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BE PREPARED NOT SCARED AND PLAN FOR EMERGENCIES! |
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KNOW WHAT TO DO!
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In your day-to-day living,
disaster may seem a distant possibility. Yet tornadoes, winter power failures,
earthquake, chemical emergencies and the potential risk of a number of problems
can strike any community, including yours.
The City of
- Have an Emergency Food and Water Kit. Have at least a three-day
supply of food and water on hand. Choose ready-to-eat foods that your
family likes and which requires no refrigeration.
- Teach your children how and when to call 911.
- Discuss how you will find each other when an emergency strikes.
Pick two places to meet - one outside your home, and another away from
your neighbourhood in case you can't return home. Have a designated person
as contact for everyone to check-in-with.
- Discuss how you will prevent family disasters from occurring by
installing and/or checking smoke /CO Alarms, fire extinguishers, and by
inspecting your home for potential hazards.
- Discuss how you will be ready to respond to family emergencies by
learning first aid, CPR.
- Consider having an alternative heating source professionally
installed that does not rely on electricity. Do not use camping stoves or
propane and other fuel heaters indoors, as these are intended for outdoor
used only and will produce deadly carbon monoxide in your residence.
- Have a list of emergency phone numbers prepared. Remember that 911
is meant for Emergency Calls only. If there's been a major disaster, use
the phone only if it's absolutely necessary as Emergency crews will need
all available lines.
- Listen to your local radio station on a battery operated radio for
instructions from your local authority when you detect abnormal weather
patterns, you notice an unusual odour in the air or when you have been
notified by police, fire or by sirens.
Don't wait. Develop your family emergency plan today!
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DURING A TORNADO: |
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If in a building, go to the basement immediately. If no basement,
crouch or lie flat (under heavy furniture - in an inner hallway or small inner
room or stairwell away from windows. Avoid large halls and arenas. If caught
outside with no shelter, lie down in a ditch/ravine and protect your head. If
you're driving, get out of the vehicle and lie down as above.
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DURING AN EARTHQUAKE: |
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If in a building, stay inside away from windows under a heavy desk
or table. If unable to get under something strong, get up against an interior
wall, protect your head and neck. If you are outside, move away from buildings
and structures that could collapse. Stay away from power lines, bridges,
overpasses or underpasses. If you are in your car, stop and stay in it.
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DURING A SEVERE LIGHTNING STORM: |
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If you are in a building, stay inside. Stay away from windows,
doors, fireplaces, radiators, stoves, metal pipes, sinks or other electrical
charge conductors. Avoid using the phone. If outside, seek shelter in a
building or depressed area. If in a car, stop the car and stay in it.
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DURING A WINTER POWER FAILURE: |
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Use proper candle holders. Never leave lit candles unattended.
Don't use charcoal or gas barbecues, camping heating equipment or home
generators indoors. Make sure that generators are operated outdoors in a
well-ventilated condition away from windows and doors under the manufacturers
instructions. Connect lights and appliances directly to the generator. If extension
cords must be used, ensure they are properly rated, CSA (Canadian Standard
Association) approved cords. Direct installation of a generator to an existing
electrical system should only be done by a qualified technician.
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FOR FURTHER INFORMATION LOOK AT THE
FOLLOWING TOPICS: |
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Keep a survival kit in your home and a smaller one in your car.
The City of