technology and EMO
Having the ability to communicate and organize is the key to dealing with any large scale emergency. Kelly Noseworthy looks at one agency that provides that help.

Car Emergency Kit
Consider now much time you spend in your vehicle on a daily basis; sometimes hours at a time. Do you have supplies on hand if you get into trouble? Here's Shelley Steeves with some tips on how to be prepared for a roadside emergency.

 

Saturday May 10

Red Cross Volunteer
The Canadian Red Cross mission is to improve the lives of vulnerable people, to help those in need during an emergency. Kelly Noseworthy met up with one volunteer who shared his experience and why it’s so important for everyone to be prepared.

 

BC train landslide risk
Trains provide an important transportation link for industry and commerce but sometimes that means having to carry dangerous goods. Ross Hull looks at the dangers involved with the transportation of hazardous materials, and how the weather is having an impact on a rail line near Vancouver.

Power company preparedness
When the lights go out…we look to our power companies. It’s their job to restore power even in the most severe cases. As Kelly Noseworthy found out, they have their own preparedness plans in place to deal with severe weather.

Basic Emergency kit

You may have some of these items already, such as a flashlight, battery-operated radio, food, water and blankets. The key is to make sure they are organized and easy to find. Would you be able to find your flashlight in the dark?

Make sure your kit is easy to carry. Keep it in a backpack, duffel bag or suitcase with wheels, in an easy-to-reach, accessible place, such as your front door closet. Make sure everyone in the household/family knows where to find the emergency kit.

Print this page and check off the items as you accumulate them. Basic items you will need to survive for 72 hours:

Waterat least two litres of water per person per day. (Include small bottles that can be carried easily in case of an evacuation order.)
Food at least a three-day supply of food that won’t spoil, such as canned food, energy bars and dried foods (remember to replace the food and water once a year)
Manual can-opener
Flashlight and batteries
Candles and matches or lighter (remember to place candles in sturdy containers and to put them out before going to sleep)
Battery-powered or wind-up radio (and extra batteries)
First aid kit
Special items such as prescription medications, infant formula and equipment for people with disabilities
Extra keys for your car and house
Some cash in smaller bills, such as $10 bills (travellers cheques are also useful) and change for payphones
A copy of your emergency plan including contact information

Recommended additional kit supplies
It is always a good idea to have extra supplies on hand. Here are some recommendations.

A change of clothing and footwear for each household member
Sleeping bag or warm blanket for each household member
A whistle (in case you need to attract attention)
Garbage bags for personal sanitation
Toilet paper and other personal care supplies
Safety gloves
Basic tools (hammer, pliers, wrench, screwdrivers, fasteners, work gloves)
Small fuel-driven stove and fuel (follow manufacturer’s directions and store properly)
Two litres of water per person per day for cooking and cleaning

Car Survival Equipment Kit

Shovel
Sand, salt or kitty litter
Traction mats
Tow chain
Compass
Cloth or roll of paper towels
Warning light or road flares
Extra clothing and footwear
Emergency food pack
Axe or hatchet
Booster cables
Ice scraper and brush
Road maps
Matches and a survival candle in a deep can (to warm hands, heat a drink or use as an emergency light)
Fire extinguisher
Methyl hydrate (for fuel line and windshield de-icing)
Flashlight
First-aid kit with seatbelt cutter
Blanket (special survival blankets are best)