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If a disaster
occurred would you know what to do to protect yourself and your family? If you
had to leave your home, would you have food, water and other supplies to last
the three to four days it may take for emergency assistance to arrive?
No one likes to consider the
possibility that disaster will strike but planning and preparing for one can be
crucial to your survival. Natural disasters such as earthquakes, floods and
hurricanes, as well as man-made events such as gas explosions, happen quickly
and often without warning. Buildings are damaged or destroyed in a matter of
seconds and along with them lives, homes and possessions.
Emergencies have a way of
bringing people together; your knowledge and preparedness can be a lifesaver
for your family, your neighbours and others.
People with Special Needs
- People who have hearing impairments may need
to make special arrangements to receive a warning. If you have a hearing
impaired neighbour, you may wish to ask about how you may be of assistance
in case of an emergency.
- Those who are mobility impaired may need
assistance in getting to a shelter.
- People with special dietary needs should have
an adequate emergency food supply.
- Find out about special assistance that may be
available in your community. Register with the fire department so help can
be provided in an emergency.
Medication
If you or anyone in your family
requires medication, keep a two-week supply in your emergency kit. Make note of
the expiry date of the medication in your calendar and replace it with new
supplies as needed.
Pets
Pets are loyal companions who,
unfortunately, cannot fend for themselves in an emergency. They cannot open
doors to escape to safety. Animal shelters and pet stores sell stickers for
your doors and windows that let emergency response personnel know that you have
pets inside.
Utilities
Do you know how to shut off
utilities? In a flood, electricity can be deadly. A gas leak can be poisonous
and a fire hazard. A water leak can damage your home and make it uninhabitable.
Be prepared by knowing where the main shutoff valves and switches are before an
emergency happens.
Gas
Locate the main gas shutoff
(usually outside the house) and all pilot lights. Clear the area around the
shutoff valve for quick and easy access in case of emergency.
Electrical
Locate the main electrical
shutoff. Your house may be equipped with fuses or circuit breakers. If your
house has fuses, you will find a handle that should be marked "MAIN." If your house has circuit breakers, you
may need to open the metal door of the breaker box to reveal the circuit
breakers. The main circuit breakers should be clearly marked showing on and off
positions.
Water
Locate the main water pipe into
your house (if you cannot locate it contact your utility company). Look for a
"gate valve" on the pipe. If water pipes are leaking inside your
home, this valve will shut off the water supply. You may wish to paint the
valve so it is easy to find in an emergency.
Emergency Kits
In the case of a widespread
disaster such as an earthquake, emergency response units (fire department,
ambulance and police) may not be able to reach you immediately. In fact, you
may be without food and shelter for days. In case of injury, you should be
prepared to provide first aid.
Ideally, every family should have
a disaster supply kit containing water, food and supplies to last for at least
three days. This kit should be kept in a designated place and be ready to
"grab and go" in case you have to leave your home quickly. Make sure
all household members know where the kit is kept.
Food and water should be sealed
in the manufacturers' packaging so that air and moisture do not spoil the
contents. Be sure that all packaging can be opened by hand without a can or
bottle opener. Keep track of the expiry dates. Put your entire emergency supply
kit in one or two backpacks or plastic pails.
Kits should contain:
- A 3-4 day supply of bottled water (at least
one litre per person per day)
- Water purification tables
- Rain jackets
- Blankets
- A 3-4 day supply of energy bars, nuts and
dried fruit. These foods are high in calories and protein relative to
their size and weight making them portable. Bottled or boxed juices
- Bottled or boxed juices
- Flashlight (be sure to check the batteries
regularly)
- First-aid kit * (see below)
- Tools (including a knife or scissors)
- Whistle
- Waterproof matches
- First aid manual
- Sterile adhesive bandages in assorted sizes
- Assorted sizes of safety pins
- Cleansing agents (isopropyl alcohol, hydrogen
peroxide)/soap/germicide
- Antibiotic ointment
- Latex gloves
- 2-inch and 4-inch sterile gauze pads (4-6
each size)
- Triangular bandages (3)
- 2-inch and 3-inch sterile roller bandages (3
rolls each)
- Cotton balls
- Scissors
- Tweezers
- Needle and sterile thread
- Antiseptic
Create an Emergency Plan
Preparation is the best way to
avoid unnecessary stress and panic during a stressful event. Talk to your
children about what to do in an emergency. Do a practice drill including
important steps such as finding a safe exit from your home, grabbing the
emergency kit and ensuring everyone is out of the building. Repeat the practice
on a regular basis (at least once a year so that people will automatically
remember what to do). Choose a place where everyone will meet such as
relative's home in case family members become separated.
Being prepared for a disaster
takes very little time and money and the return on your investment is
priceless.
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