Tips to prepare as B.C. braces for more stormy weather

With parts of Metro Vancouver in for more heavy rainfall and strong winds Saturday, there are a few simple things people can do to prepare for power outages or evacuation alerts.

Emily Dicken, the director of North Shore Emergency Management, says the first thing to do is make sure you have what you need to remain in your home.

“There’s a lot that people can do to ready themselves for winter weather events. We know that personal preparedness starts at home,” she says.

“The best thing that people can do is prepare to stay in their home, and maybe without power, and maybe for multiple days. If and when possible, we really want people to be able to stay in their homes and stay comfortable, warm and dry.”

That means stocking up on non-perishable foods, making sure flashlights are functional and extra batteries are on hand. Having a supply of garbage bags and cleaning supplies to mop up any minor flooding damage is also something Dicken advises. When it comes to the outside of your home, she says it’s a good idea to have a plan to clear fallen leaves from storm drains.

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While evacuation is the worst-case scenario, it’s something to plan for nonetheless.

When putting together a grab-and-go kit, Dicken says clothes, cash, and medication are crucial. An extra phone charger is also a good idea so you can stay connected once you’ve arrived somewhere safe.

“One thing that people don’t often think about, but is really critical is evacuating with all of your ID and really critical personal documentation,” Dicken adds.

“You may want to make sure you know where your insurance documents are, your passport, maybe even grab your birth certificate. Those are really difficult things to replace if they are damaged during an event.”

The provincial government also has an online guide to creating an emergency preparedness plan.