With the start of a new year, the province is reminding British Columbians to make a resolution to be better prepared for potential emergencies.
Emergency Management BC (EMBC) urges all of B.C. to make a commitment to better prepare themselves and their families for possible emergencies.
Start by building an emergency kit and developing a household plan that individuals and families can practise throughout the year.
A home emergency kit does not take a long time to create and does not need to be expensive. Just follow the basic list below, and remember to store collected supplies in an easy-to-access location:
* First-aid kit
* Battery-powered or hand-crank radio
* Flashlight and extra batteries
* Whistle to signal for help
* Cellphone with charger (inverter or solar charger)
* Cash in small bills
* A local map with a family meeting place identified
* A minimum three-day supply of food and water, but aim for a week to two weeks.
* Garbage bags
* Dust mask
* Seasonal clothing and footwear
* Water (minimum of four litres of water per person, per day)
For more information on how to get prepared, visit: www.gov.bc.ca/PreparedBC
* How to build an emergency kit: http://ow.ly/QbL830mWTEL
* Guide for people with disabilities: http://ow.ly/sGmg30mWTOI
* Pet preparedness guide: http://ow.ly/Q8Ba30mWTRZ
For tips on how to prepare, follow PreparedBC on Twitter: https://twitter.com/PreparedBC
For emergency alerts and notices, follow Emergency Management BC on Twitter: https://twitter.com/EmergencyInfoBC
