School's Out - Has Your Emergency Plan Changed?

School is out, summer is well underway, and your family’s routine probably looks very different than it did a few months ago.

Your kids may be home alone, staying with neighbours, attending day camps or spending time with other caregivers. You may be at work or away from your community when an emergency happens.

With wildfires affecting communities across British Columbia and other parts of Canada, now is the time to ask: Does your emergency plan reflect your summer routine?

I have worked in emergency response for many years and am currently involved in wildfire response. It is not uncommon to see families forced to evacuate with only a moment’s notice. Unfortunately, it is also common for people to ignore evacuation alerts because they believe it will never happen to them. Then, when the situation suddenly changes, they have no plan and are left wondering what the heck to do.

Many parents assume, “If something happens, I’ll go home and get my kids.” But what if you can’t? Roads may be closed, traffic may be backed up or you may not be allowed to re-enter an evacuated area. Disasters can change very quickly.

Your kids - and anyone caring for them - need to know your Family Disaster Plan.

Talk About the “What Ifs”

Sit down with your family and discuss:

• Who will care for your kids if you cannot get home?

• Who has permission to pick them up?

• Where will everyone meet if you must evacuate separately?

• Who is your out-of-area contact?

• What will happen with your pets?

Share the plan with neighbours, grandparents, babysitters and summer caregivers. Older kids should have important contact information saved in their phones and written down in case their phones lose power.

If You Are Placed on Evacuation Alert

An evacuation alert means it is time to get ready - not time to wait and see.

• Fill your vehicle with gas or charge it.

• Gather medications, identification and important documents. (Always check with your pharmacist or Dr. before storing any medications)

• Charge phones and power banks.

• Place your emergency kits and grab-and-go kit by the door.

• Prepare supplies, carriers and medications for your pets.

• Confirm the plan with anyone caring for your children.

• Follow official information and be ready to leave.

Most importantly, do not depend on being able to return home. Your family’s plan needs to work even when everyone is in a different location.

Take 20 minutes today to review your summer routine, update your plan and make sure everyone knows what to do.

School’s out, routines have changed, and your emergency plan needs to change with them. The time to prepare is now—once disaster strikes, it’s too late.

Need help getting prepared for a disaster?

Check out my online program—a simple, easy-to-follow plan that takes you step by step through the preparedness process, helping you and your family feel ready for whatever emergency comes your way.

Don’t wait for a disaster to happen. Start preparing today.

Meet Jackie Kloosterboer

Real emergency preparedness is the comfort of knowing your loved ones are protected, no matter where you are. Jackie Kloosterboer works alongside communities and families to design straightforward, actionable disaster plans that deliver genuine peace of mind.