Is your family ready in case of an emergency?
Natural disasters and other emergencies can happen at any time and with little warning.
Emergency Preparedness Week, May 5-11, 2024, encourages Canadians to be better prepared to protect themselves and their families during emergencies.
Being prepared for an emergency takes a little planning. There are a few simple steps to get your family ready.
STEP ONE - KNOW THE RISKS
Knowing the hazards and emergencies that we are likely to face in our area can help us better prepare. In Middlesex Centre, these risks go from extreme temperatures to tornadoes to snowstorms, and include power outages and transportation accidents, among others.
STEP TWO - MAKE A PLAN
A plan will help your family know what to do in case of an emergency. As you get started, you’ll need to think about:
Information about your home – the location of your fire extinguisher, water valve, electrical panel, gas valve and floor drains
- Safe exits from your home and neighbourhood
- Meeting places to reunite with family
- Who might pick-up your children should you be unavailable
- Contact persons close-by and out-of-town
- How you’ll communicate with family and emergency responders, keeping in mind that cell phones may not work properly during an emergency.
Every household is unique. Consider your family’s need for medical devices or assistive technology, mobility issues, language barriers, and specific needs for children.
If you have livestock, pets or service animals, your plan should include how they’ll be cared for during an emergency.
STEP THREE - PREPARE AN EMERGENCY KIT
During an emergency, stores, gas stations and banks may not be available. Having the right supplies ready can help your family stay safe and comfortable if an emergency occurs.
Your supplies should meet the needs of your household for a minimum of three days.
You’ll want to start with a good emergency kit list. Begin by focusing on safety supplies. You’ll find that many of the items on your list are things you already have in your home, like non-perishable food, bottled water (4 litres per person per day), medications, a first aid kit, toiletries, back-up charges for cell phones, flashlights, and a battery or crank operated radio. It’s also a good idea to have a copy of your identification, contact lists, prescriptions, etc. and some extra cash in small bills.
STEP FOUR - STAY INFORMED
During an emergency, you should listen to local news channels or follow reliable sources on social media. Watch for alerts from Ontario's Alert Ready System, which sends emergency messages directly to your phone, radio, and TV to help ensure that you have the information you need should an emergency arise.
You can find resources to help you prepare for an emergency by visiting middlesexcentre.ca/emergency-prep.