How prepared would you be if you had to leave your home right now due to an emergency in Richmond?
According to a 2022 Statistics Canada survey, only 24 per cent of Canadians said they or someone in their household had taken steps in the previous 12 months to prepare for a weather-related emergency or natural disaster, while one per cent had someone in their community who could help them.
Brennan MacLachlan, emergency programs manager with Richmond Fire-Rescue, said many people avoid preparing for natural disasters and weather-related emergencies because it can be unnerving or overwhelming.
Being unprepared for emergencies is a common issue with no "silver bullet-type solution," according to MacLachlan.
"There are many theories around and reasons why people don't prepare, such as a general perception of 'it, won't happen to me...' or the belief that it would require a significant financial commitment," he said.
In the same 2022 survey, 50 per cent of Canadians said they were a little or not concerned at all about the risk of a weather-related emergency, while 30 per cent were somewhat concerned and 20 per cent were very concerned.
"A common progression of response to possible impending disasters is to deny, deliberate and decide," said MacLachlan.
"But it's not uncommon for the final decision to evacuate to come at the last minute, and also when everyone else is evacuating."
He added that being able to prepare, specifically with an emergency kit and a plan tailored to residents and their families, can allow more time for people to navigate emergencies efficiently.
"The best insurance anyone can have is their own ability to prepare for these events. At the end of the day, it is every individual's responsibility to be prepared; you can’t blame anyone else."
Richmond Fire-Rescue is in charge of emergency preparedness for the entire City of Richmond.
During a recent public community safety meeting, MacLachlan and Fire Chief Jim Wishlove said the fire department is working out plans for an emergency preparedness pilot project with local neighbourhoods, with a goal to apply it to the rest of the city in the future.
Steps to start preparing
Richmond Fire-Rescue has compiled a five-step process to help residents plan ahead for not only weather-related emergencies but any daily emergencies that can happen.
Everyone should be prepared for emergencies based on their unique circumstances. These could be about how to deal with evacuating your house rapidly, whether it be mobility or medical issues that need particular attention. Are you insured? What obstacles might you face if you had to be self-sufficient for up to a week?
2. Make a plan
What is the plan to leave your house in a timely fashion? From accessing your medical information, and copies of important documents such as insurance and birth certificates, to having your emergency contact numbers handy should you have to evacuate. Free fill-in-the-blank plan from Prepared BC in multiple languages can be found here.
Having yearly updated emergency kits with supplies including medication is important. These could be pre-made or build your own. From items such as cash in small bills and toiletries to clothing and enough food and water for at least three days should be in the kits. Don't forget your pet's supplies.
Being connected with your neighbours ahead of time can help a community recover more quickly from emergencies. If you live alone, have a buddy that you check in with regularly in case of emergencies
Residents are asked to register for Richmond BC Alert. This is the city's emergency notification system that alerts residents on what they need to do during emergencies and where they can go for support. Registration is available through the MyRichmond account by clicking here.
Richmond Fire-Rescue welcomes residents to reach out with questions on emergency preparedness, for hard copies of guides from Prepared BC's website or free presentations to groups by calling 604-233-3333 or emailing [email protected]
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