Prepare your household. Protect your property.
Emergencies can happen with little warning. Winter storms, flooding, wildfires, earthquakes, and other events can disrupt power, roads, water, communications, and essential services.
Take steps now to prepare your household and property. Make a plan, build an emergency kit, prepare grab-and-go bags, and sign up for local emergency notifications.
During an emergency, first responders may need to prioritize people in immediate danger. Be prepared to take care of yourself, your family, and your pets for at least 72 hours.
Sign up for local emergency alerts
Start with these four steps
Make a plan
An emergency plan helps your household know what to do, where to go, and how to stay in touch.
- Contact information for family, friends, neighbours, and out-of-area contacts
- A meeting place if you cannot return home
- Plans for pets, medications, mobility needs, transportation, and important documents.
Build your Emergency Ready Plan
Build an emergency kit
Keep enough supplies at home to be comfortable and safe for at least 72 hours. Think of it as camping at home without regular access to stores, power, water, or other services.
Your kit may include water, food, medications, first-aid supplies, flashlights, batteries, chargers, cash, and supplies for pets.
Use the PreparedBC emergency kit checklist
Prepare grab-and-go bags
A grab-and-go bag is a small emergency kit that you can take with you if you need to leave quickly. Prepare one for each member of your household, including pets.
Keep your bags near an exit and include clothing, toiletries, medications, copies of important documents, chargers, and personal items.
Consider keeping grab-and-go supplies at home, work, and in your vehicle.
Use the PreparedBC grab-and-go bag checklist
Know what to do during an evacuation
Evacuation Alert: Be ready to leave
An Evacuation Alert means you should prepare to leave on short notice.
- Pack or update your grab-and-go bags
- Keep medications, important documents, and essential items close by
- Arrange transportation if you may need help leaving
- Make plans for pets and livestock
- Follow local emergency officials and monitor official updates
Evacuation Order: Leave immediately
An Evacuation Order means you must leave the area immediately. Follow directions from local emergency officials and use the evacuation route they identify. Do not return until officials confirm that the order has been rescinded.
Evacuation Rescind: Return when it is safe
An Evacuation Rescind means local officials have determined it is safe to return. Continue to monitor official information, as conditions can change.
Pre-register for evacuation support
You can pre-register for the Provincial Evacuee Registration and Assistance tool using the BC Services Card app. If you are evacuated, pre-registration may help you access available supports more quickly.
Pre-register for evacuee registration and assistance
Protect your property from flooding
Heavy rain, high stream levels, and coastal weather can cause flooding in the Comox Valley. Take steps before a storm to reduce the risk of water damage around your home or business.
Free sand and sandbags are available at locations across the Comox Valley.
Prepare with neighbours
Neighbours can often provide support before, during, and after an emergency. Get to know the people on your street, identify anyone who may need extra help, and share emergency contact information.
Neighbourhood Emergency Preparedness Program (NEPP) supports residents who want to prepare together. The program offers information and tools to help neighbourhoods build local connections and plan for emergencies.
Resources and guides
In partnership with:
