Be Prepared. Know Your Risks
Emergency Preparedness Week is an opportunity for you to take action to ensure you're prepared to protect yourself, your family and your community during an emergency. This year, the theme is Be Prepared. Know Your Risks. We encourage you to understand the risks in your community and learn what actions you can take to protect yourself and your household.
Emergencies can happen at any time and without warning. Be ready. With a little preparation, you can respond quickly to help yourself and others. Understand the risks in your area, create a household emergency plan and build an emergency kit.
You should be prepared to take care of yourself and your family for a minimum of 72 hours. If a disaster happens in your community, it may take emergency workers some time to get to you as they help those in desperate need. Learn a few simple steps to help your family be prepared, not scared.
1.) Know the risks
Knowing the risks in your community can help you better prepare. Across Canada, we face a number of hazards, from earthquakes in British Columbia, to blizzards in Nunavut and tornadoes in Ontario. In addition to natural disasters, there are other types of risks, such as power outages and industrial or transportation accidents. We need to prepare for all types of emergencies.
Emergencies that could happen in Middlesex County include, but are not limited to, transportation incidents on roads, highways and railways, severe summer storms, tornadoes, severe winter storms, and human health emergencies.
2.) Make a plan
Every household needs a plan. It will help you and your family know what to do in case of an emergency. Your family may not be together when an emergency happens. Plan how to meet or contact one another. Be sure to talk about what you would do in different situations.
An effective plan includes information on escape routes from each room of your house and your neighbourhood, meeting places in case you have to leave the house in an emergency, and a plan for your pets. Parents and caregivers should be aware of the emergency plan for their children's school or daycare and ensure they have up to date contact information. If anyone in your family has special health needs, copies of your medical history, prescriptions, and insurance can be helpful. Talk to your doctor about having a bag ready with a two-week supply of medication.
3.) Get a kit
In an emergency, you will need some basic supplies. You may need to get by without power or tap water. You should be prepared to be self-sufficient for at least 72 hours. You can make a kit with your family or purchase one.
An emergency kit can include at least two litres of water per person per day, food that won't spoil, a manual can opener, and a first-aid kit. Flashlights and batteries, candles and matches or lighter, and a battery-powered or wind-up radio can be useful in the event of an electricity outage. Be sure to include special items such as prescription medications, infant formula, and any equipment for people with disabilities.
Don’t wait for an emergency to happen. There are simple things you can do now to prepare yourself and your family.
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