Emergency Preparation Tips

Stay Safe at Home for 72+ Hours during Disruptions

• Being prepared and self-sufficient at home helps you stay safe, comfortable, and self-sufficient during disruptions.
• Keep on hand supplies and non-perishable food for at least 72 hours for everyone in the household, along with a manual can opener
• Have a backup power plan (charged power banks, generator, battery-operated or crank-powered radio and lights, extra batteries)
• Know how to shut off utilities (water, gas, electricity) if needed
• Prepare for heating and cooling disruptions (blankets for cold, ways to stay cool in heat)
• Keep important documents accessible in a waterproof, easy-to-reach place
• Store first aid supplies and necessary medications in a place that is easy to reach in an emergency
• Check on neighbours, especially those who may need extra support
• Stay informed through 99.3 County FM which can broadcast even if communication systems are offline.

Prepare for Emergency Evacuation: Grab & Go Bags 

• If you can’t get home or stay at home, your go-bag helps you stay safe, connected, and comfortable until you can.
• Pack a grab-and-go bag with essentials: water, snacks, medications, phone charger, flashlight, alert whistle, emergency thermal blanket, face masks, hand sanitizer, and a basic first aid kit
• Include copies of important documents (ID, insurance, contacts) or store them securely online
• Plan for being away from home—add a change of clothes and personal items
• Have a communication plan so family members know how to reach each other
• Keep your bag accessible at home, work, or in your vehicle
• Prepare for pets with food, water, and supplies if needed
• Know your evacuation routes and shelters, and have a few options in mind

Emergency Car Kit
If you have a car, prepare an emergency car kit and keep it in the vehicle. The basic emergency kit for cars should include the following items:

• Food that won’t spoil, such as energy bars
• Water in plastic bottles so they won’t break if frozen (change every six months)
• Blanket
• Extra clothing and shoes
• First aid kit
• Seatbelt cutter
• Small shovel, scraper and snowbrush
• Candle in a deep can and matches
• Wind-up flashlight
• Alert whistle in case you need to attract attention
• Roadmaps in case cellular service is offline
• Copy of your emergency plan and personal documents

Also keep these inside your trunk

• Sand, salt or cat litter (non-clumping)
• Antifreeze/windshield washer fluid
• Tow rope
• Jumper cables
• Fire extinguisher
• Warning light or road flares

Prevent Flooding

• Clean out storm drains
  • Remove debris and blockages from storm drains in your neighbourhood
• Clean out eaves and downspouts
  • Keep eaves and downspouts in good working condition to remove water away from your home
• Invest in down spout extenders
  • Use extenders to remove water 2M away from the foundation of the home
• Test sump pumps annually
  • Fill the sump collection well with 25L of water to engage the pump
• Waterproof the foundation of the house and fill gaps

Protect Against Fire

• Clean and remove dried leaf litter and debris from the areas around the home
• Clean leaves from the roof and eaves troughs
• Stack dried firewood away from the house in the summer months
• Add a 60 cm band of stones between the foundation of the home and plant beds/gardens

Prepare for High Winds and Storms

• Secure all outdoor objects including patio furniture, BBQs, trampolines, and umbrellas
• Install storm shutters
• Remove dead or weakened tree branches
• Move vehicles away from overhead objects e.g.: trees, light posts, signs

Prepare for Extended Power Outages

• Invest in batteries, portable power packs, solar power recharge panels, generator, flashlights and battery or crank-powered lanterns and radio
• Avoid using gas powered sources indoors e.g. camp stoves, generators, or BBQs
• Ensure your carbon monoxide and smoke detectors have fresh batteries
• Invest in a crank radio to stay updated
• Unplug all electric devices unless connected through a surge protector
• The food in a refrigerator is safe for 4 hours with no power
• The food in a FULL freezer is safe for 2 days, a HALF full freezer is safe for 24hrs

Recognize Disinformation

• Verify your source
  • Look for an ‘About us’ section
• Use Fact Checking tools or other reputable sources providing the same information
• PAUSE before sharing
• During disruptions, tune into 99.3 County FM for reliable updates.

Prepare for Disease Outbreaks

• Increase hand washing and hygiene practices
  • Use alcohol-based sanitizers
• Stay up to date with recommended vaccinations
• Wear a mask where physical distancing is not available
• Avoid touching your face
• Stay Home when sick
  • Use online services like Health811 (Ontario.ca)
• Avoid the 3 C’s
  • Closed spaces, crowded places and close contact