Before a Disaster Strikes

 BE PREPARED:  Plan how you will deal with an emergency should it occur.

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. Your best protection in any emergency is knowing what to do. Look at your own situation.

Know your enemy  

o   What natural and technological disasters could happen in your community?

o   What can you expect during each disaster?

Hazard-proof your home

o   What could go wrong in your home?

o   Have you taken 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.  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 for use during power outages 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.

Create a home escape plan;

o   Identify two ways to exit each room of the house;

o   Purchase non-combustible escape ladders if required;

o   Decide on a safe meeting place outside of your home if you need to get out in an Emergency. 

o   Ensure everyone in your family knows the escape plan. 

o   Fire Marshall Emergency Escape Plan    

Record emergency contact information and carry it with you so you can make arrangements to reunite with family who are away from home

o   Work

o   School

o   Daycare

o   Other  

o   Contact Information Sheet

Post emergency numbers

o   Keep a list of key telephone 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.)

Identify a meeting place

o   Should you not be able to return to your residence where will you meet?

o   Plan ahead who will pick up the children from school/day care.

Choose an out-of-area contact person

o   Who is far enough away that it is unlikely they would be affected by the disaster you are experiencing?

o   Someone in another province or region may be easier to contact as local phone lines might be tied up.

o   Are they able to coordinate information between family members and help you reunite with others; or update other family/friends to let them know you are alright?

o   Provide your contact person with the necessary information.

o   Make sure all family members memorize this person's name and telephone number and know they should call your family contact if they get separated from the family.

Copy and protect important documents

o   Ensure that you have the details you need when an emergency strikes or afterwards.  

o   Birth certificates; health cards; prescriptions; driver’s licenses; banking and investment information; wills; passports; etc. 

o   You should also have a recent photo of each family member.

Check your insurance

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

Take an inventory of household possessions

o   This will help determine what you need to get back to normal after an emergency has occurred.  This will also give you opportunity to consider if you have adequate insurance coverage before an emergency happens.

o   Taking digitized pictures of your belongings which can be included with your inventory is an easy way to remind yourself of what you may be missing and to prove to insurance that it existed. Remember to store the data in a safe place that you can get to later…even if your computer may not be.

Prepare an evacuation plan

o   Should you need to leave your home do you have a place to go?  Arrange to stay with a friend or relative who can accommodate you temporarily.

o   Record their name, contact information and address.

o   Prepare a travel route as well as an alternate route.

Make a plan for your pets

o   Where can you take your pet should an emergency occur; pets are generally not permitted in evacuation centres.

Prepare an emergency survival kit

o   Aim to have an emergency survival kit that will keep you and your family self-sufficient in your home for at least three days.

o   Assemble the supplies in an easy-to-carry container (in case you have to evacuate).  Utilize the attached list below.

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

o   Basic 72 Hour Survival Kit for you and your pet

o   Basic Survival Kit for your car

Have a show and tell

o   If you live in a house: teach members of your family where and how to shut off the water, electricity and gas supply.

o   Make big, easy-to-see signs, saying Breaker Panel (or Main Circuit Breaker), Gas and Main Water Supply. Put these signs near the breaker panel, gas valve and main water valve.

o   Locate the manual override if you have an automatic garage door opener.

o   If you live in an apartment: show everyone in your family where to find the emergency exit. 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.

Learn about other community emergency plans

o   Your kids' school and your workplace might have their own emergency plans. Find out what they are and how they apply to you in case you are separated from your family and need to know how to get reunited.

o   Educate your children on these plans.

Avoid potential emergency situations

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