Be Prepared, Not Scared
In our 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 during the winter can strike any community, including ours, at any time.
If your 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.
Know your enemy
Find out what natural and technological disasters could happen in your community. Know what to expect during each disaster. The Community Emergency Preparedness Plan contains H.I.R.A. sheets, Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment. These sheets identify the emergencies that could occur here in Laurentian Hills.
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 a flood prone area, remove all chemical products from the basement. Move irreplaceable belongings to upper floors. If your area is prone to power outages, have your home wired for an emergency generator. Specific outlets can be isolated such as your water pump if your on a well or your freezer and refrigerator. Specific lights can be isolated as well in the kitchen and main living area. Keep flashlights handy with fresh batteries. You can install a non-electric, stand-by heating source that is not dependant 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.
Post emergency numbers
Keep a list of key telephone numbers and addresses near the phone. If there has been a major disaster, use the phone only if it's absolutely necessary. Emergency workers will need all available lines.
Prepare an emergency survival 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 have a flashlight, a battery operated or crank radio, food, water and blankets, your already have part of a emergency kit. All you have to do is assemble the supplies in an easy-to-carry container (in case you have to evacuate) and make sure your family knows where it is.
County of Renfrew's Emergency Plan
For more information on emergency planning contact:
Emergency Management Ontario
77 Wellesly St. West, Box 222
Toronto, Ont. M7A 1N3
(416) 314-3723