Disaster Preparedness Over the Holidays: Keeping Your Family Safe

Disaster Preparedness Over the Holidays: Keep Your Family Safe

• Jackie Kloosterboer

Stay safe this holiday season! Prepare for winter storms, power outages, & more with simple steps to keep the festivities worry-free. ??

The holiday season is a time for joy, togetherness, and celebration. However, it can also be a time when emergencies and disasters can strike unexpectedly. Winter storms, power outages, and even kitchen mishaps during holiday feasts can disrupt festivities. That's why taking a few proactive steps now can ensure your family stays safe and prepared throughout the holidays.

1. Create a Family Emergency Kit

The foundation of any disaster preparedness plan is a well-stocked emergency kit. Over the holidays, make sure your kit includes:

• Warm clothing and blankets for each family member
• Flashlights and extra batteries
• Non-perishable holiday snacks and food items
• A fully stocked first aid kit
• Backup power for electronic devices, like a portable phone charger

For a complete list of disaster supplies to put in your kit, visit Survive-it

2. Prepare for Winter Weather

Winter storms are a common holiday disruption. Ensure your family is ready by:

• Checking weather forecasts regularly
• Keeping an emergency shovel and de-icing materials handy
• Having a backup heat source, such as a propane heater (used safely and according to instructions)

3. Kitchen Safety During Festive Meals

Holiday meals can be a source of joy—and potential hazards. To avoid accidents:

• Never leave cooking food unattended
• Keep flammable items away from stovetops
• Have a fire extinguisher accessible in your kitchen

4. Practice Fire Safety

From holiday candles to string lights, the season can introduce additional fire risks. Reduce hazards by:

• Inspecting all holiday lights for frayed wires or broken bulbs
• Turning off decorations before going to bed or leaving the house
• Using battery-operated candles instead of traditional ones

5. Communicate Your Plan

Discuss your family's emergency plan and ensure everyone knows what to do in different scenarios. Include:

• A meeting place outside the home in case of fire
• Emergency contact numbers for local services
• How to locate and use emergency supplies

The Gift of Preparedness

This holiday season, give your family the ultimate gift: the peace of mind that comes from being prepared.

My online program, "Mom's Ultimate Disaster Plan," will guide you step-by-step in creating a personalized family disaster plan and comes with a fillable workbook to keep all your information in one place.

With 30 years of experience in disaster response and preparedness, I've designed this course to be practical, easy to follow, and tailored to protect your loved ones.

Visit Survive-It to learn more and ensure your family is ready for whatever the holidays—and beyond—may bring. Let's make this season safe, joyful, and worry-free!

Meet Jackie Kloosterboer – Your Disaster Preparedness Expert

Jackie Kloosterboer is a renowned Emergency and Disaster Preparedness leader with 30 years of frontline experience, witnessing firsthand the life-saving impact of preparedness. Her dedication shines through her work presenting Disaster Preparedness Workshops, responding to disasters across BC, supporting evacuees, and leading Emergency Support Services teams, most notably in her recent role with the City of Vancouver.

Jackie's profound expertise has made her a sought-after resource for the media, who frequently turn to her to emphasize the critical importance of preparedness. She is also the author of My Earthquake Preparedness Guide, a practical resource offering tips to equip individuals for any disaster.

In addition to her workshops and book, Jackie has launched Mom's Ultimate Disaster Plan, an online program designed to help families prepare for disasters. This comprehensive program empowers families with actionable steps to safeguard their loved ones and navigate emergencies with confidence. Jackie's expert advice continues to serve as a guiding compass, helping individuals and families face challenges with preparedness and readiness.