This page contains an Emergency Preparedness Plan for our neighbourhood. In a major emergency, we can’t count on institutional emergency services, and our neighbours will probably be our first responders. The plan offers a system to make it easier to provide assistance and support to each other.
The step-by-step plan can be implemented in a variety of emergencies such as a major earthquake, severe wind or snow storms, long-term power outages, fires, or a serious gas leak.
The plan assumes that each household has a Shelter-in-Place Kit with adequate supplies, food and water for two weeks and Grab-and-Go Bags for each member of your household in the event of evacuation. You should also prepare Household Emergency and Evacuation Plans.
You should also have a printed copy of Prepare Yourself: A Guide to Emergency Preparedness in the Capital Region. If you do not have a copy, please contact any member of the committee to get one.
The worst part of an emergency is not being prepared and not knowing what to do. This package offers you a specific plan. We hope you will participate in our efforts to keep our neighbourhood safe.
Be aware of what pod you are in and who your Pod Leader and Alternate are.
Keep this list in an easily accessible location in your home.
Assess household safety: Every household should have a plan for surviving a variety of emergencies. Review the online guide Prepare Yourself: A Guide to Emergency Preparedness in the Capital Region which you will find posted on the Harbour Landing website (harbourlanding-sidney.com) under Emergency Links. Most important is having Shelter-In-Place and Grab-and-Go Emergency Kits prepared for your household.
For additional help to create a household emergency plan, go to the Harbour Landing website to find a link to the Household Preparedness Guide: Prepared BC from the provincial government.
Assess the emergency: Every emergency is different – from a severe snow or wind storm, to an extended power outage, to a major earthquake. What you do and how our neighbours help each other will depend on the nature of the emergency. Pod Leaders will coordinate neighbourhood efforts. Familiarize yourself with what to do in various emergencies described in the Prepare Yourself Guide above. Additional information about emergencies is also on the website.
Check natural gas: If a gas leak occurs (e.g. from ruptured gas lines in an earthquake), turn off the gas at the meter. See the diagram in the information package. Keep a wrench in an accessible place in your home or in a plastic bag secured to your gas meter outside.
Post signs: OK and HELP signs are included in this information package. If you require a “pet inside” sticker, contact the Harbour Landing Neighbourhood Committee at harbourlanding-sidney@hotmail.com.
Get first aid assistance: In the event of a major emergency like an earthquake, a First Aid Station will likely be set up in the garage at 2015 Seawind with entry from Sandpiper. Signage will be posted. The station will have first aid supplies and the services of one or two volunteer Registered Nurses who live in our community. If injured individuals can’t be moved from their homes, a portable first aid kit is available. Pod Leaders will provide direction.
Muster station: Depending on the emergency, a muster station might be set up in the garage at 10451 McDonald Park Road with entry from Sandpiper. Signage will be posted. The muster station will be used by the Pod Leaders to coordinate their activities. It can also serve as a community “hub” where neighbours can meet informally for support and updates. Neighbours are asked NOT to go to the muster station immediately after an emergency as it will be used by Pod Leaders for initial coordination.
Stay updated: If there is no cell or landline telephone service, Pod Leaders will be equipped with walkie talkies to communicate and coordinate activities, and they will keep members of their pod updated as necessary. Households can monitor local radio stations.
Saanich Peninsula Alert System: Be sure you are registered to receive alerts about local emergencies and safety issues. See the information enclosed in this package.
Thank you for helping to keep our neighbourhood safe!