7. Emergency preparedness guide
Excerpts from an emergency preparedness guide, which invites older adults to put these signs on their windows in the event of an emergency. Photos: City of Surrey
See it in action
City of Surrey, BC – Emergency Preparedness Guide for Older Adults
Community programs can offer practical services, as well as social or recreational activities and opportunities to learn new skills and hobbies. As extreme weather events become more common, there is also a growing focus on community programs that support emergency preparedness and community resilience.
Challenge: Older adults can face challenges with limited mobility and some experience
chronic health conditions. In addition, a high proportion live on their own, which can create
vulnerability during extreme weather and other emergencies.
Solution overview: The City of Surrey developed an Emergency Preparedness Guide for older adults prepare and create a clear plan for what to do during an emergency. The guide provides safety tips and template documents that people can fill out with
important information, such as emergency contacts, medication lists, and family members. The guide also includes signage for individuals to put on their windows, allowing them to signal if they need help during an emergency.
The City disseminated the guide widely in the community with the help of emergency personnel visiting individuals at their homes.
Solution overview: The City of Surrey developed an Emergency Preparedness Guide for older adults prepare and create a clear plan for what to do during an emergency. The guide provides safety tips and template documents that people can fill out with
important information, such as emergency contacts, medication lists, and family members. The guide also includes signage for individuals to put on their windows, allowing them to signal if they need help during an emergency.
The City disseminated the guide widely in the community with the help of emergency personnel visiting individuals at their homes.
Relevance to the guidelines
Strategy 1.1 Land use designation
Strategy 1.2 Street grids
Strategy 1.3 Building form
Strategy 1.4 Transit routes
Strategy 1.5 Open spaces