Emergency Preparedness

Emergency Kit

Experience has shown that after a natural disaster, many individuals and neighbourhoods are left on their own for at least 72 hours. Although there is nothing that can be done to prevent a natural disaster, you can prepare now to survive during the emergency and during the next 72 hours.


Be Prepared

Never miss an emergency alert or general community notice from the City of White Rock with Alertable. Alertable sends emergency alerts directly to your phone. 

Know the Risks

Make a Plan

Download and complete the fill-in-the-blanks Home Emergency Plan (PDF) from Prepared BC. Think about the things you need every day and consider what you would do if you didn't have them. Your plan should include:

  • Home address
  • Contact information
  • Local hazards/disasters most likely to affect our home
  • School-aged children names & school addresses
  • Layout of your home with exits and windows marked
  • Health information
  • Utilities information
  • Insurance information

Download specific guides for apartments or condos, older adults, people with disabilities, pets, business and more at PreparedBC.


Build an Emergency Kit 

Put supplies in one or 2 containers, such as plastic bins or duffel bags. Store them in an area of your home that’s easy to get to, such as a hall closet, spare room or garage. 

  • Non-perishable food: minimum three-day to one-week supply, with a manual can opener
  • Water: four litres per person, per day for drinking and sanitation
  • Phone charger, power bank or inverter
  • Battery-powered or hand-crank radio
  • Battery-powered or hand-crank flashlight
  • Extra batteries
  • First-aid kit and medications
  • Personal toiletries and items, such as an extra pair of glasses or contact lenses
  • Copy of your emergency plan
  • Copies of important documents, such as insurance papers and identification
  • Cash in small bills
  • Garbage bags and moist towelettes for personal sanitation
  • Seasonal clothing, sturdy footwear and emergency blanket
  • Dust masks
  • Whistle
  • Help/OK Sign (PDF): Display the appropriate side outward in your window during a disaster.

Protect Yourself


How to turn off utilities

Know how to turn off your main utilities – water, electricity, gas. In certain emergencies, authorities will ask that these be turned off for safety reasons. Write out instructions, if needed, and post somewhere visible.

Important: If you suspect a gas leak, turn off the gas valve and leave immediately. One the gas is turned off at the meter, DON’T try to turn it back on. Only a licensed contractor can do that safely.

watermain shutoff

electric panel shutoff

gas valve shutoff