The recent earthquake that centred near Victoria, BC serves as a reminder that emergency preparedness planning for earthquakes and other disasters cannot be ignored. Is your workplace ready for the next big windstorm, flood, earthquake or other emergency?
There are a number of resources available to assist with emergency preparedness planning for your business.
Government of Canada
The Government of Canada offers an Emergency Preparedness Guide on their website. The basic steps are:
- Know the risks
- Make a plan
- Get an emergency kit
Government of British Columbia
The Government of B.C. offers resources on their website, PreparedBC.
City of Vancouver
The City of Vancouver offers resources for how to prepare your business for the next earthquake or disaster. Their 5-point plan includes:
- Develop an emergency preparedness plan
- Identify and assess the risks of your business
- Determine how you can reduce your risk
- Develop your business continuity plan
- Test your business continuity plan
The City also offers an emergency planning guide for planning for your home, family and pets.
Emergency Kits
A key part of an emergency preparedness plan is ensuring that you are able to survive on your own for a minimum of 72 hours, whether in your workplace, home or vehicle. Emergency kits can be self-made, or are available for purchase from a number of organizations, including:
• Canadian Red Cross
• St. John Ambulance
As part of getting your workplace ready for the next disaster, we highly encourage you to:
- develop an emergency preparedness plan for your business;
- train your employees on your emergency plan;
- stock emergency kits in your workplace for your staff; and
- urge your employees to develop their own emergency plans and kits for their homes.
