EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS WEEK

www.getprepared.gc.ca

3 Easy Steps to prepare for a disaster.

Know the risks

Canada is a vast country with extreme weather conditions and dramatic geological features. With its size, weather patterns and varied regions come several natural hazards. Learn about the natural hazards of your country and your region. More importantly, learn how to prepare for them – a natural hazard need not be a natural disaster. Being prepared can make a world of difference.

On this website, you will find practical information on how to take care of yourself and your family before, during and after an emergency. Learn how to prepare for emergencies caused by natural hazards, and find specific instructions on how to protect yourself and your loved ones in case your region is affected. Read about natural hazard facts and discover where natural hazards can occur in Canada.

Make an emergency plan

A family emergency plan will help you and your family know what to do in case of an emergency. Every Canadian household needs an emergency plan.

It will take you about 20 minutes to complete your personalized plan online. You can then print it out. Before starting your home emergency plan, you will need to think about:

Safe exits from home and neighbourhood
Meeting places to reunite with family or roommates
Designated person to pick up children should you be unavailable
Contact persons close-by and out-of-town
Health information
Place for your pet to stay
Risks in your region
Location of your fire extinguisher, water valve, electrical box, gas valve and floor drain

Get a kit

In case of a major event you will need some basic supplies set aside. That way you will always be prepared to be self-sufficient for at least 72 hours while emergency workers focus on people in urgent need.

Many of the items required in an emergency kit are found in most people's homes. It's just a question of taking some time and putting them together as your emergency kit

Basic emergency kit

You may have some of these basic emergency kit items already, such as a flashlight, battery-operated radio, food, water and blankets. The key is to make sure they are organized, easy to find and easy to carry (in a suitcase with wheels or in a backpack) in case you need to evacuate your home. Whatever you do, don’t wait for a disaster to happen.

Easy to carry – think of ways that you can pack your emergency kit so that you and those on your emergency plan can easily take the items with you, if necessary.

Water – two litres of water per person per day (Include small bottles that can be carried easily in case of an evacuation order)

Food – that won’t spoil, such as canned food, energy bars and dried foods (remember to replace the food and water once a year)

Manual can opener

Flashlight and batteries

Battery–powered or wind–up radio (and extra batteries)

First aid kit

Special needs items – prescription medications, infant formula or equipment for people with disabilities

Extra keys – for your car and house

Cash – include smaller bills, such as $10 bills (travellers cheques are also useful) and change for payphones

Emergency plan – include a copy of it and ensure it contains in–town and out–of–town contact information