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