Inside This Issue:

• Top 10 Ways to Stay Safe BEFORE, DURING & AFTER an Earthquake  
• Emergency News - Facts about Hazard Risk and Vulnerability Assessments (HRVA)
• Government Grant Programs
• Meet the Team

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Top 10 Ways to Stay Safe BEFORE, DURING and AFTER an EARTHQUAKE

This fall, a strong earthquake shook Hawaii early on Sunday, October 15^th causing a landslide that blocked a major highway and knocked out power across the state. This was a frightening experience for residents living on the island.

One of British Columbia's top hazards is earthquakes. This type of disaster can strike without warning at any time of the day or night. Although there are never any guarantees of safety for people during an earthquake, preparing in advance and being educated on what to do can significantly reduce injuries.

Here are some useful tips on how to protect yourself from an earthquake:

   Damage from an earthquake

5 Things to do BEFORE an Earthquake

 1. CHECK for HAZARDS in the home: fasten shelves securely to walls, brace 
     overhead fixtures, place large or heavy objects on lower shelves and store breakable
     items such as glass and china in low, closed cabinets.
 2. IDENTIFY safe places both indoors & outdoors
     If INDOORS: under a sturdy desk or table, away from items that can fall like lighting 
     fixtures, windows and mirrors.
     If OUTDOORS: look for areas away from trees, electrical lines, and buildings. 
 
   3. Have disaster supplies on hand, such as a flashlight, extra batteries, a first-aid kit and emergency food and water.
   4. Educate family - teach your children how and when to call 9-1-1, learn how to turn gas and electricity off, and know first-aid.
   5. Develop an Emergency Communication Plan - in case your family members get separated, this will help you to reunite after an         earthquake.    

5 Things to do DURING an Earthquake

1. STAY CALM
2. If you are inside: stand in a doorway or go under a desk or table away from windows, glass or anything that can fall such as lighting fixtures.
3. If you are outside: stand away from buildings, trees, telephone and electrical lines.
4. If you are driving: drive away from underpasses and overpasses, stay in the vehicle and stop in a safe area.
5. If you are in bed: stay in bed & protect your head with a pillow, unless you are under a lighting fixture.

5 Things to do AFTER an Earthquake

1. Check for INJURIES - provide first-aid if needed.
2. Check for safety - check for gas, water, sewer breaks, turn off utilities, check for potential safety problems,
   e.g. cracks around chimney and foundation.
3. Clean up dangerous spills
4. Wear shoes
5. Turn on the radio and listen for instructions from public safety agencies.

THE BEST SURVIVAL IS A PREPARED SURVIVAL! 

(Source of info - Federal Emergency Management Agency and Emergency Preparedness Canada)    

For more tips from our Emergency Experts on earthquakes and other emergencies, visit our COMMUNITY RESOURCES SECTION

 HRVA is not an end in itself, but rather a beginning..
        

 Government Grant Programs

 Fall is a great time to apply for government grant programs that can help to fund your emergency programs. Here is some useful  
 information on two different opportunities:

1. Joint Emergency Preparedness Program (JEPP) is being administered by the different Emergency Management branches for
    each province in Canada.

    The deadlines to submit applications for the western provinces and territories are:

    Saskatchewan: September 30
    Alberta: October 15
    British Columbia: October 31
    Yukon: November 15 - Deadline will be extended!
    Northwest Territories: December 1
    Manitoba: December 1

2. The Union of British Columbia Municipalities is please to announce the launch of the NEW Integrated Emergency Planning
    funding program for local governments and First Nations. This new grant program will offer local governments and First 
    Nations the opportunity to work together to improve joint emergency response and recovery in the community.

For more information about this program including applications, please visit our homepage at:  www.emergexplanning.com

Meet The Team

The featured team member for the fall newsletter is Tully Waisman, CEO of EmergeX. Did you ever wonder how Tully began his career in emergency management? Now, you can read on to learn interesting facts about the founder of this organization.

 
Tully Waisman, CEO of EmergeX

What are your emergency management qualifications?

I am very interested in both emergency management and business continuity. Therefore, I am a Certified Emergency Manager and a Certified Business Continuity Planner (CBCP) and Instructor.

What was your first job or volunteer experience in the field of emergency management?

I volunteered with the North Shore Emergency program when I was 16 years old. This organization supports community emergency response and search and rescue operations. While I was volunteering, I got to do all sorts of interesting things from maintaining equipment to large scale disaster response. I enjoyed being a volunteer so much that it gave me the drive to become a professional Emergency Manager. Even today, I continue to volunteer in the search and rescue field.