Stay Safe on BC Roads This Summer: Emergency Kits Tips

British Columbia is made for road trips, but even the most scenic drives come with risks. Whether you’re heading to the mountains, lakes, or coast, every BC driver should be prepared for emergencies. Having both a First Aid Kit and an Auto Emergency Kit in your vehicle is a smart—and potentially life-saving—decision.

Why Emergency Kits Are Essential

BC’s landscape is stunning, but it can be unpredictable. From winding mountain passes to coastal highways, unexpected situations are common. Remote areas often have limited cell service and can be hours away from assistance. If you’re involved in a collision, stuck with a flat tire, or face a medical emergency, being prepared makes all the difference.

Scenario: You’re on a forested backroad near Squamish and hit debris, causing a flat tire. With no cell service and limited daylight, your auto emergency kit helps you signal for help, stay visible to other vehicles, and attempt a temporary fix.

Tip: Always check your kits every season. Batteries can die, and medications or snacks may expire.

First Aid Kit Essentials

Minor injuries can escalate without proper care. A well-stocked First Aid Kit helps you handle cuts, sprains, burns, or allergic reactions until help arrives.

Scenario: Your child scrapes their leg badly while stretching during a roadside stop. With antiseptic wipes, gauze, and bandages, you clean and protect the wound, preventing infection.

Items to include:

• Adhesive bandages (various sizes)
• Sterile gauze & tape
• Antiseptic wipes and ointment
• Tweezers & scissors
• Pain relievers
• Allergy meds (antihistamines)
• CPR mask
• Emergency blanket
• Personal prescriptions

Tip: Consider taking a certified first aid course. Knowing how to treat shock, bleeding, or burns makes you more confident and effective in any situation.

Auto Emergency Kit Essentials

Mechanical issues are a common cause of roadside delays. Whether your car breaks down in the Fraser Canyon or you run into trouble on the Coquihalla, having an auto emergency kit can save time and stress.

Scenario: Your car battery dies while parked at a scenic lookout. With your jumper cables and flashlight, you safely boost your car with a passerby’s help. If no one stops, your reflective triangle ensures you’re visible until assistance arrives.

Items to include:

• Jumper cables
• Tire repair kit & inflator
• Flashlight & extra batteries
• Reflective warning triangles
• Multi-tool or wrench
• Thermal blanket or warm clothing
• Bottled water & energy snacks
• Whistle
• Portable phone charger or power bank

Tip: Keep your emergency supplies stored in an easily accessible tote or box in your trunk.

Summer-Specific Additions for 2025

The heat and activity of summer bring new risks. Long daylight hours and increased traffic mean longer trips and more exposure.

Scenario: You’re stuck in traffic due to a landslide detour. It’s 30°C and you’re hours from your next stop. Having extra water, cooling towels, and snacks keeps everyone hydrated and comfortable.

Summer add-ons:

• Extra water (for people and radiator)
• Cooling towels
• UV-protective sunglasses
• Sunscreen & bug spray
• Hand sanitizer & masks
• Paper road maps (in case of GPS failure)

Tip: Keep your vehicle’s AC system maintained and have sunshades on hand for parked breaks.

Wildfire Preparedness for Summer Travel

Wildfires are increasingly impacting summer travel in BC. Stay alert and ready to act if conditions change.

Scenario: You smell smoke as you drive through the interior. You check the BC Wildfire Service app and see a nearby active fire. You safely reroute before the road is closed, thanks to advance awareness and printed maps.

Wildfire safety tips:

• Check BC Wildfire Service before you leave
• Keep windows up and air recirculation on during smoky conditions
• Store N95 masks in your glovebox
• Pack extra fuel and identify alternate routes in advance
• Follow evacuation alerts and signage immediately
• Tip: Keep a go-bag with essentials if you need to leave your vehicle in a hurry.
• The Importance of First Aid Training

The Importance of First Aid Training

A first aid kit is only as good as your ability to use it. Basic training empowers you to manage injuries, apply CPR, and assist others during emergencies.

Scenario: A cyclist is hit by a car near your parked vehicle. While others call for help, your CPR training allows you to assist with chest compressions until paramedics arrive.
Benefits of training:

• Learn to recognize emergencies and react fast
• Practice treating bleeding, burns, and fractures
• Understand how to use AEDs and administer CPR
• Gain confidence to help in critical moments

Tip: Sign up for a certified course like Canadian Red Cross or St. John Ambulance. Many employers offer group discounts too.

Road Safety Tips for BC Drivers

Good planning prevents problems. Simple habits make a huge difference on long drives.

Quick tips:

• Always check DriveBC.ca for alerts before you go
• Fuel up frequently, especially in remote regions
• Never rely solely on GPS—carry printed directions
• Watch for wildlife, especially dawn and dusk
• Keep your phone charged and ringer on for alerts

Final Thoughts

Preparedness turns a crisis into a manageable event. British Columbia offers some of the world’s best road trips—and with the right emergency kits and knowledge, you can enjoy them safely.

Be safe. Stay equipped. And make summer 2025 your safest (and most memorable) road trip season yet!

Get Ready for NAOSH Week 2025: Top 7 Workplace Safety Tips

Why NAOSH Week Matters More Than Ever

Every year, thousands of preventable injuries, illnesses, and incidents happen in North American workplaces. Behind each statistic is a story—a worker, a family, a ripple effect.

NAOSH Week is a North America-wide initiative that shines a light on the importance of preventing injury and illness in the workplace, at home, and in our communities. It’s not just about compliance—it’s about care.

Now’s the time to take safety from “something we have to do” to “something we live by.”

7 Powerful Ways to Activate NAOSH Week in Your Workplace

1. Kick Off with a “Safety Reset” Meeting

2. Launch a Safety Challenge or Competition

Make it fun! Host daily safety quizzes, PPE spot-check competitions, or hazard hunts around the facility. Offer prizes for participation—small incentives go a long way in encouraging buy-in.

Goal: Create memorable moments that reinforce safe behaviors.

3. Feature “Safety Stories” from Staff

3. Feature “Safety Stories” from Staff

4. Invite a Local Expert or Guest Speaker

5. Audit and Upgrade Your Safety Gear

6. Get the Community Involved

7. Recognize Safety Champions

Pro Safety Insight: Don’t Let It Stop at One Week

NAOSH Week is not the finish line—it’s a springboard.

Use it to launch or reinforce ongoing initiatives like:

• Monthly safety talks
• Anonymous hazard reporting systems
• Mental health and wellness programs
• Regular first aid and emergency drills

Remember: A strong safety culture doesn’t just protect your people—it boosts morale, improves productivity, and enhances your company’s reputation.

Final Word: This is the Year to Raise the Bar

In 2025, let’s make NAOSH Week a turning point—not just a yearly tradition. Lead by example, inspire change, and invest in safety like it’s the most valuable asset you have—because it is.

Here’s to safer, healthier workplaces—and stronger communities—for everyone.

February Is Heart Month: Heart Health at Work

February is here, and it’s the perfect time to talk about heart health—both yours and your coworkers’. Since we spend so much of our day at work, why not make the workplace a heart-healthier place? After all, a happy heart is a healthy heart, and a healthy heart keeps you energized and productive!

So for Heart Month, here’s a quick dive into how you can keep your ticker in tip-top shape while at work and some safety and first aid preparedness tips to keep your team ready for anything.

Heart Month: Health Tips for the Workplace

1. Get Moving, Even at Your Desk
Sitting for long periods isn’t great for your heart. Try standing up every 30 minutes, taking a quick lap around the office, or doing simple desk exercises like seated leg lifts or stretches. Bonus: it helps with productivity too!

2. Snack Smart
Swap out those vending machine chips for heart-healthy snacks like almonds, walnuts, or fresh fruit. Keep some dark chocolate (70% or higher) on hand for when that sweet craving hits—it’s good for your heart in moderation.

3. Stay Hydrated
Dehydration can strain your heart, so keep that water bottle handy. Set a timer if you need a reminder to sip throughout the day.

4. Manage Stress
Deadlines can be stressful, and stress isn’t great for your heart. Try deep breathing exercises, mindfulness apps, or even a 5-minute walk to clear your head.

5. Prioritize Breaks
Working through lunch or skipping breaks might seem productive, but it’s actually counterproductive for your heart. Use your breaks to relax, eat, or get some fresh air..

Workplace Safety & First Aid Preparedness for Heart Health

Being heart-conscious at work isn’t just about lifestyle changes. It’s also about being prepared for emergencies.

Here are some Heart Month must-haves and tips:

1. Have an AED (Automated External Defibrillator)
On-Site Time is critical during cardiac emergencies, and having an AED in your workplace can save lives. Make sure everyone knows where it’s located and how to use it. Regularly check that it’s in working order!

2. Stock Your First Aid Kit
A fully stocked first aid kit should include items like aspirin (to help with suspected heart attacks), nitrile gloves, and a CPR mask. These are small additions that can make a big difference.

3. CPR and AED Training for Employees
Training your team in CPR and AED use is a game-changer. Consider scheduling regular training sessions to ensure everyone feels confident stepping in during an emergency.

4. Emergency Action Plan
Does your workplace have a plan in case of a medical emergency? Make sure everyone knows what to do, who to call, and where to find essential equipment like the AED or first aid kit.

5. Promote Heart Health Awareness
Put up posters, send out emails, or host a wellness challenge to educate employees about heart health. Awareness is the first step toward prevention!

Heart-Healthy Supplies to Keep at Work

Portable AED: A must-have for any workplace.

First Aid Kit: Make sure it’s well-stocked and includes heart-specific items like aspirin.

Water Stations: Encourage hydration with accessible water dispensers.

Healthy Snack Options: Consider providing fruits, nuts, or whole-grain snacks in break rooms.

Stress Relievers: Simple tools like stress balls or a quiet space for relaxation can help.

Every month should be Heart Month: Make Heart Health a Priority

Heart health isn’t just about avoiding emergencies; it’s about creating a healthier environment where everyone can thrive. Small changes—like standing more, snacking smarter, and having the right safety supplies—can have a big impact.

So, as we celebrate Heart Month this February, take a moment to check in with yourself and your team. How can you make your workplace a healthier, safer space for everyone? Let’s get those hearts pumping…in a good way!

Here are some events across Canada for Heart Month: Events

Save the Date: Tsunami Preparedness Week – April 13–19, 2025

Tsunamis are powerful natural events that can cause significant devastation along coastal areas. For those of us living in British Columbia and the Pacific Northwest, understanding the risks and preparing for tsunamis is not just smart—it’s essential.

Tsunami Preparedness Week, happening from April 13–19, 2025, is the perfect opportunity to learn how to stay safe. Let’s explore how to determine if you’re in a danger zone, why preparation is critical, and what steps to take during a tsunami warning.

Are You in a Tsunami Danger Area?

If you live, work, or visit areas along the coast of British Columbia or the Pacific Northwest, it’s important to assess your risk. Here’s how to determine if you’re in harm’s way:

Understand Your Location:

Are you within a mile (1.6 kilometers) of the coastline?

Is your elevation less than 25 feet (7.6 meters) above sea level?

If the answer is yes, you could be in a tsunami danger zone.

Check Hazard Maps:

Many coastal municipalities in British Columbia and the Pacific Northwest have tsunami hazard maps available online or through local emergency management offices. These maps highlight at-risk areas and evacuation routes.

Recognize Natural Warning Signs:

Earthquakes: If you feel strong or prolonged shaking, it might signal an underwater quake capable of triggering a tsunami.

Ocean Changes: A sudden retreat or dramatic rise in ocean water can be an immediate precursor to a tsunami.

Stay Alert: Sign up for local emergency alerts and ensure you have access to credible sources of information, like the BC Emergency Alert System or NOAA Weather Radio.

Why Tsunami Preparedness Matters in Our Region

British Columbia and the Pacific Northwest sit along the Pacific Ring of Fire, a hotspot for tectonic activity. This means our coastal areas are particularly vulnerable to tsunamis caused by underwater earthquakes and landslides.

Here’s why preparing is crucial:

Rapid Onset: Tsunamis can reach our shores within minutes of an earthquake. Early preparation is the key to safety.

Severe Impact: Even small tsunamis can cause major flooding, infrastructure damage, and loss of life.

Limited Warning Time: In many cases, there’s little time to react unless you’ve planned ahead.

How to Prepare for Tsunamis

Preparing for a tsunami doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Here’s how to get started:

Develop a Family Emergency Plan:

Identify evacuation routes that lead to higher ground or designated safe zones.

Establish a communication plan to stay in touch with family members during an emergency.

Build an Emergency Kit:

Include essentials like water, non-perishable food, a flashlight, batteries, a whistle, first aid supplies, and copies of important documents in a waterproof container.

Practice Drills:

Participate in local tsunami evacuation drills during Tsunami Preparedness Week.

Familiarize yourself with the fastest route to safety.

Educate Yourself:

Attend preparedness workshops and learn from local experts.

Share what you learn with friends and family to spread awareness.

What to Do During a Tsunami Warning

When a tsunami warning is issued, every second counts. Here’s how to respond:

React Quickly:

If you feel a strong earthquake, don’t wait for official alerts. Move to higher ground immediately.

If you’re near the shore and notice unusual ocean behavior, act without delay.

Evacuate Safely:

Follow marked evacuation routes to reach safe areas.

Avoid roads near the coastline, as they can quickly flood.

Stay Updated:

Listen to emergency broadcasts and follow instructions from local authorities.

Wait for the official “all clear” before returning to coastal areas.

Keep Away from the Shore:

Resist the urge to watch the waves; tsunamis often consist of multiple surges, and the danger isn’t over until authorities declare it safe.

Mark Your Calendar for Tsunami Preparedness Week

This April, British Columbia and the Pacific Northwest are coming together to promote tsunami awareness and safety. Use this time to educate yourself, participate in local events, and prepare your household.

Remember, preparedness saves lives. By taking simple steps today, you’ll be ready to protect yourself and your loved ones when it matters most. Let’s make Tsunami Preparedness Week 2025 a time to strengthen our coastal communities and build resilience for the future!