Emergency Preparedness Week runs from May 4–10, and it is the perfect time to check in on your emergency plans—because a little preparation now can make a big difference later.
As we head into the hotter months, there’s a higher risk of floods, wildfires, and extreme heat. That’s why CLBC is encouraging everyone—especially the people and families we support—to take some simple steps to stay safe and be ready.
If you or a loved one lives in a staffed home or home share funded by CLBC, rest assured: those homes are required to have an emergency plan. But personal preparedness is just as important. Whether it is creating a plan, packing a kit, or staying informed, being ready means being safer.
Here is how you can get started:
Download the Emergency Resources for People with Disabilities guide here.
Take action with practical tools.
The Province is offering free webinars all week, starting at 5:30 p.m. each evening. You can register for the Zoom sessions here. Topics include:
- Monday, May 5: Inclusive Preparedness with tips for people with disabilities.
- Tuesday, May 6: How cultural safety supports community resilience.
- Wednesday, May 7: Practical advice on keeping pets safe and avoiding delays during evacuations.
- Thursday, May 8: How home insurance protects you during emergencies, plus info on Emergency Support Services and Disaster Financial Assistance.
- Friday, May 9: How to work with neighbours and build a ready, connected community.
The webinars will be recorded and you can watch the replays on the PreparedBC YouTube channel.
Prepare at home
- Make a plan with your family or support network. Decide how you’ll stay in touch if you’re separated. PreparedBC’s planning guide here is a great place to start.
- Pack an emergency kit with essentials, including medications. A grab-and-go bag can save time if you need to leave quickly. Find out what you should include in your emergency kit and grab-and-go bag here. You can also watch a how-to-video here.
- Stay connected with real-time emergency updates by following @EmergencyInfoBC on Twitter here.
Learn how to deal with flooding
- Check out EmergencyInfoBC’s website here for updates on flood watches, warnings, evacuation alerts, and orders.
- Read PreparedBC’s Flood Preparedness Guide here for tips.
Discover how to stay safe during wildfire season
- Visit FireSmartBC here to learn how to protect your home.
- Download the BC Wildfire Service app for Apple here or Android here.
- Read PreparedBC’s Wildfire Preparedness Guide here.
- See the latest list of active wildfires in B.C. here.
Be ready for extreme heat
- Check the BC Centre for Disease Control for tips on how to deal with extreme heat here.
- Read PreparedBC’s Extreme Heat Preparedness Guide here.
- Keep an eye on Environment Canada’s public weather alerts here.
- Learn about the BC Heat Alert and Response System (BC HARS) here.
- Find simple heat safety tips on the CLBC website here to stay cool and safe.
To view all of PreparedBC’s guides visit their website here.
Learn what you must do if you need to evacuate
We hope you will not have to deal with an emergency, but if you do need to leave your home, always follow instructions from local emergency services. And if you need extra support during an evacuation call your local CLBC office.
Now is a good time to add your local CLBC office’s phone number to your emergency plan. You can find a full list of CLBC offices and contact information here.
If you or a loved one receives support funded by CLBC, it is important to know that CLBC expects all service providers to have a current emergency preparedness plan in place. These plans help ensure safety and continuity during unexpected events. At the same time, personal preparedness is just as important. Whether it is creating your own plan, packing an emergency kit, or staying informed, being prepared helps keep you and your loved ones safe.