Earthquake! Preparing for the Big One British Columbia by Graem Castell Resources

01	For convenience, user-friendliness, safety, and elegance in an indoor setting, Glowmaster butane stoves are hard to beat. Dimensions: 13.5" x 10.8" x 3.2". Weight: 4.5 lbs/2 kgs. Safety devices: pressure sense shut-off and auto drip pan shut-off. Fuel: 8 oz/227 g butane canister. Fuel consumption: 160 gm/hr or 1 hr 40 mins/8 oz canister. Output: 7516 BTU/hr. Ignition: Piezo electric. Rugged vinyl carrying case. Possible disadvantage: butane doesn't function well at temperatures below freezing. Available at an economic package price with the matching heater and lamp from Braidner Survival Kits Ltd, 604 254- 0455. Almost identical to the Glowmaster stove above is the Max Burton portable butane stove. It's just a little more expensive. Piezo electric ignition: no matches. They recommend the use of their own US-made 'Q' quality butane aerosol cans. Six different finishes (black, white, yellow, red, green, stainless steel). Sturdy vinyl carrying case. Dimensions: 13.5" x 11" x 4.5". Weight: under 5 lbs. Safety device: pressure sense shut-off. Possible disadvantage: at 32F or 0C or below there will be insufficient pressure to sustain the burner. An optional extra is the Max Burton maxi stovetop grill. Just add water and grill chicken, fish, meat, and vegetables to perfection (a healthy alternative to pan frying or broiling). Its non-stick surface makes for easy clean-up. (Available from Cookworks and Ming Wo in Vancouver BC and Kitchen Charisma and Oak Bay Pro Hardware in Victoria BC.) These stoves use 8 oz/227 g butane pressurized canisters. Note: butane is safer and less volatile than propane. Check the fuel consumption of the stove you plan to use and calculate how many fuel canisters you should have in reserve. Bear in mind that you may also want canisters for lighting and heating.
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2	Coghlan's (or similar) emergency solid fuel stoves are light, strong, and compact. No liquids, no priming, no wicks, no pressure. They burn Coghlan's and other solid fuels, including Hexamine, Trioxane, and sterno. They come with 24 pellets, each of which burns for 8 minutes (you will need lots of them). Important: Use on a level, non-flammable surface and allow adequate ventilation. Ideal for grab-and-go bags (if you are not going to be packing self-heating meals).
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3	Intrinsically safe flashlights: these "explosion-proof" flashlights come in many sizes and styles with a variety of UL (Underwriters Laboratories) and CSA (Canadian Standards Association) safety codings. They are usually orange in colour. Pelikan, Bright Star, and Energizer are brands to look out for. They are not easily found. (A wide range of industrial/water-tight/safety flashlights is available from Acklands Granger branches throughout the Lower Mainland and Vancouver Island -- see your SuperPages. Ask to see the relevant pages of their giant catalogue in case the model you should have is temporarily out of stock.)
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4	The Original Russian Forever Flashlight is Russian-made and self-generating. Dimensions: 5 1/4" x 2 1/4" x 1 1/2". Weight: 7 oz. Price: about $15.00 Cdn. (Available from Restoration Hfsardware, Vancouver BC, 604 731-3918.) Widely available in wilderness outfitters/camping equipment stores are Coghlan's hand-powered Dynalite flashlights. Gentle squeezing action produces light. They work even in extreme conditions. Shock-proof, water-repellent plastic case. Weight: 5 oz/140 g. Price: about $10.00 Cdn.
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5	There are numerous models of electric headlamps, ranging in cost from about about $10.00 to $80.00 Cdn, with different features, battery and bulb options, and burning times. For maximum choice, march into Mountain Equipment Co-op in Vancouver BC
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6	Electric lanterns provide 360o light. Depending on the model, they run on 4, 6, or 8 D-cell alkaline batteries and having running times up to 11 hours on high, 20 hours on low, or 100 hours as a nightlight. They range in price from about $16.00 to $50.00 Cdn. If you cannot find suitable models at your local wilderness outfitters or camping equipment store, call The Canadian Coleman Company's hotline, 1 800 387 6161.
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7	The Glowmaster butane lantern is reliable, portable, user-friendly, and provides 360o of light. Dimensions: 4.5" x 4.5" x 8.9". Weight: 2 lbs/0.9 kgs. Fuel consumption: 49 gm per hour or 5 hrs on a 227 g/8 oz canister. Output: 80W. Ignition: Piezo electric. (Available, on their own or as part of an economic package combining a butane stove and heater, from Braidner Survival Kits Ltd, Vancouver BC
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8	Your local hardware store will have wick lanterns, but beware of cheap, poor-performers. The Dietz No.76 lantern (pronounced 'Deetz') is an old-time, rugged performer. Available from Restoration Hardware, Vancouver BC, 604 731 3918.) They recommend using Nowell's lamp oil. If you have difficulty obtaining high quality oil, call Nowell's Products, Sausalito CA, 415 332-4933.
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9	You will find candle lanterns in any hardware store, but a deluxe version is the Candlelier lantern. These burn three spring-loaded candles (one, two, or three at a time). Each candle burns 6 hours. Simple and safe. Dimensions: height 8", diameter of base 4". Price: about $39.00 Cdn. For correct size and reliability, stock up on their refill candles at about $0.80 Cdn each.
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10	Coghlan's 36-hour emergency candles-in-a-can are virtually indestructible. Three wicks each produce up to 12 hours of light and some heat. Matches are included in the can. Available at your local wilderness outfitters or camping equipment store.
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11	Extreme Survivor suits are fully described in Section 8, Heat and Warmth of the guide. For the name of the retailer nearest you, call Tyco Manufacturing, Vancouver BC, 604 986-2247 or 1-888 808-8926 toll-free (Canada and US).
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12	Glowmaster butane heaters provide (with adequate ventilation) safe, reliable heat. Dimensions: 8 1/4 inches x 6 1/2 inches x 7 1/4 inches. Weight: 5 lbs/2.3 kgs. Safety device: Pressure sense shut-off. Fuel consumption: 70 gm per hour or 3 hours per 227 g/8 oz canister. Output: 3500 BTU/hr. Ignition: Piezo electric. Available singly or in an economic package with the matching stove and lamp from Braidner Survival Kits Ltd, Vancouver BC
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13	QuakeAlarms provide from 10 seconds to 2 minutes audible warning of an earthquake above magnitude 5.0. These compact, wall-mounted alarms are available from Krasicki & Ward Emergency Preparedness, 604 739-9455.
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14	Emergency escape ladders provide an excellent (and often the only) alternative means of escape from the second and third floors of buildings. We like the Kidde plc ladder, which costs about $50.00 Cdn see your SuperPages or call Kidde plc, 1-800 581 6742).
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15	Bag o' Water is the brand name/are the suppliers of the 3-gallon containers of pristine drinking water with a shelf life of at least three years. www.bagowater.com
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16	Seismic securing of hot water tanks is essential for anyone hoping to prevent their water tank from breaking free of its pipework and toppling. Most plumbers will undertake this work (which is fully described in Section 12, Securing your Home), but many will do an inaqequte job. In the Vancouver area, call Reid Bothers Plumbing and Heating Ltd, 604 263-0323, for a quotation. They are the plumbing firm that came up with the angle iron solution for tanks in tight corners described on pages 110-111 of the guide. If you plan to do the job yourself, look at the QuickStrap50 water heater restraint kits. These are easily installed and likely to be effective. If you have difficulty finding them, call the manufacturer, Holdrite Corporation, 1-877 465-3748, or visit www.quickstrap.com
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17	Automatic gas shut-off systems are increasingly popular as a means of safeguarding homes, workplaces, and public buildings -- and providing peace of mind. QuakeKoso Canada Inc. are the exclusive distributors of the Koso (or "California") earthquake-actuated automatic shut-off valves, with installers throughout southwestern British Columbia. Call them at 1-877 442-7633, or visit www.quakekoso.com And for installations in Greater Vancouver, call Reid Bothers Plumbing and Heating Ltd, Vancouver BC, 604 263-0323.
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18	In southwestern British Columbia, earthquake insurance is a must for property owners, condominium owners, and tenants with anything but the minimum of belongings. Any insurance broker will be able to help you, but favourites of ours are John Fleming Insurance Agency, telephone: 604 298-1218, and Pat Anderson Agencies, telephone: 604 430-8887.
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19	Whistles are inexpensive and can be life-saving. Have them everywhere, a go for quality. Fox 40 is a name to look out for. Go for whistles that are extremely loud and have no moving parts to freeze or jam. You will find them in wilderness outfitters and camping equipment stores, and at emergency supplies specialists such as Krasicki & Ward Emergency Preparedness Ltd, 604 739 9455, and Braidner Survival Kits. Or call Fox 40 International Inc. 905 561-4040 www.fox40whistle.com
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20	Magnesium fire starters consist of a magnesium block (about the size of a cigarette lighter) with a sparking strip down one size. Sparks from the strip are used to ignite shavings from the magnesium block. The intense heat of the shavings will ignite tinder (dry or damp) that in turn will ignite a larger fire. Price: about $7.50 Cdn. Available from 3 Vets, Vancouver BC, or Mountain Equipment Co-op Vancouver BC
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21	American Camper manufacture the ideal portable toilet. It consists of a contoured, white plastic seat supported on a sturdy, fold-flat, 40 cm (16") tall, steel frame and comes with half a dozen disposable bags that hang under the seat. The unopened box measures 50 cm x 36 cm x 4.5 cm (20" x 14" x 1 3/4"). Price: about 25.00 Cdn. Available from 3 Vets, Vancouver BC, 604 or call American Camper, Tulsa OK 1-800 255- 6061
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22	An Evac-U8 emergency escape smoke hood could save your life in a fire. A must for people living or working in high-rises, traveling and using hotels, or for whatever reason unable to evacuate a building swiftly. Price: about $110.00 Cdn. Available from ER-Plus Risk Management Group Inc. Vancouver BC 604 803-7791.
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23	Kero-Sun portable kerosene heaters come with all sorts of safety features and provide reliable, economical heat. Available from Steveston Marine Vancouver BC
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24	The Swedish-made Origo Heat Pal alcohol portable heater and stove burns methol hydrate or store alcohol. Available from Steveston Marine Vancouver BC
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25	If you live in or within easy reach of Vancouver, Mountain Equipment Co-op is a wonderland of wilderness and survival gear – large, modern, professional, and personable. Because MEC is a member-owned co-operative, you need to be a member to buy from them. The lifetime membership fee is a painless $5.00. If you are an out-of-town shopper, ask for their well-illustrated, highly informative mail order catalogue. It describes literally thousands of high quality items, from tents, sleeping bags and all-weather clothing to water purification systems, multi-tools and freeze-dried foods. The particularly helpful staff speak from personal experience (or can point you to someone who can). Location: 130 West Broadway, Vancouver BC V5Y 1P3 (at Columbia, between Cambie and Main). Telephone: 604 872-7858. Canadian and US mail orders: 1-800 663- 2667.
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26	If you live in or within easy reach of Vancouver, Three Vets is just a few blocks from Mountain Equipment Co-op and is more like an Aladdin's cave of well-priced wilderness and survival gear. Location: 2200 Yukon St, Vancouver BC V5Y 3P2 (at West 6th Ave). Telephone: 604 872-5475.
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27	Braidner Survival Kits Ltd are a leading supplier of emergency preparedness supplies. Allow plenty of time for your visit. Hope to speak with the manager, Andy Nieman, who is a mine of information, common sense, and helpfulness. Don't be put off by the rabbit warren complex in which they are located: you will need advice from passers-by to find their warehouse suite and you may need a long ball of string to find your way out again, but it's worth it. Location: Suite 340, 1000 Parker St, Vancouver Telephone: 604 254-0455, or 1-888 254-0116 toll-free. www.survivalkits.com
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28	Krasicki & Ward Emergency Preparedness Ltd is our other favourite emergency preparedness supplies specialists. Their "if you need it, we'll get it" approach makes for one-stop shopping for individuals, companies, and organizations. Product information is available through the mail and over the telephone for out-of-town shoppers: just call to discuss your needs. Location: Suite 2500, 900 West 8th Ave, Vancouver, BC V5Z 1E5 Telephone: 604 739-9455. krasickiandward.com
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29	Custom First Aid, Safety and Medical Inc. are Victoria's "one-stop-shop" for the best in ready-made and custom-made first aid and emergency kits. Their customers – householders, businesses, public institutions and community organizations – choose from over 2,500 routinely stocked items. Popular products include comfort kits for school children, grab-and-go kits and large survival packs containing everything from emergency food, water, solar radios, crowbars and folding shovels to emergency shelters and first aid supplies. They stock fastening devices for large furniture and electronic equipment, protective window film, earthquake alarms, water purification systems, emergency stoves, escape ladders, emergency toilets: the list goes on and on. They ship around the province and around the world and their president, Carrie Greschner, and well-trained staff give presentations on emergency preparedness to schools, community and condo associations, radio and television audiences. Location: 2047 Oak Bay Ave, Victoria BC V8R 1E5. Telephone: 250 595-0744, or toll-free 1-800 995-5385. www.customfirstaid.com
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30	Columbia Fire & Safety Ltd in Victoria specialize in custom manufacturing and assembling soft pack and metal cabinet first aid kits – individual, home, auto, marine, level 1, level 2, etc. – and basic survival kits for anything from one to sixty people. Location: 768 Spruce Ave, Victoria BC V8T 5A5. Telephone: 250 386-6773, or 1-800 661-5090 toll free. www.columbiasafety.com
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31	ER-Plus Risk Management Group Inc. are the people to turn to for all kinds of emergency, safety and first aid trainings and advice. Location: #130 - 10691 Shellbridge Way, Richmond BC V6X 2W8 Telephone 604 803-7791. erplus.com
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32	First Aid & Survival Technologies Limited (FAST!) are one of the world's leading emergency preparedness operations. They specialize in meeting corporate needs, offering corporate emergency preparedness trainings all over British Columbia. In their streamlined factory they create emergency survival kits containing good quality, basic essentials – which you would be wise to supplement in whatever ways are right for you. Location: 1687 Cliveden Ave West (on Annacis Island), Delta BC V3M 6V5. Telephone: 604 540-8300, or 1-888 710-3278 toll free. www.fastlimited.com
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33	Terra Firm Earthquake Preparedness Inc. are recognized leaders in the field of non-structural seismic restraint in commercial, industrial and high-tech settings (not, unfortunately, in homes). They don't modify the structure of buildings but they do fasten things down – everything from boilers, water heaters, pipe runs, and transformers to commercial kitchen appliances and anything else that can fly, topple, injure, or disrupt continuity of business. Location: 3970 West 17th Avenue, Vancouver BC. Telephone: 604 224-3369.
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34	It is in every business's interest to have well thought through emergency and continuity/recovery plans in place. These should cover a wide range of emergency/disaster situations and all aspects of safety, security, and business survival. Emergency Preparedness for Industry and Commerce Council (EPICC) is a non-profit business group whose purpose is to strengthen the capability of business to recover from all types of disasters. Membership is open to all sizes and types of business and organization. They publish a comprehensive guide to earthquake planning for business. Address: 1110-1040 West Georgia Street, Vancouver BC V6E 4H1. Telephone: 604 687-5522.
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35	Body bags are covered on page 160 of the guide. They cost about $22.00 Cdn. You can obtain them from Pickering Safety 604 298-6465 www.pickeringsafety.com or Safepak Safety Supplies Ltd, 604 942-1788,
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