FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions about Emergencies
Note: most of this
information is from getprepared.ca
All Canadians need to be prepared in case of
an emergency.
What’s different for Foster Families?
All Canadians
should know the risks for the area they live in, have an Emergency Plan, and an
Emergency kit.
- Foster Parents need to update their
plan and their kits regularly, as children join, or leave, their family
- Foster Parents who find themselves in an
emergency situation are to notify the After Hours' Emergency line 1
800 663 9122 to advise if they have been evacuated and of their new
location.
- Reinforce with children in care that
they can always call the Children’s Helpline (310-1234) if they need help.
Why do we need a plan?
A family emergency plan
will help you and your family know what to do in case of an emergency. Every
Canadian household needs an emergency plan. Remember to review it whenever new
children join your family.
It will take you
about 20 minutes to complete a personalized plan online – or you can print off
a planning document. Both formats are available at http://getprepared.ca/plan/plan_e.asp
Before starting
your home emergency plan, you will need to think about:
- Safe exits from home and neighbourhood
- Meeting places to reunite with family
- Designated person to pick up children
should you be unavailable
- Contact persons close-by and
out-of-town
- Health information
- Place for your pet to stay
- Risks in your region
- Location of your fire extinguisher,
water valve, electrical box, gas valve and floor drain
What’s in a basic emergency kit?
You may have some
of these basic emergency kit items already, such as a flashlight,
battery-operated radio, food, water and blankets. The key is to make sure they
are organized, easy to find and easy to carry (in a suitcase with wheels or in
a backpack) in case you need to evacuate your home. Whatever you do, don’t wait
for a disaster to happen.
Canadians are
encouraged to be prepared to cope on their own for at least the first 72 hours
– that’s 3 days – of an emergency.
- Easy to
carry – think of
ways that you can pack your emergency kit so that you and those on your
emergency plan can easily take the items with you, if necessary.
- Water – two litres of water per person per
day (Include small bottles that can be carried easily in case of an
evacuation order)
- Food – that won’t spoil, such as canned
food, energy bars and dried foods (remember to replace the food and water
once a year – and don’t forget the pets)
- Manual can
opener
- Flashlight
and batteries
- Candles and
matches or lighter
- Battery–powered
or wind–up radio
(and extra batteries)
- First aid
kit
- Special
needs items –
prescription medications, infant formula or equipment for people with disabilities
- Extra keys – for your car and house
- Cash – include smaller bills, such as $10
bills (travelers cheques are also useful) and change for payphones
- Papers
in a waterproof container
– copies of important papers, copies of ID (care cards, drivers license,
etc.) photos of family members and pets, phone numbers. You need to have
written information for each child in care.
What’s a Comfort Kit?
MCFD recommends a
comfort kit be prepared for each child in care. It should include items that
are familiar and that will provide comfort.
Items to include
for children:
- Pictures of the child’s birth family
- Books, crayons, scissors, glue
- Puzzles, board games, hand-held
computer games with extra batteries
- Prescription medicine, medical
instructions pertaining to the child
What if we have to evacuate?
Authorities will
not ask you to leave your home unless they have reason to believe you are in
danger. Foster parents are expected to comply with evacuation orders.
If you are ordered to evacuate, take:
- your emergency kit
- your emergency plan
- essential medications and copies of
prescriptions
- a cellular phone (if you have one)
- your pets
Protect your home:
- Shut off water and electricity if
officials tell you to.
- Leave natural gas service on, unless
officials tell you to turn it off. (If you turn off the gas, the gas
company has to reconnect it. In a major emergency, it could take weeks for
a professional to respond. You would be without gas for heating and
cooking).
- Lock your home.
If you have time:
- Call or e-mail your out-of-town
contact, and MCFD/CLBC. Tell them where you are going and when you expect
to arrive. (Once you are safe, let them know. Tell them if any family
members have become separated.)
- Leave a note telling others when you
left and where you are going
Where can I get more information?
Detailed
information about how to prepare for emergencies and how to keep your family
safe in an emergency is available at www.pep.bc.ca or
www.getprepared.ca
BCFFPA
web site has answers to your questions about:
