If you’re like most of us, the only time you think of an earthquake is when a) we have a seismic tremor, b) there’s a big one somewhere else on the planet, c) there’s a drill at school or work or, d) you see the media cover the “Shake Out B.C.” event every October.
In fact, in a 2017 survey conducted by Ipsos Reid and St. John Ambulance, only seven per cent of British Columbians have created an emergency plan, purchased an emergency supply kit and trained in first aid and CPR. However, 34 per cent of British Columbians rated their overall level of emergency readiness as “excellent/good.”
We suspect their standards are a lot lower than St. John Ambulance. Some folks think that if they’ve got extra water in the pantry and some granola bars, they’re doing pretty well.
Others believe the old sleeping bag in the garage counts as part of their emergency supplies, and still others may think that because they’re near a community centre, they’ve got it made. They’ll just all run there where there will be clean sheets, food and water galore.
Some folks are considering their vehicle their “emergency readiness kit” and have it all equipped. But what if the big one hits when you’re not near your car?
Do you know what to do when your cellphone won’t work? Where do you turn off the power and water? What happens if there is a fire?
What happens if someone is cut and needs a tourniquet? Do you know where the first-aid kit is? Is it fully stocked?
And then there are the majority of us, who pride ourselves on having a 72-hour emergency kit, but we’ve never taken a first-aid course, or CPR course, or even checked out a YouTube video on how to save someone.
All the supplies in the world are useless if you have no idea what to do with them.
The good news is that there are organizations and people ready and more than willing to help you.
Don’t be caught unprepared or be lulled into a false sense of security because you have a kit and no emergency plan.
Check out www.setforemergency.com and see how you rate.
