Post 23 - Simple tips to protect you and your family in the coming storms

Earthquake (STORM) Preparedness! 

Jackie Kloosterboer – Earthquake Preparedness Specialist, Speaker, Trainer 

Author – My Earthquake Preparedness Guide 

Storm Watch – What does your family you need to do to be ready?

Whether it's for an Earthquake, a flood or a storm - we all need to be prepared. Being prepared simply means that you, your family and pets have the items you need to survive without outside help and that you know what to do to better survive the disaster you are facing.  

For many of us living on the West Coast or Vancouver Island are smack dab in the middle of the 2nd storm we are in line for. Storm 3 is just around the corner.   Turn on the news and you will see stories of trees that have damaged houses and cars, news reports encouraging us to be aware and use the 4-way stop procedure when in an intersection with no power.

If you still have power you are probably asking - will our power go out, will our homes get damaged by falling trees or debris, what will we do are questions we should be thinking about.

However, we do face some challenges and here are a few tips that can help.

1.  Cell Phones:
Many of us are moving away from the old fashioned hard wired phones that we all used to have in our homes and even if we do still have the hard wired lines our phones are cordless and require power.  In a power cut cordless phones are useless!

What if you had to make an emergency call and your cell phone is not charged or you have a cordless phone? This can easily be remedied.  Go and purchase a phone that doesn't require power. If you don't want to use it all the time keep the phone with your emergency supplies and when you go to get your candles and matches from your emergency kit you can easily get the phone as well. 

For your cell phones purchase a battery operated or solar charger. These chargers are relatively inexpensive and work well when needed. Turning of the Wi-Fi can help extend your battery life.  This weekend in BC & Washington state we know the weather is going to be stormy so make an effort to keep your phones charged.  Charge your laptop and you can also plug your phone into the laptop to extend the power.

2.  Power Outages:  
Imagine coming home from work and the lights on your coffee maker and microwave are flashing indicating the power has been out in your home. The first question - how long has the power been out. 

TIP:  In a small freezer bag place 4 or 5 ice cubes and put them in your freezer.  Next time you are facing those blinking lights check your ice cubes. If they have become one or are a pool of water you know the power has been out for quite some time and you may not want to use the food in your fridge or freezer. This tip also works well if you have been away for an extended time. If you have one melted mess of ice cubes when you return you know that the power was out while you were away. You can then make a decision on what to do with the contents of your fridge and freezer. 

I have used this myself on many occasions and it works!  Remember to always be careful with food. Follow the saying "if in doubt throw it out." You don't want to put your family in danger.

3. Storm Drains:  
Check the storm drains in front of your house or apartment. If they are blocked with leaves and debris clean them out or call to advise your local community's public works department. Small actions like this can make a difference to you and your neighbours.

4.  BBQs
If you have a BBQ make sure your propane tank is full and you will still be able to cook you and your family dinner.  NEVER bring your BBQ inside - always use your BBQ outside in a properly vented area.

5.  Emergency Kits

Make sure your family's Emergency Kits are up to date and you have what you need to survive if your power goes out. Some basic items are cash (if the power is out you may not have access to bank machines), medicines, batteries, canned food and whatever else you need.  Visit Survive-It to order your Emergency Kits or you can print a list of items to put in your family's emergency kit if you prefer to create your own kits.

Whatever way works best for you and your family - just make sure you have the supplies you, your family and pets may need during the storms and also for an earthquake! 

As always – be prepared – not scared.

Jackie Kloosterboer

Have questions – don’t hesitate to ask. Until next time – Stay safe and make sure you, your family and pets are prepared for earthquakes or any disaster that may come your way.

As Always BE PREPARED - NOT SCARED!

     

Jackie Kloosterboer - BIO

Jackie has been leading the way in earthquake preparedness for 2 decades presenting more than 100 Earthquake Preparedness sessions each year to a variety of groups and businesses. She is often interviewed by a variety of media outlets across Canada as she promotes the importance of earthquake and disaster preparedness.

As an Emergency Preparedness Specialist and an Instructor with the Justice Institute of BC Jackie travels across Canada teaching people how to respond to disasters to help those who have been displaced. Throughout British Columbia Jackie has taken on leadership roles assisting those who have been impacted by disaster.

Contact Jackie to speak at your next group or business event to help better prepare you, your family, your staff and pets for earthquakes or whatever disaster comes your way. Jackie will lead you through the necessary steps helping you identify what is important to you and your family or business.  

Contact Jackie with questions or to book her for your next event at jackie@survive-it.ca or call (604) 355-2414

Jackie is available for:

• Earthquake Preparedness Presentations
• Preparedness Plans
• In-Home Walk-Throughs
• Preparedness Kits
• Media Interviews

Post 22 Earthquake Preparedness Tip - Driving and there is an Earthquake - What do you do?

Earthquake Preparedness! 

Jackie Kloosterboer – Earthquake Preparedness Specialist, Speaker, Trainer 

Author – My Earthquake Preparedness Guide 

Earthquake Tip – Driving and there is an Earthquake - What to do!!!

We don't often think about being in our car facing an earthquake - but what would you do if caught in that situation - would you even know there had been an earthquake - would you feel the shaking as your are driving?

The simple answer – it depends. If it was a small earthquake, less than a 3 magnitude earthquake you would likely not even know it had occurred. If the Earthquake was a higher magnitude then you might feel it and often people who have been in their vehicles during a significant earthquake say it feels like your car has 4 flat tires.

So its important for you and your family to remember– if you are driving and you feel like you have 4 flat tires it may be an earthquake.  This now leads to an important question – What do you do?

What do you do when driving and there is an Earthquake

At home or work we Drop, Cover and Hold On, but when driving pull over to the side of the road when safe to do so, turn off your car’s engine and put your hand break on. Try not to park under bridges or overpasses, power lines or any other hazard that could impact you and your car.   

Even if the road you are driving on looks fine - listen to the news reports on your car radio. You don't know what lies ahead. Roads and bridges may be impacted and you could be putting yourself, your family and pets in danger. Once you know what lies ahead you can then decide how to proceed.

If you must get out of your car take a look around. If you see downed power lines DO NOT get out of your car – wait for assistance - you could be putting yourself in greater danger.  Check with your local Hydro company on what to do around downed power lines. It could save your life!

DO NOT drive on flooded roads -
You could be putting you and your
family in danger

If it is safe to drive on - go cautiously.  With an earthquake there is always the chance of aftershocks which could cause more damage.  As you are driving watch for large cracks in the road - if you see cracks  best not to drive through them as you could become stuck.   If the road is flooded DO NOT drive through the flood water.  You don't know what is in the water. |If you are in an area where you could be affected by a Tsunami get to higher ground to protect yourself and family. 

It is a great idea to keep an Emergency Kit in your car with basic supplies you, your family and pets may need in the aftermath.  You could be stuck for a period of time depending on your situation. A few bottles of water and a few granola would be a welcome site.      

Visit my website  and you can order your Car Grab and Go Kits or Emergency Kits or you can print a list of items to put a Car Kit together for yourself. Whatever way works best for you - just make sure you have the supplies you, your family and pets may need during an earthquake! 

As always – be prepared – not scared.

Jackie Kloosterboer

Watch my video on What to do if you are in your during an Earthquake!

https://youtu.be/NkrQG1fRvqE

Have questions – don’t hesitate to ask. Until next time – Stay safe and make sure you, your family and pets are prepared for earthquakes or any disaster that may come your way.

As Always BE PREPARED - NOT SCARED!

     

Jackie Kloosterboer - BIO

Jackie has been leading the way in earthquake preparedness for 2 decades presenting more than 100 Earthquake Preparedness sessions each year to a variety of groups and businesses. She is often interviewed by a variety of media outlets across Canada as she promotes the importance of earthquake and disaster preparedness.

As an Emergency Preparedness Specialist and an Instructor with the Justice Institute of BC Jackie travels across Canada teaching people how to respond to disasters to help those who have been displaced. Throughout British Columbia Jackie has taken on leadership roles assisting those who have been impacted by disaster.

Contact Jackie to speak at your next group or business event to help better prepare you, your family, your staff and pets for earthquakes or whatever disaster comes your way. Jackie will lead you through the necessary steps helping you identify what is important to you and your family or business.  

Contact Jackie with questions or to book her for your next event at jackie@survive-it.ca or call (604) 355-2414

Jackie is available for:

• Earthquake Preparedness Presentations
• Preparedness Plans
• In-Home Walk-Throughs
• Preparedness Kits
• Media Interviews

Post 21 - Now the Shaking has stopped - WHAT DO YOU DO?

Earthquake Preparedness! 

Answers to your Earthquake Preparedness Questions

The time to prepare is NOW – once the big one STRIKES it will be too late.  Your family is counting on you! 

By Jackie Kloosterboer – Speaker, Trainer, 

Author – My Earthquake Preparedness Guide 

QUESTION: Now the shaking has stopped – What do you do?

Crouched under the table grasping the table leg and finally the shaking has stopped – a huge sigh of relief that is finally over - you thought the shaking would never stop.  So now what do you do?

BE CAREFUL & USE EXTREME CAUTION

Survey your surroundings before getting out of your safe spot – check for fallen and broken debris on the floor.

Carefully get out from under the table or the safe spot you are in.

If home, check on your family to make sure they are ok.

Check your home or apartment for damage. If there is structural damage and your home is not safe – grab your Grab & Go Kits and leave. Life safety always comes first. Remember aftershocks could further damage your home.

Check for damaged utilities. If you smell gas open all windows and doors so gas can escape. Do NOT use candles, matches, flashlights or other open flames.  If you live in a house shut off the gas at your metre outside - leave your home immediately.  If you are in an apartment /strata check to see what plans are in place for your  buildings gas metre. NEVER PUT YOURSELF IN DANGER. If possible, notify the authorities of the gas leak.

If your home has a chimney check to see that there are no cracks in the chimney. Be very careful and don’t get too close to your chimney. If your chimney has been damaged be extremely careful as aftershock could cause it to collapse.

If you live in an apartment and need to evacuate you will need to use the stairs. Take your Grab & Go Kit with you and also TAKE YOUR PETS.  It may be difficult as you are evacuating to determine the extent of damage to your building. If you leave your pets behind because you are just going to check on the situation, you may not be allowed back if there is substantial damage to the building.  If there is an aftershock - the aftershock could cause additional damage which could prevent you from returning to your building to collect your pets. 

If your home is safe and you are able to stay call your Out of Area Contact to connect with your family.  Facebook is also a great way to connect with your family. Recently we saw many connections being made using Facebook with the Fort McMurray Fire and with other large disasters.

Listen to the radio for updates on the earthquakes. You will be able to find out what the situation is across your community.  Facebook and Twitter are also excellent ways to check up on the event. Just make sure you are getting info from a reliable source.


This is the tip of the iceberg in what to do after an earthquake. We all live in different types of homes, different areas and until the earthquake strikes it’s hard to determine what the damage to our homes will be.  Get familiar with your home, your area and determine what you will need to do to be safe Before, During and After an Earthquake!

You’re Task for Tip #22

1. We live in different areas, have different styles of homes – put some thought into what you would need to check around your home to make sure your family is safe.
2. Make a list of the items you and your family would need to check after an earthquake. I.e. chimney
3. If you have a copy of My Earthquake Preparedness Guide you can use that as a reference to help you accomplish this.

 

Next post we will look at what to do if you are in your car during an Earthquake.

Have questions – don’t hesitate to ask. Until next time – Stay safe and make sure you, your family and pets are prepared for earthquake or any disaster that may come your way.

As Always BE PREPARED - NOT SCARED!

     

Jackie Kloosterboer - BIO

Jackie Kloosterboer has been leading the way in earthquake preparedness for 2 decades presenting more than 100 Earthquake Preparedness sessions each year to a variety of groups and businesses. She is often interviewed by a variety of media outlets across Canada as she promotes the importance of earthquake and disaster preparedness.

As an Emergency Preparedness Specialist and an Instructor with the Justice Institute of BC Jackie travels across Canada teaching people how to respond to disasters to help those who have been displaced. Throughout British Columbia Jackie has taken on leadership roles assisting those who have been impacted by disaster.

Contact Jackie to speak at your next group or business event to help you, your family, your staff and pets get prepared for earthquakes or whatever disaster comes your way. Jackie will lead you through the necessary steps helping you identify what is important to you and your family or business.  

Contact Jackie with any questions or to book her for your next event at jackie@survive-it.ca or call (604) 355-2414

Jackie is available for:

Earthquake Preparedness Presentations

Preparedness Plans

In-Home Walk-Throughs

Preparedness Kits

Media Interviews

Week 20 - EARTHQUAKE! - what DO you do?

By Jackie Kloosterboer – Speaker, Trainer, 

Author – My Earthquake Preparedness Guide 

QUESTION:   If there was an Earthquake right now – what do you do?

Imagine - all of a sudden the floor beneath your feet starts to shake - ever so slightly and with each passing moment the shaking intensifies.  What would you do? 

What would come crashing to the floor injuring you, your family and pets? 

Would that unsecured bookcase overflowing with books crash to the ground injuring your family or pets? 

Is there a table to Drop, Cover and Hold On under, a wall to crouch down beside so you can Drop, Cover and Hold On? 

Go on – take a look around the room you are in.  Determine what you would do right now if faced with an earthquake.    

Knowing what to do must become 2^nd nature – after all many of us live in Earthquake Country.  Drop! Cover! Hold On! is what will better protect you and your family during an Earthquake!

Canadian and US studies show that most injuries in an Earthquake happen from people doing the wrong thing. It’s human nature to want to flee to safety but often the ground is moving so violently you won’t be able to run or crawl anywhere.  

If you are able to run or crawl that is when you have flying debris shooting across the room, tumbling bookcases and if caught in that situation it can certainly cause significant injuries to your family and pets.............or maybe even worse.

That is why it is SO important to practice what to do in an Earthquake.

Practice the “What If” game with your family – simply ask - What if there was an earthquake right now – what would I do?  

Ummmmm – I don’t know, there is a desk over there, but there is too much stuff under it, there is a table across the room with glass - that won't work, the wall has a huge heavy picture or the shelves in this store go right to the ceiling – not sure what I would do.  

When facing an Earthquake valuable time is lost running through this thought process of what to do.  You will be better protected if you know immediately what to do when the earth starts to move.  

Practicing what to do in an Earthquake in a variety of locations will save you valuable seconds and will help you take the best action to better protect yourself.  You won’t be panicking thinking what do I do - because you have practiced it - you know what to do and what to look for when facing an earthquake.

Remember that old saying “Practice makes perfect – it certainly does when trying to protect yourself from an earthquake. 

WE MUST ALL PRACTICE DROP, COVER AND HOLD ON!

What if I am inside?

Last week we talked about what to do inside your home, but what if you are inside a shopping mall.  Try to go into the nearest store making sure you stay away from windows and heavy objects that can fall. If unable to move because the ground is moving so violently stay where you are and Drop, Cover and Hold On and protect yourself the best you can.

If you are at school, Drop Cover and Hold On under a desk or table and hold on till the shaking stops. Keep your back to the windows. 

If you in a theatre or a stadium – stay in your seat and Drop Cover and Hold on the best you can. When the shaking has stopped follow the direction of staff.

What if I am Outside?

Stay outside and try to get to an open area away from buildings. Being close to a building may cause injury from falling debris. 

If you are at a public event, try to move away from people so you don’t get trampled. Again, Drop, Cover and Hold on is your best protection. Watch for trees that may fall or power lines that could come down.

What if I am in my Car?

When safe to do so - pull over to the side of the road. Listen to your radio for updates on the Earthquake.  Your location may be fine but there could be damage on the road ahead. Watch for fallen power lines – DO NOT get out of your car if there are downed lines close by and remember to stay at least 10 metres away to avoid injury.  If possible get away from bridges, over passes or anything that could fall and injure you.

What if I am on Transit?

If you are on a bus stay on the bus. Drop Cover and Hold On in your seat. If you are not in a seat Drop, Cover and Hold On the best you can. The bus will likely pull over and will await direction until they know it’s safe to be on the road.  

What if I am in an Elevator?

If you are in an elevator hit the button for every floor and get out as soon as you can. Take the emergency stairway to exit the building once the shaking has stopped.

What if I am in bed?

If you are in bed – stay in bed.  Being in bed in an earthquake is a great place to be. We see far less injuries when earthquakes occur during the night.  Make sure you don’t have heavy pictures hung above your bed that could fall and injure you. When the shaking has stopped get out of bed cautiously. There may be broken glass or broken objects on the floor. Great idea to keep a pair of sturdy shoes under your bed.

I could write another 10 pages of What to do if….. but I think by now it should be pretty clear. 

You’re Task for Week #20

1.    Practice Drop, Cover & Hold On – this must become second nature. This is what will better protect you and your family. Get under a heavy table or desk if close by, or go against an interior wall and Drop, Cover and Hold On and wait for the shaking to stop before making your next move.

2.    Practice “What If” – as you go about your daily routine ask yourself – What if there was an Earthquake right now - what would I do?  When faced with an Earthquake you won’t be panicking because you have practiced the drill.  This could save your life.

Week 21 we will look at what to do after the Earthquake.

Have questions – don’t hesitate to ask. Until next week – Stay safe and make sure you, your family and pets are prepared for earthquake or any disaster that may come your way.

As Always BE PREPARED - NOT SCARED!

     

Jackie Kloosterboer - BIO

Jackie Kloosterboer has been leading the way in earthquake preparedness for 2 decades presenting more than 100 Earthquake Preparedness sessions each year to a variety of groups and businesses. She is often interviewed by a variety of media outlets across Canada as she promotes the importance of earthquake and disaster preparedness.

As an Emergency Preparedness Specialist and an Instructor with the Justice Institute of BC Jackie travels across Canada teaching people how to respond to disasters to help those who have been displaced. Throughout British Columbia Jackie has taken on leadership roles assisting those who have been impacted by disaster.

Contact Jackie to speak at your next group or business event to help you, your family, your staff and pets get prepared for earthquakes or whatever disaster comes your way. Jackie will lead you through the necessary steps helping you identify what is important to you and your family or business.  

Contact Jackie with any questions or to book her for your next event at jackie@survive-it.ca or call (604) 355-2414

Jackie is available for:

Earthquake Preparedness Presentations

Preparedness Plans

In-Home Walk-Throughs

Preparedness Kits

Media Interviews