Emergency Preparedness in Home Sharing: Keeping Everyone Safe

Emergencies can happen at any time. Fires, power outages, earthquakes, and storms are all real risks here in British Columbia. If you live in a shared home, it’s important to plan so that everyone stays safe — especially when people have different needs and abilities. 

Why Planning Ahead Matters 

When an emergency happens, there is often no time to think. That’s why it helps to have a plan. In shared living situations, like home sharing, you may live with someone who needs extra support. That could mean help with walking, speaking, understanding instructions, or staying calm. 

Making a plan helps: 

• Keep everyone calm 

• Prevent injuries 

• Make sure people get the help they need 

• Bring peace of mind to caregivers and hosts 

Common Emergencies in BC 

Depending on where you live, you might face: 

• Wildfires in the summer, especially in rural or forested areas 

• Earthquakes, which can happen anywhere in BC 

• Power outages during winter storms or heatwaves 

• Floods near rivers or low-lying areas 

It’s important to prepare for the emergencies that are most likely in your region. 

For example:  

Last summer, a wildfire came close to a small town in BC. Megan, a home sharing provider, lived with Josh, a young adult with autism. When the evacuation order came, they were ready. Megan had packed a bag for Josh with his medication, noise-cancelling headphones, a fidget toy, and his favorite snacks. She had practiced the route to the local shelter with him earlier that month. 

Thanks to their planning, they left quickly and safely—without confusion or panic. 

How to Get Started 

Here are 5 simple steps to prepare: 

1. Talk as a Team
Sit down with everyone in the home. Talk about different types of emergencies and what to do in each one. 

1. Make a Plan
Include: 

• Where to go if you need to leave (evacuation route) 

• Emergency contacts (family, doctor, support team) 

• What each person should do in an emergency 

• What supports are needed (wheelchair, medication, calming strategies) 

1. Create an Emergency Kit
Include food, water, flashlight, batteries, first aid, medication, and anything the person you support might need (like a comfort item or charger for a device). 

1. Practice
Do a drill every few months. Practice leaving the house quickly or what to do during an earthquake. 

1. Keep It Updated
Review the plan every year or after any big changes in the home. 

Local resources:  

• Prepared BC 

• City of Vancouver 

• Disability Alliance BC