Personal Preparedness Plan
docx
keyboard_arrow_up
School
University Canada West *
*We aren’t endorsed by this school
Course
MISC
Subject
Geography
Date
Nov 24, 2024
Type
docx
Pages
7
Uploaded by SuperHumanZebra2109
1
Personal Preparedness Plan
Student’s Name
Institutional Affiliation
Course Title
Submission Date
2
Introduction
As a result of its location between the Pacific Ocean and the Coast Mountains, the city of
Vancouver, which is known for its stunning appearance, provides residents with a one-of-a-kind
combination of natural beauty and possible climate-related risks. The flooding of rivers will be
the primary focus of this individual preparedness plan since it is a severe climate-related hazard
occurrence that has the potential to have a large effect on the community. The city of Vancouver
is well-known for its extensive network of rivers and streams; yet, as a result of the shifting
3
patterns of climate, the possibility of river flooding has emerged as a significant issue.
Fig 1: Map of Vancouver Island and mainland.
Rationale for Hazard Selection
My home is situated quite near a river, which is why river flooding is the option I've chosen.
Because of its many bodies of water, Vancouver is prone to floods when it rains heavily or snow
melts quickly. River flooding may cause significant damage to infrastructure, closure of roads,
Your preview ends here
Eager to read complete document? Join bartleby learn and gain access to the full version
- Access to all documents
- Unlimited textbook solutions
- 24/7 expert homework help
4
and interruption of important services. Therefore, it is necessary to have a thorough strategy for
preparation.
Fig 1: Highway 14 on southern Vancouver Island was badly flooded. (Baker, 2021)
Factors Influencing Personal Risk
My individual risk of river flooding is influenced by a number of sources. Important factors to
take into account include the age of my home and the building of it, the elevation of my property
in relation to the river, and the availability of evacuation routes (Sewell, 2019). Having a
thorough grasp of the floodplain maps and historical flood data for the particular river that is
located close to my house is also crucial in order to accurately assess the possible danger level.
Adaptations around Home
The changes that are made around the house should be centered on limiting the damage caused
by floods and protecting the safety of the people in order to be ready for the danger occurrence.
In order to lessen the severity of the damage, it may be beneficial to elevate electrical systems
and create flood barriers, such as sandbags. The development of a landscape design that directs
5
water runoff away from the home and the establishment of an evacuation route that is easily
accessible and well-maintained are both essential components of preparation responsibilities.
Household Emergency Kit
When it comes to immediate intervention and response, having a well-equipped emergency pack
is really necessary. A multi-tool, non-perishable food items, water, first aid supplies, flashlights, a
radio that runs on batteries, critical papers, and emergency supplies should all be included in this
pack (Yam & Chen, 2020). In addition, it is important to include individualized goods like
prescriptions, replacement keys, and clothing that is appropriate for the weather circumstances.
Communication Plan
The importance of effective communication during a hazard occurrence cannot be overstated.
Having a list of emergency contacts, making sure that all members of the family are aware of the
evacuation protocols, and having a predetermined meeting spot are all components of the process
of establishing a communication plan. Enhancing communication may also be accomplished via
the use of local alert systems, weather reports, and social media mediums.
Actions during the Hazard
Maintaining communication through proper channels is of the utmost importance during a river
flooding disaster. The decision-making process will be guided by the monitoring of weather
predictions, flood warnings, and escape orders (Sandink & Binns, 2021). If it is required, moving
to higher ground, cutting off utilities, and safeguarding important objects are all activities that
may be taken to reduce the likelihood of adverse outcomes.
Evacuation Plan
6
In the event that an evacuation is necessary, a well-defined plan should contain information
about the closest evacuation centers, a route that has been chosen, and a grasp of the various
transit alternative. Maintaining a "go bag" that contains your vital papers, prescriptions, and a
copy of the emergency plan can guarantee that you are able to evacuate in a timely and orderly
manner.
Conclusion
In conclusion, a personal preparation plan for river flooding in Vancouver should incorporate a
holistic approach that includes house modifications, emergency supplies, communication tactics,
and a strategy for evacuation that is well stated. By gaining an awareness of the unique dangers
and vulnerabilities that are linked with river floods, citizens have the ability to improve personal
resilience and contribute to the overall readiness of the community. For the strategy to be
successful in the face of a real-world danger, it is necessary to do regular rehearsals and updates
on it.
Your preview ends here
Eager to read complete document? Join bartleby learn and gain access to the full version
- Access to all documents
- Unlimited textbook solutions
- 24/7 expert homework help
7
References
Baker R. (2021) Canada’s National Observer. Vancouver Island braces for another surge of
storms.
https://www.nationalobserver.com/2021/11/24/news/vancouver-island-braces-
another-surge-storms
BC Government, Be prepared for floods
https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/safety/emergency-
management/preparedbc/knowyour-hazards/floods
City of Surrey, Flood Control and Prevention
https://www.surrey.ca/services-payments/water-
drainage-sewer/flood-control-prevention
Floodwise BC, Floodwise in BC’s Lower Mainland:
https://floodwise.ca/
Fraser Basin Council Lower Mainland Flood Management Strategy
https://www.fraserbasin.bc.ca/water_flood.html#floodwise
Sandink, D., & Binns, A. D. (2021). Reducing urban flood risk through building-and lot-scale
flood mitigation approaches: Challenges and opportunities.
Frontiers in Water
,
3
,
689202.
Sewell, W. D. (2019). Human response to floods. In
Introduction to geographical hydrology
(pp.
121-141). Routledge.
Yam, E., & Chen, D. (2020). Individual emergency preparedness survey among Canadians in
Lower Mainland, BC.
BCIT Environmental Public Health Journal
.