Emergency Preparedness

Natural disasters and community emergencies can occur at any time. It's important to be prepared and have a plan ready for your family/household to use.

Create a Plan

Don't know where to start? Thanks to our friends at PreparedBC, use this fill-in-the-blanks emergency plan to develop a safe strategy for your family and household.

Get Notified - Emergency Notification System

Did you know the Comox Valley has an emergency notification system? Sign up using the link below to ensure you don't miss any important notifications.

Get Notified  
*Remember to verify your information in the system once per year.

PreparedBC Home Emergency Plan

Build Your Emergency Kit

Put supplies in one or 2 containers, such as plastic bins or duffel bags. Store them in an area of your home that’s easy to get to, such as a hall closet, spare room or garage. 

  • Non-perishable food: minimum three-day to one-week supply, with a manual can opener
  • Water: four litres per person, per day for drinking and sanitation
  • Phone charger, power bank or inverter
  • Battery-powered or hand-crank radio
  • Battery-powered or hand-crank flashlight
  • Extra batteries
  • First-aid kit and medications
  • Personal toiletries and items, such as an extra pair of glasses or contact lenses
  • Copy of your emergency plan
  • Copies of important documents, such as insurance papers and identification
  • Cash in small bills
  • Garbage bags and moist towelettes for personal sanitation
  • Seasonal clothing, sturdy footwear and emergency blanket
  • Dust masks
  • Whistle
  • Help/OK Sign (PDF): Display the appropriate side outward in your window during a disaster.

Video - Build Your Emergency Kit

Grab-and-Go Bag

A grab-and-go bag is a small emergency kit that's easy to take with you, in case you need to leave right away. It's a good idea to make grab-and-go bags for your home, workplace and vehicle. Remember to include the following:

  • Food (ready to eat) and water
  • Phone charger and battery bank
  • Small battery-powered or hand-crank radio
  • Battery-powered or hand-crank flashlight
  • Extra batteries
  • Small first-aid kit and personal medications
  • Personal toiletries and items, such as an extra pair of glasses or contact lenses
  • Copy of your emergency plan
  • Copies of important documents, such as insurance papers and identification
  • Cash in small bills
  • Local map with your family meeting place identified
  • Seasonal clothing and an emergency blanket
  • Pen and notepad
  • Whistle

Video: What Goes Inside a Grab-and-Go Bag

PreparedBC Emergency Checklist