Be Prepared- Plan for Emergencies

June 19, 2007

Ready?
In your day-to-day living, disasters may seem a distant possibility. Yet natural disasters such as floods or tornadoes, technological or environmental accidents such as chemical spills, or service disruptions such as power failures at any time during the winter can strike any community, including yours.

If you’re unprepared for a disaster, it can shatter your life.

Expect the unexpected and plan for it. Knowing what to do when a disaster strikes will help you better control the situation and be in a better position to recover more quickly.

No community is equipped to handle all the demands of a catastrophe. Help your community by preparing yourself.

Make sure everyone in your family knows what to do before, during and after an emergency.

Set up a family meeting this week to discuss how you can best prepare for an emergency. Have your own plan.

Know What to do Before a Disaster Strikes

Will your whole family think clearly and logically in a crisis? Not many of us can. So do your clear, logical thinking now- when you have the time to be thorough.

Prepare Now

Know the risks. Know your region.
Although the consequences of disasters can be similar, knowing the risks specific to your region can help you prepare yourself better. Across Canada we face a number of hazards, from earthquakes in British Columbia, to blizzards in Nunavut, to hurricanes in New Brunswick. In addition to natural disasters there are other types of risks, such as blackouts, industrial or transportation accidents, and the possibility of acts of terrorism on Canadian soil. We need to prepare for all types of emergencies.

The following list contains natural risks and other hazards. Consider the risks that are most likely in your community.

Blackout

Blizzard

Drought

Earthquake

Flood

Hazardous Materials & Spills

Hurricane

Industrial Accident

Infectious Disease Outbreak

Landslide or Avalanche

Storm

Terrorism

Tornado

Transportation Accident

Tsunami or Storm Surge

Wildfire

Other_____________

Look at Your Own Situation

Hazard-Proof Your Home

Anticipate what could go wrong in your home and take corrective action. If you live in an earthquake zone, move or secure objects that could fall and injure you: books, plants, mirrors, lamps, china. Secure objects that could tip and start a fire: water heater, gas appliances.

If you live in a tornado zone, secure anything that might be blown around or torn loose, both indoors and outdoors.

If you live in a flood-prone area, remove all chemical products from the basement. Move irreplaceable belongings to upper floors.

You can install a non-electric, standby heating unit that is not dependent on a motor, fan, or any other electrical device to function. Vent the stove or heater adequately with the type of chimney flue specified for it. Never connect two heating units to the same chimney flue at the same time.

Post Emergency Numbers

Keep a list of key emergency numbers and addresses near the phone. (If there’s been a major disaster, use the phone only if it’s absolutely necessary. Emergency crews will need all available lines.) Include in your list the following:

Local Emergency Numbers: Fire, Police, Ambulance, 9-11, Other__________

Non-Emergency Numbers: Police, Fire, Health Clinic.

Friend/Neighbour: Name, Home Phone, Work Phone, Cell Phone, E-mail, Home Address.

Family Doctor: Patient’s Name, Doctor’s Name, Phone.

Family Contact: Name, Home Phone, Work Phone, Cell Phone, E-mail, Home Address.

Out-of-Town Contact: Name, Home Phone, Work Phone, Cell Phone, E-mail, Home Address.

Check Your Insurance

Make sure you have adequate insurance coverage for the range of risks in your community.

Make an Emergency Preparedness Plan

Every Canadian household needs an emergency plan. It will help you and your family know what to do in case of an emergency.
Consider these factors when making your plan:

Escape Routes

Plan emergency exits from each room of your home. Try to think of two possibilities for each room. If you live in an apartment, do not plan to use the elevators. Also, identify an escape route from your neighbourhood in case you are ordered to evacuate.

Meeting Places

Identify a safe place where everyone should meet if they have to leave home during an emergency.

Children

Ask your children’s school or daycare about their emergency policies. Find out how they will communicate with families during an emergency.

Make sure the school or daycare has updated contact information for parents, caregivers and designated persons.

People With Special Health Needs

Establish a personal support network of friends, relatives, health-care providers, co-workers and neighbours who understand your special needs.

Write down details about your medical conditions, allergies, surgeries, family medical history, medications, health screenings, recent vaccinations, emergency contacts and insurance information.

Talk to your doctor about preparing a grab-and-go bag with a two-week supply of medications and medical supplies, if possible. Include prescriptions and medical documents.

Personalize your Emergency Kit

Aim to have an emergency survival kit that will keep you and your family self-sufficient in your home for at least three days. If you’ve got a flashlight, a battery-operated or crank radio, food, water and blankets, you already have part of an emergency survival kit. All you have to do is assemble the supplies in an easy-to-carry container (in case you have to evacuate).
Some other items you should consider for your emergency kit are:

Cash in smaller bills

A change of clothing and footwear for each household member

Extra keys for your car and house

First Aid Kit

Food that won’t spoil

Sleeping bag or warm blanket for each household member

Small fuel-driven stove and fuel (follow manufacturer’s directions and store properly)

Water: Four litres per person per day (Includes drinking needs, food preparation and hygiene)

Manuel Can Opener

Batteries

First Aid Kit

Photocopies of personal documents such as passports & birth certificates

Keep a smaller survival kit in your car. A blanket, extra clothing, a candle in a deep can, and matches can save your life.

Have a Show & Tell

If you live in a house, teach members of your family where and how to shut off the water, electricity and gas supply. Make big, easy-to-see signs saying “Breaker Panel”, “Gas” and “Main Water Supply”. Put these signs near the breaker panel, gas valve and main water valve.

If you live in an apartment, show everyone in your family where the emergency exit is. Show them where the fire alarm is, and explain when and how to use it. In a fire or other emergency, don’t use the elevators. You’ll be trapped in the elevator if the power goes out.

Avoid Potential Emergency Situations

Heed weather warnings, and avoid driving and other activities in hazardous weather conditions.

This information is a synthesis of various sources. For more disaster preparedness information visit the Public Safety Canada Website.

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