Hurricanes, terrorist attacks, and earthquakes – these are just some of the emergencies that can occur in our city and neighbourhood at any time, without much warning.
Are you prepared for a lengthy power outage? Can you help a child that’s choking? Have you discussed an emergency rendezvous point with your family?
Here’s our list of classes you can take to prepare yourself, and where to stock up on emergency kits, in Kitsilano.
Classes
The City of Vancouver regularly offers free emergency preparedness workshops in community centres around town, including at the Kitsilano Community Centre. The next upcoming workshop will be on Thursday, November 16th, from 7pm till 8:30pm and there are a few spots still available. This workshop covers what is required to develop your family emergency plan, how to conduct a “home hazard” hunt, and what to do when an earthquake strikes. Registration is required.
Note: The KCC is also one of the city’s 25 designated Disaster Support Hubs – these locations are where you can initially gather to coordinate your efforts and offer assistance to other members of your community. They are also the post-disaster locations where City staff and trained volunteers will prioritize getting information and providing services to the public. These hubs can make for an excellent emergency meeting point for you and your family.
Safe Beginnings First Aid offers a 2-hour Infant/Child CPR class at the Westside Midwives clinic on Alma Street and West 4th Avenue. The next available class will be on Tuesday, November 14th, from 6:30pm till 8:30pm and the cost is $40. Registration is required. This class will focus on CPR and choking for infants and children, as well as accident prevention for once babies become mobile. It is breastfeeding friendly, and pre-mobile infants are welcome to come along.
Emergency Kits
Everyone should have a customized emergency kit ready to go, both at home and at work, and even one for the car. The City of Vancouver has a handy guide on what should go in a kit, and you can easily get all your supplies in our Kitsilano neighbourhood. Kits should include a first aid kit, food, water, and clothing, plus other emergency supplies like a lighter, flashlight, and multi-tool.
Get flashlights and multi-tools at Gandy’s Home Hardware on West 4th Avenue, and first aid items at London Drugs on West Broadway. Any grocery store will sell long-shelf-life high energy food such as chocolate, granola bars, and canned goods. Stock up on large containers of water, and pack some old warm clothes and blankets in your kit as well. Don’t forget supplies for your pets.
Last modified: October 19, 2017
