For over 30 years, I’ve been on the front lines of disaster response, supporting families forced to leave their homes during wildfires, floods, and other emergencies.
I’ve seen firsthand what happens when people are prepared - and when they’re not.
And one thing is always clear: Preparation changes everything.
Today, through Survive-It Disaster Preparedness Ltd, I help families, organizations, and communities prepare, practice, and respond with confidence.
My work includes:
✅ ESS Training & Support — helping communities build stronger, more confident response teams
✅ Disaster Preparedness Workshops — practical, training for organizations and groups
✅ Mom’s Ultimate Disaster Plan — a step-by-step online program for families
✅ PrepBuddy — a quick, friendly AI Assistant to assess your readiness
Time and time again, I’ve seen it: Families who are prepared navigate disasters with more clarity, confidence, and control.
Those who aren’t often face unnecessary stress, confusion, and risk.
Preparedness doesn’t eliminate the emergency — but it changes how you experience it.
I’ll never forget one night when families arrived at an evacuation centre as wildfires raged nearby. They were scared, overwhelmed, and unsure of what would happen next. Many had no plan. No supplies. No clear next step.
One question kept coming up: “Will we even have a home to return to?”
That moment stayed with me. It reinforced what I had already seen over years of response work — too many people are left unprepared for events that are becoming more frequent.
That’s why I do this work.
I believe preparedness should be:
✔ Simple
✔ Practical
✔ Action-focused
Because when the unexpected happens, you don’t need more information — you need a plan that works.
When I’m not working, I love traveling through Canada, Europe, and the U.S., exploring new places, enjoying live theatre, and spending time at home in White Rock, BC — hiking local trails and walking along the beach.
Have a question, want to book a workshop, or explore working together?
A collection of recent media appearances. If you would like Jackie to speak at one of your events or workshops, please visit the contact page or email the Survive-It team.
Pandemic's long lineups prove many aren't ready for major emergency, preparedness expert says
‘It really makes you think about what would happen in an earthquake,' Jackie Kloosterboer says.
Jackie Kloosterboer Emergency Support Services video on YouTube.
Jackie Kloosterboer - Promo Video - Earthquake Preparedness - promo video on YouTube.
Earthquake Preparedness in Vancouver - City of Vancouver Video on YouTube.
Appearance on Breakfast Television Vancouver.
Appearance on Breakfast Television - Jackie on keeping your pets safe.
City of Vancouver appearance on YouTube: Emergency Social Services - Group Lodging
City of Vancouver appearance on YouTube: Emergency Social Services - Reception Centres.
Oct 30, 2019, Jackie Kloosterboer was awarded the Pacific Northwest Preparedness Society Award of Excellence to recognize her outstanding dedication in providing Emergency Support Services and Emergency Preparedness Education to the people and communities of British Columbia.
Jackie has facilitated hundreds of training programs on Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Support Services across British Columbia communities. Jackie trains staff and volunteers to respond to support people forced to flee their homes during times of disaster.
An instructor with the Justice Institute of BC, Jackie facilitates Emergency Support Services (ESS) training across Canada, teaching staff and volunteers how to activate and manage Reception Centres and Group Lodging Centres to support evacuees during times of disasters.
2014 Jackie received the prestigious Instructor Excellence award from the Justice Institute of BC for her outstanding service and delivery of Training Programs.
Jackie Kloosterboer is a recipient of the prestigious 2013 Queen’s Jubilee Award for her ongoing dedication to providing support to evacuees faced with disaster.
Jackie has spent countless hours looking after the evacuees that have been forced to flee their homes.