Insurance Bureau advises Canadians on emergency preparedness

On the first day of Emergency Preparedness week, the Insurance Bureau of Canada was advising people Monday in Atlantic Canada and British Columbia to learn how to protect themselves from hurricanes and earthquakes.

“IBC has made adapting to severe weather a priority,” the bureau stated in a press release. “We’re spreading the word on the need to update infrastructure, engaging consumers on how to protect themselves and their properties, and working with provincial and municipal governments to help develop, promote and implement adaptation measures.”

Emergency Preparedness Week runs until May 11.

IBC noted that the risk of a hurricane is higher in Atlantic Canada, adding every household should have an emergency plan. “Have an emergency kit with basic supplies,” IBC stated in a release. “Be prepared to be self-sufficient for at least three days.”

IBC also provided advice to residents of British Columbia on earthquake preparation. “Now more than ever British Columbians realize that they live in an active earthquake zone,” IBC stated. “While we cannot predict when one will happen, we can prepare and the time to do so is now.”

Emergency Preparedness week has begun and we have our top 10 tips to help you prepare goo.gl/K49HW #epweek

— IBC (@InsuranceBureau) May 6, 2013

IBC suggested people should practise earthquake drills. The bureau advises people, if they are inside a building when an earthquake starts, to “move no more than a few steps before dropping, covering and holding-on.”

Regardless of region, IBC notes that Public Safety Canada advises people to have on hand, among other things, two litre of water per person per day, non-perishable food, a manual can opener, flashlight, batteries and first aid kits, as well as small bills and change.