METRO VANCOUVER EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS INFORMATION Last Updated November 2012 (NE)
Contents chapter 1 FIRE SAFETY Maintenance Requirements 5 Fire Safety Records 6 Common Causes of Fire 6 Fire Awareness and Training 7 Fire Prevention 8 What To Do When There s a Fire 9 chapter 2 EARTHQUAKE SAFETY What You Need to Know About an Earthquake 12 chapter 3 OTHER EMERGENCIES Floods 13 Power Failures 14 Forest Fires 15 Hazardous Materials 15 chapter 4 EMERGENCY SUPPORT Your Telephone Directory 16 Other Resources 16 Emotional Support 16 Your Municipal Resources 17 For further Information 17
chapter 1 FIRE SAFETY FIRE Fire Safety Plans If there s a fire alarm system in an apartment building MVHC is responsible for ensuring there is a fire safety plan. Many municipalities require a completed fire safety plan before issuing an occupancy permit for any new development. Even if we are not required to have a fire safety plan for your building, MVHC recommends you develop an evacuation plan for your unit to protect your household members. Make sure everyone knows the possible escape routes and indicate a meeting place outside the building near a prominent landmark. A fire safety plan has two primary objectives: To outline measures/procedures to control fire hazards. To give occupants direction on emergency evacuation procedures. As part of the building plan, we have appointed the monitoring company and/or MVHC staff as a Fire Safety Director. Your Tenant Association can also opt to have an Emergency Co-ordinator and secondary Emergency Co-ordinator contacts to assist tenants. The Emergency Co-ordinators are also tenants. They are responsible for ensuring all tenants have adequate fire prevention and evacuation training. The primary Emergency Co-ordinator or designate ensures the fire department is contacted, and acts a resource person to fire department personnel during an emergency. elevators, emergency power and lighting, electrical service, and garbage disposal at your development, as well as floor plans for each level of your building and a site plan of the full development. The local fire department will review and approve the building fire safety plan. A copy is kept on site and available for the fire department. The plan is reviewed annually, in order to inform the local fire department of any changes. Maintenance Requirements The building fire safety plan outlines requirements for inspections and tests to ensure the equipment and systems are functioning properly. A professional contractor conducts the annual fire alarm inspection. MVHC staff contracts with fire protection companies to have the fire alarm system, extinguishers, hoses, back flow preventors, sprinklers, and heat and smoke detectors inspected. Smoke alarms in individual units may be tested by residents each month, and by the operator as necessary and whenever occupancy changes. If battery powered smoke alarms are in use, replace the batteries once a year. Smoke alarms more than ten years old are replaced. To determine the alarm s age, you ll find a date stamp on the back of the alarm. Fire safety equipment must function properly to pass inspection. If any equipment doesn t work, MVHC staff will ensure it is repaired or replaced immediately. The building fire safety plan describes the physical components of the building, including detection, extinguishing and exit systems. MVHC staff maintain information on maintenance requirements, 4 5
FIRE FIRE Fire Safety Records The following records are regularly maintained and kept for at least two years. A copy of this information is available to the local fire department upon request. Records of all fires, drills and false alarms in the building date, location, and a description of the incident. Monthly (or quarterly) fire protection system tests and annual smoke alarm tests. Annual Fire Protection System inspections. MVHC maintains a list of the names and unit numbers of occupants with disabilities who need assistance evacuating in the event of a fire. We update the list whenever there s a change, and store a copy in a location accessible to the responding fire department. This list guides firefighters in rescuing those unable to leave the building on their own. Common Causes of Fire Arson and cigarettes are the two most common causes of residential fires. Other causes are cooking fires in the kitchen (i.e. boiling oil that is left unattended on the stove. Use CSA approved deep fryers instead of open pots for this type of cooking), electrical fires from overloaded circuits, children playing with matches, and unsafe storage of flammable materials. Almost all deadly fires occur in the early morning hours, because people are usually asleep when the fire starts and fewer people are awake to notice. As a result, the fire can escalate before it s noticed and before the fire department is alerted. Deaths during a fire are usually from smoke inhalation or toxic poisoning from the gases given off by burning materials. Fire Awareness and Training The fire safety plan describes steps residents should take to vacate the building when the fire alarm sounds, and what to do if a fire starts in their unit. Talk to your Tenant Association about how best to advise all residents about important safety information. Here are some suggestions: Have fire safety brochures from your local fire department available. Have an annual meeting to explain these procedures and provide handouts. This meeting also provides a good opportunity to involve your local fire department. Consider a regular time to set off the fire alarm and conduct a fire drill and evacuation. Post notices in hallways and entrances informing people what to do and who to call in the event of a fire. Make sure escape routes are clearly marked. Encouraging residents to assist one another during an alarm. Some parents with young children, senior citizens or people with disabilities may not be able to evacuate quickly. Offer assistance only if it will not put your life in danger. Your local fire department is available to assist with some of this training, or you can attend training sessions put on by a local fire extinguisher company. Contact your Tenant Association and suggest they organize an information session. In addition, know the location and operation of safety equipment in your units, such as smoke alarms, breaker panels, fire extinguishers, and shut off switches for the water, gas, hydro and furnace. Label all shut off switches in your unit. 6 7
FIRE FIRE Fire Prevention Here are some safety tips to protect your home and family: DO NOT remove or disable smoke alarms as you place both yourself and your neighbours in danger in the event of a fire. Test your smoke alarm monthly. Do not tamper with smoke alarms. Contact staff if there is a problem with their operation. If your smoke alarm goes off regularly please ensure that you keep your stove, oven and toaster clean so they don t smoke. Use the exhaust fan when cooking to reduce the possibility of false alarms. If that doesn t solve the problem, forward a Maintenance Request and the Building Manager will investigate. Do not store flammable liquids such as paint thinner, solvents, or gasoline inside your home, balcony, attached storage area, basement or storage locker. Do not prop open fire doors or disable automatic door closers, as you place both yourself and your neighbours in danger in the event of a fire. Do not accumulate old newspapers, which become a fire hazard when stored. Do not overload power outlets. A power bar with a shutoff feature can protect your electrical appliances. Do not leave Christmas tree lights plugged in while you are away from home or sleeping. Be familiar with the building s fire safety floor plan and procedures. Know at least two ways out of the building, in case one escape route is blocked by fire. Parents are encouraged to draw a floor plan of the unit and plot at least two escape routes. Leave the building right away if the fire alarm sounds. Follow the fire escape plan. Call the fire department immediately if there is a fire anywhere in the building. Leave firefighting to the local fire department. Use a fire extinguisher only if trained. What To Do When There s a Fire ACTIVATE THE ALARM If you discover a fire at the development, the first step is to alert residents by activating the nearest pull station. CALL 911 OR THE FIRE DEPARTMENT As soon as the alarm has been activated, phone 911. Be prepared to give the exact address and cross street, your name, and any additional information that s requested. 8 9
FIRE FIRE EVACUATE THE BUILDING Ensure all residents know they must leave the building immediately if they hear the fire alarm. Residents should know at least two exit routes to use, in advance. These routes should already be posted and explained in previous fire drills and emergency evacuation procedures. Follow fire, police, and ambulance personnel instructions. Do not use the elevators. Move people quickly away from the building to the designated evacuation meeting place. Emergency response personnel will notify you if it is safe to go back in the building. HELP PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES If the fire or smoke affects tenants who are unable to go down the stairs on their own, other occupants may need to assist them in moving to a safer area of the building or outside. Further information is available in your fire safety plan. Remember to never put yourself in danger when assisting another person. PEOPLE CAUGHT IN SMOKE During fire drills, fire safety meetings, and training sessions: Drop to your hands and knees and crawl if you are caught in smoke during a fire, because the air is freshest near the floor. Hold your breath as much as possible. Breathe slowly through the nose, using a blouse, shirt, or jacket as a filter. Stay in your unit and call the fire department if you are unable to evacuate, and make sure the doors and windows are closed. If you cannot evacuate residents with disabilities to a stairwell because of the fire and smoke, advise them to remain in their units with the doors and windows closed. Call the fire department and inform them that residents are trapped. When fire department personnel arrive, follow their instructions and let them do their work. Report on residents who need assistance evacuating the building (if you know of any). This will help firefighters check on people unable to evacuate on their own. 10 11
chapter 2 EARTHQUAKE SAFETY chapter 3 OTHER EMERGENCIES What You Need to Know About an Earthquake 1. There is not a supply of food, water, blankets or other survival provisions stored anywhere on the property. You will need to be prepared. 2. If there is natural gas service in your building, your Building Manager (if present) may shut the gas off, if there are fire(s) or a fire risk. 3. There are no arrangements for alternate living quarters if you are unable to return to your unit. Contact your municipality for more information on Emergency Social Services. 4. Depending on the severity of the earthquake, you may not be able to telephone/email for assistance. 5. The contents of your unit, your automobile and other personal property are not insured by MVHC. You have an obligation in your Tenancy Agreement to have and maintain a standard tenant insurance package that includes comprehensive general liability coverage of not less than $1,000,000, and it is important that you do this for your protection. 6. MVHC bring you the above information in an effort to alert you to the reality of an earthquake scenario. Accordingly, you need to develop your own personal plans for survival. Like many people, you will not be adequately prepared and this is human nature. Your Tenant Association can work on safe evacuation procedures. 7. See Appendix for emergency plans specific to your municipality. While an earthquake is the worst natural disaster some areas of BC may face, we re more likely to encounter floods and power failures. Each year, thousands of residents throughout the province deal with flooding and extensive power outages. People may also face other emergencies such as forest fires, and hazardous material spills. Floods Burst pipes, abnormally heavy rainfall, high temperatures that melt snow rapidly, or a dam failure can all start floods. Minor floods usually cause carpet and furniture damage. Major floods can cause more serious structural damage to buildings. When pipes burst, there may be sufficient time to move your belongings to a higher level. If possible, shut off the water to the flooded unit. Your Tenancy Agreement requires you to have and maintain a standard tenant insurance package that includes comprehensive general liability coverage of not less than $1,000,000 and you should contact your adjusters to review personal property damage. For major flooding due to nature, see appendix for emergency plans specific to your municipality. 12 13
POWER FAILURES FOREST FIRES/HAZARDOUS MATERIALS Power Failures During high winds, snow, and freezing rainstorms, some rural areas commonly experience power outages lasting a few hours to several days. Urban areas can also experience extended power failures during extreme weather. Power from back-up generators and emergency lighting is routinely maintained as part of the fire safety plan. Multi-residence buildings, such as high rises, may have built in emergency generators to provide power for public areas and elevators. Some buildings may only have emergency lighting, while others may not have a backup power system. Store emergency lighting such as flashlights, spare batteries and bulbs and light sticks, in a handy location. Use of candles is discouraged due to the fire risk. If you must use candles, keep them in a metal container away from combustible materials. To stay informed during the outage, keep a portable battery powered radio with spare batteries. Your local radio station will broadcast updates on the weather and power supply. Forest Fires Forest fires are a regular occurrence throughout the province during warm, dry months. Occasionally, homes and communities are threatened by fires and are evacuated to protect residents. Follow the authorities instructions, and keep listening to your radio for updated bulletins on the fire. See appendix for emergency plans specific to your municipality. Hazardous Materials If developments or homes are close to a railway line, a main highway, or a manufacturing plant, there s a danger of a spill causing an evacuation. If a spill occurs, look for instructions from local authorities. See appendix for emergency plans specific to your municipality. If the power goes out during the day, fully open all drapes and blinds. Limit movement between floors, and always take emergency lighting supplies with you. Be prepared to evacuate should a fire break out. Protect electronic equipment such as computers, televisions, and stereos from power surges by shutting off power bars or unplugging the equipment. When the power is restored, reset clocks and timers. See appendix for emergency plans specific to your municipality in the event of a prolonged power failure. 14 15
chapter 4 EMERGENCY SUPPORT APPENDIX NE AREA Your Telephone Directory Refer to the inside cover and information section in the front of the white pages of your telephone directory for information on: Emergency and non-emergency numbers for fire, police, and ambulance. The Poison Control Centre. Earthquakes what to do before, during, and after. First aid how to treat various injuries and conditions. Other community services and resources. Other Resources See appendix for emergency plans specific to your municipality Emotional Support When a disaster occurs, people will be concerned about their safety, the safety of others, and the condition of their property. Some residents may initially be confused or disoriented, but most people regain their bearings quite quickly. Your Tenant Association can help re-establish a sense of stability and provide emotional support for people by calling regular meetings of all residents to: Your Municipal Resources In the event of a disaster look to your municipality for a very site specific emergency plan and appropriate instructions to follow. We have chosen not to publish the information, as there are often updates and we do not want to relay outdated material. burnaby: www.burnaby.ca - navigate to City Services, Public Safety, Emergency Program coquitlam: www.coquitlam.ca - navigate to Public Safety, Emergency Preparedness port coquitlam: www.portcoquitlam.ca - navigate to Citizen Services, Community Safety, Emergency Preparedness Maple ridge: www.mapleridge.org - navigate to Emergency Services port moody: www.portmoody.ca - navigate to Services, Emergency Preparedness Share information about how the situation is being handled. Respond to questions and concerns. Delegate tasks to capable people who want to assist, so staff can attend to priority issues. 16 17
APPENDIX NE AREA NOTES For further Information Metro Vancouver www.metrovancouver.org/planning/emergency Provincial Emergency Program www.pep.bc.ca Canadian Centre for Emergency Preparedness www.ccep.ca Centre for Emergency Preparedness and response www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/cepr-cmiu Public Safety Canada www.publicsafety.gc.ca/prg/em/index-eng.aspx
911 9-1-1 is your connection to police fire and ambulance When there is immediate action required: a life or property is in danger or a crime is in progress call 9-1-1 If English is a second language: teach your non-english speaking family and friends to learn the English word for the language they do speak (e.g. learn to say Cantonese ), in case a translator is needed. This will speed up the process. Encourage friends and family members to learn to say the word police, fire and ambulance in English. Remind friends and family that even if they speak a little English, that is very helpful and often is all that is needed to collect the necessary information. Interpretation services are available through: MOSAIC 604-254-8022 SUCCESS 604-408-7272