In Canada, the responsibility for emergency management is shared among the different levels of government, first response agencies, non-governmental organisations and volunteers.  During an emergency, all these groups must work together to formulate a coordinated response to protect life and property.

However, because emergencies occur at the local level, emergency preparedness actually begins at home.  One of the most important things you can do to assist your community during an emergency is to be able to take care of yourself and the rest of your family for at least three days.  That way, first responders and municipal officials can deal with the direct impacts of the disaster first.

That’s why it is so important for families to be prepared.

Click on the PDF file below to read an article on the importance of home emergency preparedness in Ontario.

August_29_06_EP_Article_-_Toronto_Star.pdf

An Emergency Supplies Kit

The kit should include the following items:

þ“special needs” items for any member of your household (i.e. baby formula, diapers, prescription medication etc.);

þfirst-aid supplies (bandages, adhesive tape, antibiotic ointment, antiseptic towelettes, assorted safety pins, cleansing agent or soap, cold pack, eyewash solution, cotton swabs, disposable gloves and face shield, gauze pads, hydrogen peroxide, lip balm etc.);

þa change of clothing for each household member (footwear as well);

þcandles and matches or lighter;

þa sleeping bag or bedroll for each household member (in case you have to evacuate);

þflashlight and batteries;

þbattery-powered radio or television, and extra batteries;

þduct tape;

þnon-perishable food (this should be replaced every year);

þbottled water;

þwhistle (in case you need to attract someone’s attention);

þplaying cards or games;

þtoilet paper and other personal care supplies;

þbasic tools (hammer, pliers/wrench, screwdriver set, assortment of fasteners, work gloves);

þextra car and house keys;

þextra cash (change too – for vending machines etc.) and copies of important family documents (birth certificates, passports and licences).  Copies of essential documents should also be kept in a safe location outside your home – in a safe deposit box or the home of a friend or family member who lives out of town is a good idea.

Your 72 Hour Emergency Supplies Kit could prove to be very useful should electricity be lost or weather keeps you from leaving your home.  You should bring your kit if you are advised to evacuate, so include any other essential items you think you might need.

Shelter-In-Place

There may be instances where emergency officials advise residents within a specific area to “Shelter-In-Place”, especially if there has been a transportation or industrial incident involving the release of dangerous chemicals.  If advised to “Shelter-In-Place”  you should remain inside your home or office and protect yourself there because a closed build contains several hours of breathable air whereas the air outside may be  unsafe.

The following steps will help maximize your protection:  

ðClose and lock all windows and exterior doors (locking doors and windows may allow them to seal more tightly).

ðTurn off all fans, heating and air-conditioning systems (keep the outside air out, and the inside air in!).

ðClose the fireplace damper.

ðGet your emergency supplies kit, make sure the radio is working and keep it on to obtain information and instructions.

ðGo to an interior room that’s above ground level (if possible, one without windows).  In the case of a chemical threat, an above-ground location is preferable because some chemicals are heavier than air, and may seep into basements even if the windows are closed.  Listen closely to instructions given over the radio (CHOK 1070 AM).

ðUsing duct or other wide tape, seal all cracks around the door and any vents into the room (using plastic sheeting may create an even better seal).

ðContinue to monitor your radio or television until you are told all is safe or are advised to evacuate. Local officials may call for the evacuation of specific areas in your community that are at greatest risk.  Responders will advise when it is safe to go outside.

¬Don’t forget to bring pets indoors too!

Be sure that your child’s school has up-to-date information about how to reach you or a responsible caregiver to arrange for pickup if school buses are not running.  Find out ahead of time what type of authorisation the school requires to release a child to a designate, if you cannot collect your child yourself.