Disaster Recovery and Assistance

What is disaster recovery?

Disaster Recovery is “getting back to normal” after a disaster.

Recovery can begin as soon as homeowners are issued an emergency notification, such as an evacuation alert.

Recovery activities can include:

• Contacting your local government;
• Contacting your insurance company;
• Completing and submitting applications to recovery programs;
• Cleaning up debris;
• Removing additional hazards;
• Rebuilding and repairing damages, landscaping; and
• Replacing lost items.

How can I be properly prepared in advance of the recovery phase?

Being prepared in advance will help to reduce wait times for services and resources throughout the next several months by having important documents organized, copied, and on hand.

Things to have ready:

• Identification: drivers' license, care card, passport, student card;
• Access to funds: credit cards, debit cards, cash on hand, banking information;
• Insurance program details: property, vehicle and life insurance agreements, extended benefit provider contact information, photographs of contents, proof of ownership; deeds, property documentation;
• Tax and legal information: up to date tax files (federal, provincial and municipal), business records and contact information for your accountant, bookkeeper, and lawyer;
• Medical records: contact numbers for family doctor, walk in clinic, specialists, pharmacist including medical records and prescriptions;
• Planning with extended family: where will you go, who will you contact and how? When will you reach out after a disaster, and how can members of your family be in touch with you?
• Discuss in advance with family members who are vulnerable and need special assistance about a plan and being prepared. Involve caregivers and medical professionals in this planning case by case as needed.
• Planning for pets and hobby farm animals: Non-farm status animals are considered pets in BC. Each pet owner is responsible for their pets. Be ready to care for pets in an emergency by planning with your veterinarian/livestock association, etc. for your specific situation, have crates, feed, vaccination records, water, leashes and harnesses, transportation and boarding options organized in advance.
• Planning with employers, employees and coworkers: Find out if there is a workplace plan for emergencies, discuss communication plans with employers, employees and co-workers if work is disrupted due to an emergency event.