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5 Steps to Develop a Home Sharing Emergency Response Plan
Emergencies can be scary, but having a clear plan can make a huge difference. In home sharing, you’re not just thinking about yourself — you’re also making sure the person you support stays safe.
Here’s a simple way to build an emergency response plan in just five steps.
Step 1: Do a Risk Assessment for Your Home and Area
The first step is to figure out what emergencies are most likely where you live.
In Vancouver and surrounding areas, common risks include:
- Earthquakes
- Wildfires (especially near forested areas like North Vancouver)
- Floods (in low-lying areas like Richmond)
- Power outages (from winter storms or extreme heat)
Example:
Sarah lives with Devon in a shared home in East Vancouver. They realized their area is at higher risk for earthquakes. So, they focused their plan on what to do if the ground starts shaking.
Local Help: Use City of Vancouver’s Risk Explorer Tool to learn about the top risks where you live.
Step 2: Establish Roles and Responsibilities
Decide who will do what during an emergency.
Think about:
- Who will grab the emergency kit?
- Who will call 911?
- Who will help the person you support with mobility, communication, or medical needs?
Example:
In their plan, Sarah is responsible for grabbing the emergency bag, while Devon, who uses a tablet to communicate, knows to put it in his backpack before they leave.
Tip: Make the roles clear and write them down. Practice them, too!
Step 3: Set Up Emergency Contacts and Communication Strategies
Make a list of important phone numbers:
- Family Members and Trusted Friends
Include anyone you rely on for emotional or physical support.
- Doctor or Healthcare Team
Include specialists, therapists, pharmacists, or anyone involved in your regular care.
- Support Coordinators
Such as your Community Living BC contact, social worker, or case manager.
- Agency Contacts
Include staff from your home sharing agency or service provider organization.
- Local Emergency Services
Non-emergency police, fire, and ambulance numbers, plus 911 for emergencies.
- Medical Equipment Suppliers
Contacts for wheelchairs, lifts, oxygen, communication devices, or other assistive technology.
- Pharmacy
Especially if you rely on medication delivery or have specific prescriptions.
- Home Care or Support Workers
Include primary support staff and backup workers, if any.
- Interpreter or Communication Support
For people who use sign language, alternative communication tools, or translation services.
- Transportation Services
HandyDART, accessible taxi services, or anyone who helps with mobility.
- Pet or Service Animal Contacts
Veterinarian, animal support agency, or someone who can care for your animal if needed.
- Neighbour or Nearby Contact
Someone close who can check on you during an emergency.
- Emergency Preparedness Contact
Someone responsible for helping you develop or update your emergency plan.
Also think about how you’ll communicate if phones don’t work:
- Walkie-talkies?
- Pre-arranged meeting spots?
- Messages left with neighbors?
Example:
Devon’s communication device includes a special message:
“I need help. Please call my support worker at [phone number].”
Local Help: You can register for Alertable, which sends emergency alerts to your phone in Vancouver and across BC.
Step 4: Plan for Evacuation and Shelter-in-Place
Your plan should cover two situations:
1. Evacuation
Leaving your home because it’s not safe (fire, earthquake damage, etc.).
- Where to meet after leaving the home (choose an accessible location, considering mobility aids or assistive devices).
- Two ways out of every room (ensure all escape routes are wheelchair-accessible or suited to specific mobility requirements; identify if assistance is needed to exit safely).
- Clearly mark exit routes and emergency doors using accessible signage or tactile indicators for those with visual impairments.
- Prepare an accessible emergency kit including extra medications, essential medical supplies, communication devices, batteries, and comfort items to reduce anxiety or stress during evacuation.
- Include written instructions or a laminated card with key emergency phrases for individuals with communication challenges, particularly for interactions with first responders or unfamiliar helpers.
Example:
Sarah and Devon practiced using the back door in case the front door is blocked. Since Devon uses a wheelchair, they installed ramps at both exits. They selected an accessible meeting spot at a neighbor’s driveway to ensure Devon can comfortably reach it using his mobility aid.
2. Shelter-in-Place
Staying inside because it’s safer than leaving (like during a major storm).
- Identify the safest room in the house (ensure this room is accessible and large enough for mobility devices, medical equipment, or support animals).
- Store an emergency kit, including medical equipment, medication, communication tools, water, and snacks, in an easily reachable, accessible location within this room.
- Arrange furniture to allow comfortable movement for people using wheelchairs or mobility aids and ensure important supplies are within easy reach.
- Plan for backup power sources (such as battery packs or generators) for medical equipment like oxygen concentrators, ventilators, power wheelchairs, or communication devices.
- Prepare calming or comfort strategies (such as noise-cancelling headphones, familiar objects, weighted blankets) for individuals who experience sensory overload or anxiety in emergencies.
Example:
Sarah and Devon chose a safe room away from windows for earthquakes. They rearranged furniture so Devon could comfortably move around using his wheelchair. They keep a fully charged backup battery in this room for Devon’s communication tablet, ensuring he can stay connected even if power is disrupted.
Additions focused specifically on disability considerations:
- Accessible evacuation routes and signage.
- Mobility device accessibility for exits and meeting points.
- Emergency kits customized for medical, sensory, and communication needs.
- Backup power sources for essential medical and communication devices.
- Comfort and sensory items to support emotional and psychological safety during emergencies.
Local Help: Find your nearest Vancouver Disaster Support Hub so you know where to go if you can’t return home.
Step 5: Review, Practice, and Revise Your Plan Regularly
Don’t just make a plan and forget about it! Practice at least twice a year.
- Do fire drills
- Practice earthquake “Drop, Cover, Hold On” drills
- Update your plan if your home or household changes
Example:
Every 6 months, Sarah and Devon practice leaving the house quickly. Devon even times himself, and he’s proud to beat his old record!
Tip: Use PreparedBC’s free checklist to make sure your plan covers everything.
Additional Guidance for People Living Outside Vancouver
For individuals living outside Vancouver, it’s crucial to tailor your home sharing emergency response plan to your specific regional risks and available resources.
- Identify Local Hazards Different areas in British Columbia face varying risks. For instance, while Vancouver is prone to earthquakes and floods, other regions might be more susceptible to wildfires or severe winter storms. Consult your local government’s emergency management office to understand the specific hazards in your area.
- Develop a Personalized Emergency Plan. Utilize the Province of British Columbia’s interactive Emergency Ready Planner or the fill-in-the-blanks home emergency plan to create a plan tailored to your household’s needs. These resources help you consider daily necessities and how to manage without them during emergencies.
- Register for Emergency Support Services (ESS) In the event of an evacuation, ESS provides short-term basic support, including accommodation, food, and clothing. Create a profile using the Evacuee Registration and Assistance (ERA) tool to access these services promptly.
- Stay Informed with Alertable. Download the Alertable app to receive real-time emergency alerts specific to your location. This tool notifies you about severe weather, floods, wildfires, and other local emergencies, ensuring you’re always informed.
- Prepare for Utility Disruptions Know how to safely turn off utilities like water, electricity, and gas, as instructed by local authorities during certain emergencies. However, do not shut off your natural gas unless advised, as only a licensed professional should turn it back on.
- Consider Insurance Options Review your home or tenant insurance policies to ensure coverage for potential hazards in your area, such as floods or wildfires. For more information, contact your insurance provider or the Insurance Bureau of Canada at 1-844-227-5422.
By customizing your emergency response plan to your specific location and needs, you enhance the safety and preparedness of your home sharing arrangement.