By Angelique Crowther, UBC Risk Management Services
If a major emergency occurs, officials say you need be prepared to be self-sufficient for 72 hours, even in residence. That may sound extreme, but if you’re ready, you’ll be able to respond confidently and safely during an emergency situation.
Boil water advisory
- Boil all tap water used for drinking, brushing teeth, preÂparing food, beverages, ice cubes, and washÂing fruits and vegetables.
- Tap water should be boiled for one minute. Then let it cool and pour it into a clean container.
Leak or flood
- Inform the front desk staff in your residence immediately and let them know the source of the water leak: roof, window, pipe, washroom, etc.
- Do not walk through water.
- Avoid wet wires, electrical equipment and power outÂlets.
- Do not attempt to use moisture-damÂaged equipment.
Fire
- Douse small fires with fire extinguishers, located in residence common areas.
- For a spreading blaze, pull the fire alarm, leave the building by the nearest exit and call 9-1-1.
- Avoid flames, smoke and fumes by staying low to the ground.
- Do not use elevators.
- Walk, don’t run, and use handrails as you descend stairs.
- If you cannot safely get downstairs, go to the nearest safe area and wait for a firefighter.
Severe Weather
- Expect power outages and phone disruptions, even for your mobile phone.
- Avoid overhead hazards, such as tree branches and power lines.
- Avoid glass and debris on sidewalks and roads.
Power outage
- Keep flashlights and other emergency supÂplies nearby.
- Do not attempt to use computers, TVs, steÂreos or other electrical equipment.
- Avoid moving around in the dark unless you have a flashlight.
- Do not attempt to examine, repair or open electrical equipment.
- Keep the fridge closed in a blackout, to avoid having the contents get warm and spoil.
Intruder/crime
- Don’t allow someone without a key to follow you into your building.
- If an intruder appears angry or threatening, keep a safe distance away. Listen to what he or she says. Do not argue or raise your voice. Try to calm him or her down.
- Call 9-1-1 and inform residence staff immediÂately. Avoid remaining alone with an intruder.
- If an intruder leaves a parcel, envelope or suspicious item behind, do not touch it. Tell a residence staff member immediately.
Earthquake
During an earthquake:
- Drop to the floor, cover your head and hold onto something solid under a table or desk, between rows of seats or against an inside wall.
- Wait for the shaking to stop and count to 60, to allow time for debris to fall, before moving.
- If you’re outside, stay outside. If you’re inside, stay inside, unless there is a fire or the building is in danger of collapsing.
- If you’re in a moving vehicle, stop in a clear area, away from falling debris, and stay inside the vehicle.
After an earthquake:
- Apply first aid as required.
- Do not make phone calls unless they are lifesaving, as networks will be overwhelmed.
- Listen to the radio or TV for emergency updates.
- Avoid entering damaged buildings.
- Expect aftershocks and power outages.
Emergency kits
- Make it easy to carry and easy to grab quickly. A backpack or light gym bag are ideal.
- Include two litres of water per person, per day, for 72 hours.
- Pack food that won’t spoil, such as canned food, energy bars and dried foods. Remember to replace food and water once a year.
- Pack a manual can opener, flashlight and batteries, battery-powered or wind-up radio, extra batteries, spare keys, and a first aid kit.
- Include special-needs items, if necessary, such as prescription medications, toiletries, equipment for people with disabilÂities, glasses or contact lenses.
- Don’t forget cash, especially smaller bills and coins, for use in pay phones or vending machines.
- Make sure you have contact information handy for people you will need to get in touch with, like relatives in and out of town.