It is important to know the hazards that exist in our community and design our emergency plan with those hazards in mind. Floods, earthquakes, landslides, interface fires, and severe storms are natural hazards, while hazardous materials accidents, power failures, or acts of terrorism are man made dangers that could threaten our lives and cause extensive damage in our community.  These hazards are typical of most municipalities within the Lower Mainland.

Be Aware of Inside and Outside Hazards

When preparing an emergency plan, you should be aware of hazards that exist both inside buildings and outdoors. Please note that the following are only partial lists of possible hazards you may encounter.

Inside Hazards

• Window glass
• Shelving and cabinets
• Falling objects (ornaments, pictures, etc.)
• Appliances (computers, microwaves, TV's, etc.)
• Lights and ceiling fixtures
• Un-braced water tanks
• Kitchen contents (from cupboard, fridge, etc.)
• Chemicals

Outside Hazards

• Tile roofs, brick façades, chimneys, parapets, etc.
  Unsecured air conditioners
• Foundations, decks, carports, additions to buildings, etc.
• Windows, broken glass
• Utility lines
• Bridges, overpasses
• Bodies of water (rivers etc. that could change course due to disaster)

Identifying Safe Areas

Some possible safe locations in your home are:

• Under kitchen table
• Under desks
• Under dining table
• Inside passage ways
• Inside walls
• Under the bed
• In bed (use pillows and covers as protection)
• Away from windows
• Hallways without pictures (or glass removed from pictures)
• Landing or stairway

Identifying Unsafe Areas

The following list of features found in a home can make the areas around them unsafe:

• kitchen cabinets
• appliances
• windows
• bookcases, entertainment units, china cabinets
• hanging plants, mirrors, pictures, etc.
• ceiling fans, lights, chandeliers, etc.
• garages/carports and contents
• counter and table tops
• desks and contents