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May 27, 2021

Why Everyone Should Have an Emergency Preparedness Kit

It’s always important to be prepared. Whether you’re caught off guard with a natural disaster, or there is an unfortunate accident in your home, you and your family should always have an emergency preparedness kit.
What is an emergency preparedness kit? ​Health Canada​ describes an emergency preparedness kit as a kit that “contains basic supplies that your family can survive on during an emergency”. So far in your life, you may not have experienced an emergency where you cannot easily access basic necessities. But, that’s not a reason to think it won’t ever happen. Whether it is a natural disaster or a mass power outage, emergencies happen across the world every single day, and it is important to be prepared. A kit can include simple things like blankets, a flashlight, bottled water, non-perishable food items, and maybe spare batteries. These kits don’t have to be extravagant, apocalypse-style containers, but having the necessities is always a good idea. Let’s say, there is a massive earthquake, and everyone has to evacuate for three days. There may be mass hysteria, causing people to bombard shopping centres collecting essentials. But, you had an emergency kit, that had some water, blankets, flashlights, and canned food. Instead of joining the chaos, you are able to grab your kit and evacuate quickly. You may be lucky enough to make it to a safe space to sleep, eat, and wait out the emergency without tapping into your prepared kit. But, in case you have to stay in your car, in a tent, or somewhere outside, you will have all of your essentials.

Our Emergency Survival Kits carry all the necessities you and your family need:

It’s easy to think “that’ll never happen to me”, but a year ago it was also easy to think that we would never live through a global pandemic. Planning for the worst-case scenario will make you feel content now, and grateful later.

From now until June 15, 2021, save 30% off select Emergency Kits in our shop!

Written by MWP Staff: Eva Almgren
Photo by Dave Goudreau on Unsplash
March 12, 2021

Who are we? Learn more about GetMyKit.ca

GetMyKit.ca is based out of Nanaimo, British Columbia and offers a wide variety of survival kits and personal safety items. We offer pre-assembled safety kits that can include cooking elements, as well as comfort items and, are made and assembled right here in British Columbia. They take between 5-7 business days to get to you, and GetMyKit's Emergency Survival Kit can be found at many retail locations across the country! These kits are of the best quality in Canada. The enclosed food and water are made to last for three days and have a shelf life of 5 years. All the other contents provide you with 72 hours of shelter, heat, and safety. Having a safety kit is important in your household, car, or boat in the case of an emergency. Many people are aware that they should have an emergency kit in their home but don’t consider that emergencies can occur anywhere and at any time. A boat or car is a great place to be prepared for emergencies, as are places like work and school. It might not be possible to be 100% prepared for every possible scenario, but GetMyKit can help you get started! If you are unsure of what to do with a kit, or how to assemble one, there is plenty of available information on our website. There are single items you can purchase if you need to re-stock, or there are over 10 fully assembled kits to choose from. We are a local business through and through, and work to support our local communities here in BC. You can help us do that by engaging in a fundraiser with us, in which you get discounted safety products to fundraise for the cause of your choosing, and promote community awareness and safety in the process!
If you are new to the safety scene, don’t worry! GetMyKit has workshops, FAQ’s, and examples of safety kits available online. We’re here to help you stay safe!    
Written by MWP Staff: Eva Almgren
March 2, 2021

Natural Disasters On The Island

Natural disasters can strike anytime at any place, and they can range from fires, power outages and earthquakes. Islanders, however, face particular sets of challenges.
The coast of British Columbia is full of natural wildlife, gorgeous beaches, and smiling people. Unfortunately, the coast of British Columbia is also close to the Juan De Fuca tectonic plate. And when tectonic plates shift, earthquakes can happen. For inland people, earthquakes aren’t always a huge issue. But, when an earthquake happens on an island, the water around the island shifts, meaning the possibility of tsunamis. There hasn’t been one in a very long time, but it is still a genuine possibility.

Photo by Jakayla Toney on Unsplash

Vancouver island is also covered in a lush forest. Just as we’ve seen across the interior of B.C., forest fires can happen on Vancouver Island too. They often leave trails of destruction, destroying property, buildings, and landscapes in general. They can be started by lightning, fireworks, or by people. B.C. is known for its dense forests, and while we are generally lucky to have such a rich landscape spanning the province, this landscape does not come without risk. Finally, since many spaces on the island are habited by people in urban settings, mass power outages are another issue that islanders face. Outages can be caused by falling trees, telephone poles or freak accidents. All of us have likely experienced a power outage before and know the hindrance that it can bring. Rural areas are disproportionately affected by power outages because it often takes local authorities more time to get out to the interruption site. This is even more of a pressing issue when the threat of electrocution, roadblocks, or large obstacles like trees pose a danger to citizens.
Anything could happen at any given time. Whether it’s a forest fire, a mass power surge, or a tsunami, it always pays off to be prepared. And although there is a wide range of possibilities for natural disasters, sometimes steps towards preparedness can cover multiple bases. For instance, evacuation is a possibility in many types of natural disasters. Having an evacuation plan with your family is a good step, knowing where to meet in case of emergency (and having a backup plan if the first one is impossible). Having supplies stored away in case of evacuation is also key, as often, timelines can be uncertain as situations develop. It’s better to be safe and assume that you will need to rely on resources away from home for a while. There are many more strategies and supplies available in order to be prepared for emergencies, many of which are available on getmykit.ca. Ultimately, natural disasters vary and are unpredictable. Sometimes they are caused by the weather alone; other times, foul play or man-made accidents contribute. No matter the cause of the disaster, it is important to be prepared for the outcome.  
Written by MWP Staff: Eva Almgren
Top photo in post graphic by Kelly Sikkema on Unsplash
February 19, 2021

3 Reasons Why You Should Fundraise With GetMyKit.ca

Fundraising is a task that many people dislike. It can be time-consuming and difficult to manage, but fret not! GetMyKit is here to help! Whether you are fundraising with your school, a community center, or any other organization, the people at GetMyKit are there to help! This will amplify the community service aspect of your fundraising goals. Along with whatever cause you may be fundraising for, you’ll also be promoting emergency preparedness in your community!

1) GetMyKit Will help to manage your campaign!

It can be tough to get started - or even know where to start - especially if you don’t have much fundraising experience. The hard-working folks at GetMyKit will help to manage your campaign. All you have to do is distribute a coupon code to your community - and it will even give you 10% off! They will manage the purchases through their site and ship the orders purchased during your fundraiser to your school or organization after your fundraiser is over, for you to distribute to your shoppers.

2) An easy-to-follow plan is mapped out on their website!

Even with management support, you might still have questions! At GetMyKit.ca,​ there are clear steps to follow to help you through your campaign. There are numbers and email addresses listed for optimal support during your fundraising endeavours.

Learn more about fundraising 3.0, their contactless fundraising program!

3) Savings on every order with your custom code!

Whether you are fundraising for your school or another organization, for each order placed using your coupon code, parents get 10% off when using the custom code created just for you, and your school or organization gets 25% of every dollar spent! All of this support will help make your fundraising campaign become the best that it can be! If you're interested in learning more about their contactless fundraiser program, Submit a no commitment inquiry form, and they will be in touch with you.
Written by MWP Staff: Eva Almgren
10 items your emergency Kit needs
January 25, 2021

10 Items Your Home Emergency Kit Needs

Emergencies and disasters can happen at any time, which means that preparedness is our best defence. Every home in Canada should have a home emergency kit built for its residents, as well as a predetermined plan in place in case of emergencies. While large-scale disasters are what come to mind, these kits can be used in various situations. They may be the first point of contact for a medical emergency in the home or taken on risky outdoor activities such as camping and hiking. With this in mind, here are ten items that are necessary to anyone’s emergency kit.

1) FOOD AND WATER

Emergency Food & Water Rations

The first and most important of essentials are clean water and food. The government of Canada recommends 2L of water per person and potentially water purification tablets. As for food, non-perishables are ideal, canned foods, energy bars, etc. Food and water in emergency kits should be replaced yearly.

2) A MULTI-TOOL

Multi-Function Camp Knife

Whether it’s for opening the canned food, cutting bandages, or opening battery packs, multitools are essential for emergencies. There are many different styles, and it is easy to find one that works best for you and your household.

3) A SURVIVAL CANDLE AND WATERPROOF MATCHES

In case of power outages, temporary sources of heat and light are essential. These are also particularly useful for hiking/camping trips. Survival candles are designed to last for extended periods of time, and matches should be waterproof to avoid them being unusable in case of water damage.

4) FIRST AID BASICS

Basic First Aid Kit

A first-aid kit is an essential item for any household and can be stored within an emergency kit. First-aid kits typically include bandages of different sizes and shapes, instant ice packs, antiseptic wipes/spray, a thermometer, basic pain medication, and perhaps a naloxone kit.

5) AN EMERGENCY BLANKET

Emergency Blanket

Often coming with more extensive first-aid kits, emergency blankets can be used in a variety of situations. Climate, season, and location are important variables to consider when assembling your emergency kit.

6) FLASHLIGHT, RADIO, AND BATTERIES

Solar & Crank – Flashlight/Radio/Cellphone Charger

These items being battery powered is important, as is including extra batteries. Flashlights can be used in case of power outages, and radios can be used for listening to emergency broadcasts and contacting others.

7) A WHISTLE

Especially useful to pack for outdoor activities, whistles can be used in emergencies when separated from others.

8) TOILETRIES

Often left out of emergency kits, basics such as toothbrushes, toothpaste, toilet paper, and sanitary products will be of great value in emergency situations. Anything that you use on a daily basis should be considered for a spot in an emergency kit.

9) A LIST OF EMERGENCY CONTACTS

This will be specific to each area and household and can easily be compiled yourself. Emergency numbers can include police departments, poison control, crisis intervention, or any contacts you personally have.

10) ANY SPECIFIC MEDICATIONS

Specific needs can vary based on the person, and it’s important to accommodate for allergies or prescriptions. This includes any items such as an inhaler, epi-pen, insulin, infant formula, equipment for people with disabilities, equipment for a service animal, or extra doses of any medication needed. Many of these items will be specific to the individual or household and can be altered accordingly. GetMyKit.ca offers a wide range of products to accommodate for all sorts of people and events.
Sources:
Written by MWP Staff: Amelia Brooker.
January 18, 2021

What Would Happen if a Magnitude 9 Earthquake Hit British Columbia?

The big shakedown. Chances are, if you grew up in BC, you know what we are referring to. Vancouver sits on the fault line of two major tectonic plates, the North American Plate and the Juan de Fuca Plate. Currently, the Juan De Fuca plate is attempting to slide underneath the North American Plate, as it has been for a long time, but when it finally completes its geological quest- it will cause an earthquake larger than any BC resident has seen in centuries.

SOME HISTORY ON THE LAST BIG ONE IN BC

The last time this happened was way back in the 1700s, when the architecture, landscape, and climate of our province looked incredibly different than what we see today. We know this because of First Nation storytelling and due to samples taken off the ocean floor. The oral story passed down by the ​Haida peoples is a tale of loss and devastation, even before modern architecture and concentrated populations. The damage that could be done today is hard to comprehend. Firstly, the structural damage alone would be devastating in an area with high demand for housing, to begin with. The provincial emergency response plan estimates 150 buildings to collapse and another 4000 to be so badly damaged they would need to be demolished, just in the city of Vancouver alone. These falling buildings will take out natural gas lines, electric lines, cell phone towers and bring traffic to a standstill as people start to panic and search for their loved ones with desperation. Older builds in Victoria are much more vulnerable to structural failure because they lack proper earthquake-resistant foundations and the island is closer to the fault line than the mainland.

THE RISK OF A TSUNAMI

Photo by Ryan Pernofski on Unsplash.

We’ve seen it in Japan, we’ve seen it in Indonesia, after every big earthquake there is always a tsunami to be the deadly icing on the destructive cake. Tsunamis are created when a plate shifts underneath the water and can often look like an average wave. But do not be fooled, these death traps move as quick as a jet plane and wreak havoc on already devastated cities. If you are on the coast and an earthquake happens, get to high ground as fast as possible to reduce your chances of being caught in this deadly wave. Those on Vancouver island should be especially vigilant as the wave will hit them first and the hardest. Vancouver’s port is one of the largest on the West Coast. The earthquake, followed by the tsunami and then the ensuing chaos will halt all planes, ships or trains scheduled to deliver goods to many countries across the world, hurting Canada's and more specifically BC’s economy. Seismologists say there is a one in three chance of this earthquake hitting in the next 50-100 years and there has been mounting pressure for the Vancouver government to do more. ​The Insurance Bureau of Canada projects we will need $75 billion dollars to repair the damages. Insurance covers $20 billion of that but $55 billion dollars is still near to what BC makes in one year, this is a staggering burden for the government (​Stelmakowich,2013​).

HOW YOU CAN PREPARE

We cannot control when the earthquake comes, however, we can control how prepared we are for it. Open a dialogue with your family about what you should do during a disaster and choose a meeting spot after the quake stops. Make sure all your work data is backed up on servers outside of the office, to minimize financial losses and most importantly have an emergency kit packed and ready to grab at the drop of a hat. This bag should have enough supplies to sustain your household for 72 hours. Emergency management BC recommends this kit includes 4L of water per person per day, non-perishable food items, a light source, a battery-powered radio, masks, money and hygiene products. 3 person basic emergency kit GetMyKit’s Basic Emergency Survival Kit checks all of those boxes and gives you extra helpful items like an army knife and a flashlight with an attached siren all in a conveniently sized backpack. We offer packs for two-person households up to eight-person households, a one time purchase to ensure your family’s safety for years to come. Alison Bird cautions us to ensure we do not just “see disasters as things that happen to others” because then when the inevitable disaster hits and we cannot just avoid the thought anymore, we do not know how to react. So get as prepared as you can now, it may be uncomfortable to allow the idea to come to life, but you’ll be thankful you did in the long run.  

Sources:

Written by MWP Staff: Isabella Harmel
Top Five Tips to Make Your Vehicle Winter Ready
November 14, 2019

Top 5 Tips to Make Your Vehicle Winter Ready

The summer was lovely. The fall has been nice. (Extra points for everything pumpkin spice flavoured!) Unfortunately, that means winter will be here before we know it. Depending on where you live, it could mean minimal snow, but rain that causes slush along with lots of ice or massive amounts of snow and having to dig your car out of your driveway every morning, before a commute to the office. Whichever your situation, here are our top five tips to make sure you and your car are prepared this winter!

1) Put on Snow Tires or Chains

This one may seem obvious but “in 2010, over 1,400 accidents cited weather conditions among factors. In addition, in almost 3,500 accidents, loose snow or slush was present.” Having snow tires or chains on your car truly does lessen your chances of getting into an accident. In some parts of British Columbia, not using snow tires can result in a fine of up to $109. This map below shows you where and the dates for when BC highways are designated winter tire/chain routes.

Winter Tire Map BC 

2) Check Anti-freeze & Jumper Cables

With the colder weather coming in, it's important to remember to top-up or change the anti-freeze in your car. It keeps the water in your car radiator from freezing and “[t]here are also anti-corrosive properties in the coolant that protect metal pieces in the engine from corroding.” Make sure your car is all filled up, you don’t need engine troubles!Jumper Cables On top of anti-freeze, no vehicle should be without a set of Jumper Cables. This is true year-round but, especially during the winter months. Spare yourself from having to wait in the cold for someone to come by and help or paying a fee for calling a company. We have 8 foot, 8 gauge jumper cables, so you don’t get caught without. They may even come in handy not just for you, but for someone else who needs your help!

3) Have Good Windshield Wipers & Window Scraper

One of the easiest ways to ensure your safety, whilst driving in winter conditions is to make sure you can clearly see where you're going. This is why you should always make sure you carry extra windshield washer fluid and a window scraper with you. Or if your windshield wipers are very old, consider replacing them. It will make it much easier for you to keep the frost and snow from blocking your view of the road, other drivers and pedestrians.

4) Carry a Small Shovel or Cat Litter

Keeping a small shovel and a bag of cat litter in your car can be a real lifesaver. Particularly in provinces that have more snow. The shovel allows you to dig your car out if you get stuck in deep snow. Cat litter is also great to put down, as it can be used as salt to provide traction if the ground is too slippery, causing your tires to spin.

5) Have a Vehicle Survival Kit

Our Vehicle Survival Kit is a must-have for anyone with a vehicle anytime of the year, but it’s even more valuable to your safety during the winter. With 28 items included in the kit, we’ve covered all the bases.

VEHICLE SURVIVAL KIT

From a 3,600 calorie food ration, 6 water rations, right down to a 2 pack of toilet paper. It’s all in one bag, making it easy to store and access when you need it. For more of an in-depth look at our Vehicle Survival Kit or to purchase one, go to our online store. Along with all the other tips, if you have one of these, you will be ready for just about anything! 

   

Now that you have read our top 5 tips to have your vehicle winter-ready this season, and you are correctly prepared, you’ll be able to handle whatever the weather throws at you.  Stay safe this winter!

  Sources:
January 10, 2019

8 Tips for School Fundraising Success

GetMyKit has been helping schools across the country fundraise for their programs for two years now. We offer a great program, but we’ve also learned some things along the way that will help you succeed with any fundraiser. Set a Goal: Goals give supporters confidence that their support is making a difference. Often, schools are in a fundraising routine with no goal in mind. It’s difficult to motivate families, let alone outside supporters, to support your fundraiser if you don’t have a goal. When will the fundraiser end? How will you know you’ve succeeded? Are you trying to raise $1,000, or $10,000?   Know Your Cause: People want to know what they're supporting before putting money toward a cause. When we talk to schools about their fundraising goals, many just don’t have one. They need money for lots of things and never really specify. From our own experience as parents of school-age kids, we’re far more likely to support Mary’s grade 7 grad trip than the PAC’s pointsettia fundraiser, because the latter never identifies what the money will support or how it will support our kids. If you identify a cause that you’re fundraising for, no matter how big or small, supporters are more able to see how their money is helping the cause. We’ve had GetMyKit fundraisers support new carpets for the preschool room, new outdoor seating for sporting events, and band trips.   Offer Incentives. Reward students and families who do the most work to support the fundraiser. Parents and kids are tired of buying things, but more than that they’re tired of hitting up friends, relatives, and coworkers to buy things. Take a tip from the Girl Guides: those girls know exactly how much money their unit gets for a case of cookies, what their goal is, and what thing they’re fundraising for… but they’re also incentivized. When Mary the Girl Guide sells 7 cases of cookies, she gets a crest. When she sells 15 cases, she gets a gift card for the movies. The incentives go up from there. Set aside some funds from your fundraiser for rewards for your students and families who do the most work to support the fundraiser. GetMyKit has a number of incentive programs to offer depending on they type of fundraiser you’re running.   Set a Deadline. Deadlines create urgency and encourage supporters to act now before they forget. We’re a very busy, easily distracted society today. Set a short term fundraising period so supporters don’t put the information and paperwork aside and forget about it. If you know you only have two weeks to purchase something, you’re more likely to act fast. If you have two months, you’ll “get to it later” … and then never get back to it. Most GetMyKit fundraisers run for 2-3 weeks.   Make It Easy. Make it easy for supporters to pay and volunteers to track online. Cash and cheques are not "easy" for most. We’re busy, and we don’t carry cash and cheques. Many schools are switching to an online program for their fundraising needs so parents and supporters can pay for hot lunch and fundraisers online. Many of our schools have used Munch a Lunch, for example.   Embrace Change. Change it up and find a fundraiser that isn't the same thing you've been asking supporters to buy for years. One of the most appealing things about a GetMyKit fundraiser is that it’s different. It’s not the same tired fundraiser you’ve been buying every year whether you want it or not, and it’s something you need.   Find New Customers. Think of ways to reach new supporters you never knew you had! Encourage families to reach beyond asking Grandma and Grandpa. Mary has sold those delicious cookies door to door, in front of the grocery store, on Facebook, and had retail stores sell them for her. Very few of her sales were to Grandma or her parents’ coworkers.   Launch! Parents get stacks and stacks of paper coming home each week, and it multiplies if you have more than one child in the same school. It’s easy for fundraisers to get lost in the shuffle. Consider a campaign launch party that involves not just the school but the broader community. Make it an event. GetMyKit can support Vancouver Island and Lower Mainland schools with in-person support to put together an emergency preparedness event in your community and kick off your fundraiser big time. Want more information about GetMyKit fundraisers? Check out our fundraising page or contact one of our Fundraising Coordinators today!
May 7, 2018

There’s No Time Like Today to Get Prepared – Wholesale Pricing For Everyone!

SALE IS OVER!!! You've done your research and found the items you need in your emergency kit.  You've started doing a bit of shopping and maybe you've discovered that you don't have the time  & money to invest in going from store to store, or looking online - now what?!  There's no time like today to get prepared for tomorrow.  We're offering wholesale prices to all our customers.  This is the SALE OF THE YEAR and it's just in time for Emergency Preparedness Week, a federal initiative that brings awareness to the importance of having supplies and a plan for emergency situations, whether at home, on the road, at work, or at school. From May 6 - May 12 purchase your home emergency kit with us and receive 25% off your purchase.  By taking advantage of this offer, you're taking control of your home emergency preparations and ensuring the safety and survival of each member of your family.  Our kits have a 5-year shelf life so your emergency supplies are taken care of for 5 YEARS.  Plus, when you register your kit on your website, we'll even send you a reminder 30 days prior to the food and water expiry. Here's the bottom line:
Regular PriceCost with 25 % Discount
1 Person Basic$148.00 Now Only $111.00
1 Person Deluxe$248.00Now Only $186.00
2 Person Basic$198.00Now Only $148.50
2 Person Deluxe$298.00Now Only $223.50
3 Person Basic$248.00Now Only $186.00
3 Person Deluxe$348.00Now Only $261.00
4 Person Basic$298.00Now Only $223.50
4 Person Deluxe$398.00Now Only $298.50
Deluxe Pet Kit$38.00Now Only $28.50
Vehicle Survival$98.00Now Only $73.50
 Daycare Emergency Kit $188.00Now Only $141.00
 Classroom Emergency Kit $288.00Now Only $216.00

How Do I GetMyKit??

Visit getmykit.ca/shop and find your high-quality emergency kit.  When you've finished shopping, simply enter promo code"PREPARE25" and your 25% discount will be applied to your order.  We'll ship your kits to you FREE of charge within 5 - 7 business days.  It's that easy.

Home Emergency Preparedness

Home emergencies are not just limited to earthquakes.  Consider fires, flooding, tsunamis, landslides and sink holes.  Our Home Emergency Kits include sufficient supplies for each member of your family to be self reliant for  3-5 days; food, water, first aid, temporary shelter, utilities & tools, emergency blankets, rain ponchos, hygiene, and so much more. Our deluxe kits include 15 extra essential supplies such as heating, cooking and comfort items.

Pet Emergency Preparedness

Let's not forget about those fur babies - those animals that make your life a better place.  Ensure that you have adequate supplies on hand in the event of emergencies for those members of your families.  We offer Pet First Aid Kits which include animal CPR Instructions, a collar blinker, specially formulated wipes for their eyes, nose & ears, an emergency blanket for them and tons of other first aid items that are also valid for humans too.

Vehicle Emergency Preparedness

While on the road this summer, ensure that you have roadside emergency supplies as well.  There are more people on the road this time of year than ever increasing the chances of accidents and emergencies.  Be sure to have your vehicle stocked full of supplies by purchasing our Vehicle Survival Kit.  This kit includes emergency food & water rations, a reflective triangle and safety vest, multi-bit screwdrivers and 5 function army knife, fuses, first aid, emergency blanket and rain poncho, a safety hammer  with seat belt cutter and window-smasher, and much more.

School & Daycare Emergency Preparedness

It's close to the end of the school year and maybe there is some remaining budget that allows you to make some important upgrades to your school's emergency supplies.  We offer a 27 Person Classroom Emergency Kit that includes items for everyone in an entire classroom; food, water, emergency blankets, light sticks, dust masks, first aid and safety equipment for Teachers.  These kits are a must-have for every classroom.  Daycares are required to have emergency kits with enough supplies for each person at the centre.  Our 9 Person Daycare kit includes the items that you, as a valued and trusted care provider, require. Today is the day to get your emergency kit off your to-do list.  Don't think about it another day!
April 30, 2018

British Columbia Interior Faces Flooding Once Again

Flooding in British Columbia is a common and unfortunate reality for many Canadian residents. Property damage, loss of homes or personal belongings, injury and even death are among the situations faced when flooding occurs. Currently the Central Okanagan is suffering from yet another unusual amount of flooding due to heavy rain fall. With the ground already saturated from snow melt, there is nothing to absorb the rainfall. “We’re getting our ducks in a row, mapping out what properties will be impacted and figuring out how best to instruct home owners to protect themselves, what kind of protection works best— whether that be sandbags or the Tiger dams —and how we can facilitate that.”- City Staff quote. Rapid snow melt, ice jams and heavy rainfall are factors that can play into flooding causes. This paired with unprepared communities can be devastating for homeowners and residents. Warm temperatures speed up the spring snow melt, resulting in runoff surges between April to July. 2017 was a devastating time for floods in BCs interior residents with flooding worse than it has ever been since 1990.  Timeline of events for the 2018 Flood Season:
  • April 26 - Property owners are told to get prepared, CORD opens their Emergency Operations Centre (EOC)
  • April 27 - CORD provides sandbags to residents as needed
  • April 29 - Evacuation Orders for Killiney Beach neighborhood and the Nazko Valley are issued
Visit the Central Okanagan Regional District website for further updates (https://www.regionaldistrict.com/).  If you live in this region, be sure to sign up for email alerts. The CORD Emergency Operations Team recommends the following:
  • Install “No reverse” flow valves for basements flood drains
  • Consider investing in a sump pump to help pull water away from your home
  • Move toxic, harmful or potential harmful substances, along with electrical appliances to above ground level floors
  • Seal cracks in foundation, doorways and windows
  • Stock up on sandbags, look into “wet-proofing” systems for your home
  • Purchase emergency supply kits for your home, car and work (plan for at least a three-day supply of food and water for each family member)
  • Have a grab-and-go kit ready if you have to leave your home quickly
  • Keep important papers in watertight containers and have a record of your valuables in a safe place
  • If flooding is likely in your area, pay attention to the local media for information
  • Watch for warning signs: increase in height and intensity of water flows, mudslides, debris in creeks, colour changes in water or leaning trees
  • Know that banks of rivers and streams may be unstable and dangerous
  • Keep a safe distance away from fast flowing water, especially children
  • Teach your children about flood safety
  • Consider arrangements for your pets and any livestock
Putting emergency systems in place are only one way to protect your home during flooding, it is critical that your family and neighbours have an evacuation plan in place, along with a grab and go style emergency bag with everything you need for a minimum 72 hours, including food and water rations, first aid supplies, clothing, sanitary items- such as soap, hand sanitizer and toilet paper, baby food and formula (if applicable), lighting sources, emergency blankets, whistle, multi-function knife. Keep a close eye on emergency management websites for your regional district. Preplanning evacuation routes- know the dangers with each route. Water boil advisories are often put in place during flooding due to water contamination with the rising water levels. Total damages and homes affected are not yet able to be reported on as the numbers are still being put together and damages are so extensive, the numbers have yet to be rendered. Sources: https://www.kelownacapnews.com/news/heavy-rain-causes-floods-in-the-central-okanagan/ https://www.cordemergency.ca/  
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