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!

Road Safety Week: 3 Important Kits for Preparedness

Every year, Road Safety Week serves as a crucial reminder about the importance of safety on our roads. Held annually during the third week of November, this year’s observance falls from November 19th to November 25th, 2024. It’s a time for communities, businesses, and organizations to emphasize safe driving habits and the value of preparedness for all road users. From ensuring your vehicle is well-equipped to maintaining a responsible driving mindset, Road Safety Week encourages everyone to contribute to safer roadways.

Why Road Safety Matters

Road accidents are a leading cause of injury and fatalities worldwide. Many of these incidents are preventable with the right precautions and awareness. During Road Safety Week, attention is placed on factors like distracted driving, speeding, and impaired driving. However, beyond driving habits, being equipped with emergency supplies can play a significant role in reducing the severity of incidents and helping you respond quickly to emergencies on the road.

Key Kits Every Vehicle Should Have

To ensure the safety of drivers and passengers alike, WorkSafeBC and Alberta WorkSafe advise that all work vehicles have essential first aid and roadside assistance kits. However, these recommendations extend to every vehicle on the road, as accidents, breakdowns, or poor weather can happen at any time.

Here’s a breakdown of three critical kits to have in your vehicle:

1. First Aid Kit

A comprehensive first aid kit should be stocked with essentials to handle minor injuries and help you manage injuries until professional help arrives. Include items like adhesive bandages, gauze pads, antiseptic wipes, scissors, tweezers, and an emergency blanket. Remember, for those who drive for work, having a work-safe compliant first aid kit is not only wise—it’s a requirement.

Get the kit here: BC Personal First Aid Kit – Bag FK1033B

2. Roadside Assistance Kit

A roadside assistance kit is a lifesaver in situations like a breakdown or tire blowout. This kit should include jumper cables, a tire pressure gauge, a flashlight, basic tools, an air compressor, and reflective warning triangles or road flares to alert other drivers of your presence on the roadside.

Get the Auto Emergency Kit – SQ6008

3. Grab-and-Go Emergency Kit

Especially valuable in harsh weather conditions, a “grab-and-go” emergency kit can keep you safe and comfortable if you’re stranded or waiting for assistance. Stock this kit with bottled water, non-perishable snacks, a blanket, a power bank for your phone, gloves, and a compact first aid kit. In cold regions, consider adding hand warmers, an ice scraper, and extra clothing layers.

Get the 1 Person 72hr Basic Emergency Kit SQ6009

Road Safety Week Activities: How to Participate

Engaging in Road Safety Week can be as simple as taking proactive steps for your own safety or encouraging others to do the same. Here are a few ways to get involved:

Check and Replenish Your Vehicle Kits:

Now is the perfect time to check your first aid and roadside assistance kits, ensuring they are fully stocked and up-to-date. Replace expired items and add any new essentials for the season.

Educate Family and Employees:

Talk to your loved ones or colleagues about the importance of road safety and being prepared. Sharing knowledge can foster a culture of safety.

Join Community or Workplace Events:

Many communities and workplaces hold events, training sessions, or workshops on road safety. Participating in these activities can increase awareness and help you stay informed about best practices.

Share Safety Tips Online:

Social media is a powerful tool for spreading awareness. Share tips, stories, or resources about road safety and the importance of being prepared for emergencies on the road.

Visit Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police for more info on Road Safety Week.

Be Prepared, Stay Safe!

Road Safety Week is a reminder to always prioritize safety while on the road. By following safe driving practices and ensuring your vehicle is stocked with essential kits, you are taking meaningful steps toward protecting yourself and others.

At SOS Emergency Response Technologies, we are dedicated to providing high-quality emergency supplies to keep you and your loved ones safe on the road.

Remember, the road is shared by everyone-let’s make it safer together.

2024 Great British Columbia ShakeOut

Get Ready, Stay Safe, and Have Fun! ShakeOut Week in BC has been officially proclaimed October 11-18th, 2024!!

The Great British Columbia ShakeOut is an annual earthquake preparedness drill that allows people across the province to practice how to stay safe during an earthquake. In 2024, it’s happening on Thursday, October 17 at 10:17 AM, and it’s the perfect opportunity to ensure you’re prepared to protect yourself and your loved ones if the ground starts shaking.

How to Prepare for Your ShakeOut Drill

Before you dive into the drill, here are a few steps to ensure everything runs smoothly:

Register Your Participation:

Visit the ShakeOut BC website to officially register. This helps organizers know how many people are taking part and sends you helpful updates.

Know the Drill:

Familiarize yourself with the basic steps:

Drop:

Get down to your hands and knees to prevent falling.

Cover:

Take cover under sturdy furniture or against an interior wall away from windows.

Hold On:

Hold on to your shelter until the shaking stops

Choose Your Location:

Decide where you’ll do the drill—home, office, or school. It’s important to practice in a place where you spend most of your time.

Gather Your Supplies:

Earthquake kits should include essentials like water, non-perishable food, a first aid kit, flashlight, and extra batteries. Check to ensure yours is up to date!

Involve Everyone:

Make sure all family members, coworkers, or students know the drill time and understand their roles.

Tips to Make Your Drill Fun and Engaging

Turn It Into a Game:

Create a scavenger hunt for emergency supplies before the drill starts. Whoever finds the most items wins a prize!

Host a Themed Event:

For businesses or schools, consider hosting a ShakeOut-themed day. Dress in earthquake-safe gear (hard hats, safety vests) and decorate with safety posters.

Quiz Time:

After the drill, test everyone’s knowledge with a safety quiz. You can hand out rewards for correct answers to make learning enjoyable.

Earthquake Storytime:

For families with children, read a book about earthquakes after the drill or have a discussion on why it’s important to be prepared.

Simulate a Real Scenario:

Use sound effects of rumbling and shaking to simulate a real earthquake. This helps participants feel more immersed and take the drill seriously.

Top 5 Earthquake Safety Tips

Now that you’re ready to practice, here are the top five safety tips to prepare for an actual earthquake:

Create an Emergency Plan: Make sure everyone in your household or workplace knows the evacuation route, safe spots, and how to reconnect if separated.

Secure Heavy Furniture and Objects: Anchor bookshelves, cabinets, and other large furniture to walls to prevent them from toppling over during a quake. Store breakables in low, secure places.

Prepare an Emergency Kit: A well-stocked emergency kit should last at least 72 hours and include water, food, medication, first aid supplies, and important documents.

Know Your Building’s Safety Features: Familiarize yourself with emergency exits, fire extinguishers, and alarm systems in your building. If you live in an earthquake-prone zone, consider retrofitting your home.

Stay Informed: Keep an emergency radio on hand, and sign up for local emergency alerts. Knowledge is power, especially when it comes to safety.

The Great British Columbia ShakeOut is not just a drill; it’s a chance to actively prepare for an event that could strike at any time. By making the drill fun and engaging, you can turn what might feel like a chore into a valuable learning experience for everyone involved. Don’t forget—practice makes perfect, and when it comes to earthquakes, knowing what to do can save lives.

So, mark your calendar for October 17, 2024, and get ready to drop, cover, and hold on!
Use sound effects of rumbling and shaking to simulate a real earthquake. This helps participants feel more immersed and take the drill seriously.

7 Flair tips for your Joint OHS Committee Safety Meeting

1. Themed Meetings:

2. Interactive Activities:

3. Visual Aids and Videos:

4. Guest Speakers with a Twist:

Invite guest speakers who can offer specialized knowledge on a particular safety topic, but add a twist by choosing someone who can inject humor into the discussion. Funny safety talks by guest speakers can lighten the mood while still delivering important safety messages. A bit of humor during your Joint OHS committee safety meeting can make the content more relatable and memorable, ensuring that the key takeaways stick with your team.

For more information about our SOS Joint OHS Committee Safety Training:

Joint OHS Committee Safety Training Alberta

Joint OHS Committee Safety Training British Columbia

or more info for Joint OHS Committee Safety Training at WorkSafeBC

5. Games and Challenges:

Turn your Joint OHS committee safety meeting into a game! Whether it’s a safety-themed trivia contest, a “safety bingo” game, or a challenge to identify hazards in a simulated scenario, games can make learning about safety more enjoyable. By turning safety education into a fun activity, you encourage employees to engage with the material and think critically about safety in their everyday work.

6. Slogan and Jingle Contests:

7. Recognition and Rewards:

Don’t forget to acknowledge the hard work of your Joint OHS committee members and employees who contribute to a safer workplace. Recognizing their efforts with small rewards or public praise during the meeting can boost morale and reinforce the importance of their contributions. This positive reinforcement encourages continued commitment to safety.

By incorporating these elements into your Joint OHS committee safety meeting, you can transform your Joint OHS committee meetings from routine gatherings into dynamic and impactful sessions that not only address critical safety issues but also foster a culture of safety and collaboration in the workplace. Remember, while safety is everyone’s responsibility, how you approach it can make a significant difference in keeping your team engaged and motivated.

AED Management Program: Ensuring Readiness for Sudden Cardiac Arrest

When someone suffers a Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) on your watch, having an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) and responders ready to act is crucial. However, maintaining this readiness can be challenging as first aid attendants come and go, certifications expire, and regulations change. This is where an AED management program becomes essential.

What is an AED Management Program?

Key Features of the SOS AED Management Program

1. Timely Reminders: Our program will remind you when it’s time to replace AED pads and batteries, ensuring your device is always operational.
2. Training Scheduling: We notify you when it’s time to schedule your next training class, helping you maintain up-to-date certifications for your responders.
3. Compliance Assistance: Stay informed about changes in laws and regulations affecting AED usage, so your facility remains compliant.
4. Peace of Mind: With SOS managing your AED program, you can focus on other aspects of safety and readiness, knowing your AED is in expert hands.

Why is AED Management Important?

An AED management program ensures that:

• Your AED is always ready for use.
• Responders are confident and prepared.
• Your facility complies with current regulations.
• Maintenance tasks don’t fall through the cracks.

The Importance of AEDs in SCA

Sudden Cardiac Arrest is a life-threatening emergency that can strike anyone, anywhere, at any time. The chances of survival decrease significantly with every passing minute without defibrillation. AEDs are designed to deliver a controlled electric shock to the heart, restoring a normal heartbeat in victims of SCA. Their portability and ease of use make them essential in workplaces, schools, public places, and homes.

Read more tips on the importance of an AED: Automated External Defibrillator (AED)

The Role of AED Management in Enhancing Survival Rates

Effective AED management directly impacts survival rates in cases of SCA. Here’s how:

1. Ensuring Functionality: Regular checks and timely replacements of pads and batteries ensure the AED is always ready for use.
2. Ongoing Training: Regular training sessions keep responders skilled and confident, ensuring they can act quickly and effectively.
3. Legal Compliance: Keeping up with current regulations helps avoid legal complications and ensures best practices are followed.
4. Record Keeping: Detailed logs of maintenance and training sessions help in audits and improve accountability.

Common Challenges in AED Management

Managing an AED program can be complex. Here are some common challenges:

• Maintenance Overlooked: Without regular reminders, it’s easy to forget to check pads and batteries.
• Training Gaps: Staff turnover and busy schedules can lead to lapses in training.
• Regulatory Changes: Keeping up with evolving laws and guidelines can be difficult without dedicated support.
• Record Keeping: Tracking maintenance and training manually can be time-consuming and prone to errors.

How SOS AED Management Program Addresses These Challenges

At SOS, we understand these challenges and have designed our AED management program to address them effectively:

1. Automated Reminders: Our system sends automated reminders for maintenance tasks, ensuring nothing is overlooked.
2. Scheduled Training: We organize and remind you of upcoming training sessions, keeping your team’s skills sharp.
3. Regulatory Updates: We stay on top of the latest laws and guidelines, ensuring your program is always compliant.
4. Digital Record Keeping: Our program includes digital records of all maintenance and training activities, making audits and reviews straightforward.

How to Enroll in the SOS AED Management Program

Inquiring about our AED management program is simple.

Contact us at info@sostech.ca to see if your existing AED qualifies for our comprehensive service.

By partnering with SOS, you ensure that your AED and your team are always prepared for a sudden cardiac arrest emergency.

Real-Life Impact of Effective AED Management

Consider a scenario where an AED is needed urgently. With an effective AED management program:

• The AED is ready: Pads and batteries are functional because maintenance reminders were followed.
• The responders are prepared: Training sessions have kept skills fresh, and responders act quickly and confidently.
• Compliance is ensured: Regulatory requirements are met, and there are no legal hindrances in using the AED.
• Records are available: Detailed logs provide clear evidence of compliance and readiness.

Shop now for our available AED Units and Parts & ask us about our AED Rental Program.

Invest in Readiness, Save Lives

Investing in an AED management program is more than just a regulatory requirement; it’s a commitment to saving lives. An effective program ensures that your AED is always ready, your team is always prepared, and your facility is always compliant.

Don’t wait for an emergency to discover gaps in your readiness.

Contact SOS today at info@sostech.ca to learn more about our AED management program and how it can benefit your organization. With SOS, you gain peace of mind, knowing you are always prepared to respond to Sudden Cardiac Arrest.

Stay safe, stay prepared, and make a difference with an AED management program from SOS.

Need to locate an AED during an emergency? or want to register your AED location?

For more info check out: PulsePoint

Emergency Preparedness Week 2024: 4 Essential Tips to Prepare

Emergency Preparedness Week in Canada is a national awareness initiative that encourages Canadians to take proactive steps to mitigate the impacts of potential emergencies. Held annually during the first full week of May, this week serves as a crucial reminder of the importance of being prepared for unexpected situations, ranging from natural disasters to technological or environmental incidents.

The Importance of Emergency Preparedness Week

How to Prepare for Emergency Preparedness Week: A Step-by-Step Guide

Know the Risks:

Understanding the specific risks in your area—whether it’s floods, wildfires, earthquakes, or severe weather—is crucial and should be your first step towards better safety. Getting to know these risks not only gives you a heads up about what could happen, but it also greatly shapes your preparation strategies and emergency plans.

Emergency Preparedness Week reminds you to acquire the knowledge that allows you to tailor your actions to effectively respond to each potential hazard.

For instance, if you live in an area prone to wildfires, you’ll want to create a plan that includes safe evacuation routes and fire-resistant measures for your home. On the other hand, if floods are a frequent concern, you’ll focus on waterproofing important documents and creating barriers for floodwaters.

By starting with what’s specific to your locality, you can build a comprehensive and effective emergency plan that addresses the unique challenges you might face.

Make a Plan:

Every household should have an emergency plan. This plan should include details on safe exits from your home, meeting places to reunite with family or roommates, and local emergency contacts. Don’t forget to consider the special needs of children, seniors, people with disabilities, and pets.

Prepare an Emergency Kit:

In case you need to evacuate quickly or shelter in place, having an emergency kit is vital. Essentials include water (two liters per person per day), non-perishable food, a flashlight, batteries, a first aid kit, medications, important documents in waterproof containers, and cash in small bills.

SOS makes Emergency Preparedness Week easy! We offer FULLY stocked, Grab-n-Go! – 72hr Emergency Kits & First Aid Kits (click to shop now!)

Stay Informed:

Sign up for local alerts and warnings. Knowing how your community broadcasts emergency information is critical during a crisis. Consider a battery-powered or hand-crank radio to receive updates if power is out.

On May 8th the national emergency alert system will be tested.

Example message:
“This is a TEST of the Emergency Alert system. This is ONLY a TEST. In an emergency, this message would tell you what to do to stay safe. This information could save your life. This is ONLY a TEST. No action is required.”

Do not call 911 for information about the test. Using 911 for non-emergency calls could delay help for people in crisis.

For more information go to the Government of BC website