Emergency Preparedness - Part 1: People Get Ready (for the Next 72 Hours)

I have a confession - this was not the original title for this post. During final editing, the song “People Get Ready” started to run through my mind. Specifically, the 1985 cover by Jeff Beck with Rod Stewart, but the 1965 original by the Impressions and cover versions by Aretha Franklin, Bob Marley and many others are all very inspirational.

So, what does this have to do with Insurance? The lyric hook is a “call to action” that is - in my opinion - more important than ever for Business Owners and Individuals to embrace.

Consider the number and cost of natural disasters that occurred across Canada in 2023. According to CATIQ, there were 13 Catastrophic Events that resulted in $3.1 Billion Dollars in Insured Damage.

This makes 2023, the 4th year in the past decade, the total cost of Insured Losses due to Catastrophic Events have topped $3 Billion in Canada. While this is a significant number, it is important to note that losses must exceed $30 M in Insured Damages to make this list, so the real cost of Insured Damages is significantly higher.

Canada Insured Catastrophic Losses in 2023

One of the takeaways for me is that no one and nowhere in Canada is really “safe”. The implication is that being prepared for emergencies is more crucial than ever - which brings me back to “People Get Ready”.

Severe weather is a major cause of a disruption to our normal routine, but is certainly not the only risk. Did you know in Canada, all levels of government from Federal to Provincial to Municipal expect Business Owners and Individuals to be prepared to manage for 72 hours in the event of an Emergency?

If you have your Emergency Plan prepared, go-bag packed, instructions updated in the past 6 months and distributed to the people who need them - congratulations. You are in the 20% Club.

For the rest of us, here is a primer on Emergency Preparedness to help you, your family, your business, staff and associates manage through the most challenging of times.

Part 1: Planning for Personal Emergencies

When it comes to Emergency Preparedness, business owners and individuals should have a comprehensive plan in place to protect the people, property and assets that matter.

For businesses, this means developing contingency plans that address potential disruptions to operations regardless of the source to ensure the safety of employees, and safeguarding critical infrastructure and data.

A major element in a plan for Business Owners is to protect your employees and help your team be prepared at home.

In the workplace, employees should be encouraged to keep a personal “go-bag” to ensure they would be comfortable if an emergency did not allow them to return home after work.

At home, individuals and families should take proactive measures to prepare for emergencies. This includes creating emergency kits with essential supplies such as food, water, medication, and first aid supplies, as well as developing an evacuation plan and staying informed about potential hazards in their area.

Understanding Natural Risks and Hazards

Natural disasters pose a significant threat to communities across Canada, which include floods, wildfires, earthquakes and severe weather events. Understanding the risks and hazards specific to your region is crucial for effective emergency preparedness. Resources provided by the Government of Canada and provincial authorities can help Canadians identify potential hazards in their area and take appropriate precautions.

Creating an Emergency Kit for Personal Use

One of the most important aspects of emergency preparedness is creating an Emergency Kit that contains essential supplies to sustain you and your family for up to 72 hours. Your Emergency Kit should include:

• Water: One gallon per person per day for drinking and sanitation.

• Non-perishable food for everyone in the family: Canned goods, granola bars, dried fruits, and other shelf-stable items.

• First aid supplies: Bandages, antiseptic wipes, medications, and other medical supplies.

• Flashlights, fresh batteries: To provide light during power outages.

• Personal hygiene items: Toilet paper, hand sanitizer, soap, and feminine hygiene products.

• Multi-tool or Swiss army knife: For various tasks and repairs.

• Copies of important documents: Identification, insurance policies, medical records, and contact information.

Based on personal experience, I would recommend having the following items on hand in case you need to leave quickly without knowing when you will be back:

• To sleep: sleeping bag or blanket, pillow, towel and facecloth for each person in a backpack.

• To wear: Water-proof jacket, hat with a brim, 3 pairs socks and underwear, sweater.

• To communicate: Emergency batteries for cell, radio, walkie-talkies.

• To live: enough cash to get you through a long weekend and a credit card with a zero balance.

• To carry: make a backpack for each family member to include personal items and “lost and found” information. Pack a separate container for the food and other items listed and consider saving in a suitcase or large bag with wheels.

Insurance Brokers: Partners in Preparedness

In times of uncertainty, Insurance Brokers play a crucial role in helping Canadians navigate the complexities of Emergency Preparedness. These professionals can provide valuable guidance on insurance coverage options, risk management strategies, and contingency planning, ensuring that individuals and businesses have the protection they need when disaster strikes.

Insurance Brokers can also help clients assess their existing insurance policies to ensure they provide adequate coverage for various types of emergencies, including natural disasters, fires, floods, and other catastrophic events. By working closely with an Insurance Broker, Canadians can gain peace of mind knowing that they are adequately protected against unforeseen risks.

Preparing for the Future

As we move forward into an uncertain future, it's essential for Canadians to prioritize Emergency Preparedness and take proactive steps to protect themselves and their communities. By staying informed, planning ahead, and working with trusted partners such as an Insurance Broker, Canadians can better prepare for emergencies and build resilience in the face of adversity.

Don't wait until disaster strikes – be proactive and prepare yourself for the unexpected. Share your thoughts and insights on emergency preparedness in the comments below. Plus, take the first step towards safeguarding your home and loved ones by requesting your personalized Emergency Preparedness Kit Plan today. Stay ahead of the curve and ensure you're ready for whatever the next 72 hours may bring.