Volunteer opportunity!

Are you interested in building a robust emergency plan for our community? We need help with expanding our response beyond home preparedness. Things like deciding an evacuation strategy, identifying muster points, and planning a communication approach if phones go down. If you’re interested, please click HERE.

General Home Safety Tips

    1. Store batteries (especially lithium-ion) in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from flammable materials.

    2. Avoid charging damaged or swollen batteries.

    3. Use only manufacturer-approved chargers and unplug once fully charged.

    4. Do not leave devices charging unattended or overnight.

    5. Keep larger battery systems positioned so they don’t block exits.

    1. Never leave candles unattended; place them on stable, non-flammable surfaces.

    2. Keep candles away from curtains, paper, and clutter; consider using electric candles.

    3. Inspect and properly ventilate gas-powered heaters and fireplaces.

    4. Install carbon monoxide detectors if using gas or fuel-burning appliances.

    5. Never leave cooking unattended, especially when using high heat or oil

    6. Keep flammable items away from stovetops.

    7. Use outdoor barbecues only in well-ventilated areas, away from structures.

    8. Store propane tanks upright and away from heat sources.

    9. Never use fireworks on Co-op property (fireworks are now illegal in Vancouver).

    1. Install smoke alarms on every level of your home, including bedrooms and hallways.

    2. Test alarms monthly and replace batteries at least once a year.

    3. Consider interconnected alarms so all sound at once.

    4. Install carbon monoxide detectors near sleeping areas.

    1. Keep fire extinguishers in key areas like the kitchen.

    2. Ensure everyone in the home knows how to use a fire extinguisher.

    3. Maintain clear exits and avoid blocking escape routes.

    4. Create and practice a home fire escape plan regularly.

    5. Regularly inspect wiring, appliances, and heating systems for potential hazards.

BC Emergency Preparedness Checklist

  • ☐ Minimum 2 litres of drinking water per person per day, plus 2 litres for hygiene/cooking (3 days

    recommended; 7–14 days preferred in remote areas)

    ☐ Extra water for pets

    ☐ Non-perishable food (3–14 days)

    ☐ Manual can opener

    ☐ Foods that don’t require cooking (in case of power outage)

  • ☐ Extra warm blankets/sleeping bags rated for sub-zero temps

    ☐ Cold-weather clothing layers (toques, mitts, wool socks)

    ☐ Chemical hand/foot warmers

    ☐ Ice melt / traction aids (sand or kitty litter)

  • FIRE

    ☐ N95 respirators (for smoke)

    ☐ Air purifier/HEPA filter

    ☐ Fire-resistant clothing or cotton layers

    FLOOD

    ☐ Waterproof boots and clothing

    ☐ Sump pump backup power (battery or generator)

    ☐ Copies of insurance documents with overland flood coverage check

  • ☐ CSA-approved first aid kit

    ☐ Medications (7–14 days)

    ☐ Prescription copies

    ☐ Spare glasses/contacts

    ☐ Hand sanitizer/disinfecting wipes

    ☐ Sunscreen & bug spray (for summer emergencies or evacuations)

  • ☐ Portable battery banks (charged)

    ☐ Car charger or 12V adapter

    ☐ Backup power (generator, battery station) — only CSA-approved units

    ☐ Flashlights (avoid candles during windstorms/fire risk)

    ☐ Extra batteries

    ☐ Printed emergency contact list

    ☐ Family communication plan using texting (more reliable during network overloads)

  • ☐ Toilet paper

    ☐ Feminine hygiene products

    ☐ Soap & toothpaste/tooth brush

    ☐ Garbage bags

    ☐ Wet wipes

    ☐ Bucket with lid or camping toilet (useful during long outages or boil-water advisories)

  • ☐ Government-issued ID

    ☐ Provincial health card

    ☐ Insurance policies (home/auto/tenant)

    ☐ Mortgage/lease documents

    ☐ Birth certificates

    ☐ SB drive with digital backups

    ☐ Emergency plan + evacuation routes

  • ☐ Know how to shut off gas, water, and electricity

    ☐ Smoke alarms & CO detectors tested monthly (required by provincial building codes)

    ☐ Fire extinguisher accessible

    ☐ Sump pump tested (where applicable)

    ☐ Clear exits and pathways

    ☐ Create a “Go Bag” for quick evacuation

  • ☐ Winter tires (legal requirement in some provinces)

    ☐ Booster cables

    ☐ Ice scraper & snow brush

    ☐ Blanket or sleeping bag

    ☐ Roadside emergency kit

    ☐ Traction aid (sand/kitty litter)

    ☐ Small shovel

    ☐ Maintain at least half a tank of fuel

  • ☐ Food (1–2 weeks)

    ☐ Water

    ☐ Medications

    ☐ Carrier/crate

    ☐ Leash/harness

    ☐ Waste bags or litter

    ☐ Photo of your pet (in case of separation)

    ☐ Contact info for local humane society or regional emergency shelters that accept pets

download the bc home emergency plan here