BCAA

Is your entire family – even your kids – on the same page when it comes to earthquake preparedness? Know the Drill School lessons Ask your children about the earthquake drills they're doing at school – it's a good way to make earthquake awareness a family matter, and you may want to incorporate some of the school's procedures into your family plan. Chances are you could learn something, and by borrowing from what your kids have learned, you'll avoid confusion in the event an earthquake hits when they're at home. You may also want to ask your local school about its emergency plans and what part you can play. Safe haven Get familiar with your role in "student release" drills, when children are released from school following an emergency. If you can't get there yourself, make sure you have a family member, relative or friend designated to pick up your child. (top) Masterfile, iStock spring 2015 bca a .coM 29 prep talk At home E ver offer to help your kids with homework, only to find they have to help you? According to Bernadette Woit, the emergency planning consultant for North Vancouver schools, it's the same with earthquake preparedness. "The kids are usually more prepared than their parents," Woit says. "Schools are doing earthquake drills several times a year, [but parents] are not being put through regular drills at home or at work. So it's often up to the kids to bring the issue home and make parents more aware." How to make sure you're all on the same page? Here are some tips for families to ensure everyone has the same plan of action should an earthquake strike. Don't panic Should an earthquake occur, try to stay calm. An earthquake can be a frightening experience at any age, but it's parents who must set an example. By ensuring you're up to date on what to do in an earthquake, you'll feel more confident and in control – and your kids will in turn feel reassured. n – Steve Burgess LEARN MORE! Contact your local Emergency Management BC office for resources on family earthquake planning. Involve your children in creating your own home emergency plan. Emergency Management BC also offers one- and two-day training courses for emergency responders to help them understand local resources, but others are welcome to attend if space is available (embc.gov.bc.ca). PrACtICe mAkeS PerfeCt Practice drills at home and set challenges for yourselves and your kids, such as checking your earthquake preparedness kit. Make sure that every bed has three essentials beside it: sturdy shoes (in case the floor is littered with broken glass and metal), a whistle and a flashlight. Make your kids a part of the process. Ensure you're also prepared by keeping comfortable shoes in your car and under your desk at work in case you need to walk any distance in an emergency. DID YOU KNOW? Earthquake damage isn't typically covered by your base home insurance policy but it's an easy add-on option. Find out more at bcaa.com/home Ask your children about the earthquake drills they're doing at school – it's a good way to make earthquake awareness a family matter, and you may want to incorporate some of the school's procedures into your family plan. Chances are you could learn something, and by borrowing from what your kids have learned, you'll avoid confusion in the event an earthquake hits when they're at home. You may also want to ask your local school about its emergency Get familiar with your role in "student release" Practice drills at home and set challenges for yourselves and your kids, such as checking your earthquake preparedness kit. Make sure that every bed has three essentials beside it: sturdy shoes (in case the floor is littered with broken glass and metal), a whistle flashlight. Make your kids a part of the process. How to make sure you're all on the same page? Here are some tips for families to ensure everyone has the same plan of action should an earthquake strike. PrACtICe mAkeS PerfeCt Practice drills at home Practice drills at home How to make sure you're all on the same page? Here are some tips for families to ensure everyone has the same PrACtICe drills, when children are released from school following an emergency. If you can't get there yourself, make sure you have a family member, relative or friend designated car and under your desk at work in case you need to walk any distance in an emergency.

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