Preparedness BEFORE an Emergency/Disaster
Emergency Preparedness is making sure that resources are available when needed to effectively
respond to either a local emergency or a natural disaster. Depending on how severe the crisis,
is, the amount of necessary resources will vary. There are many steps you can
take to most effectively deal with emergency situations.
A household emergency plan is the first step.
Food |
Health |
Personal |
Pets |
Power, Heat & Light |
Safety
Sanitation |
Water |
Household Emergency Kit |
Car Preparedness |
Community Preparedness
A good reserve of food makes survival easier and creates a feeling of psychological well-being.
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► A three-day supply
of food is recommended. Keep more supplies on hand if you live in a remote area.
► Store food that:
- you and/or your family are used to eating;
- can easily store;
- will require little or no refrigeration;
- can easily be prepared (e.g., precooked, cooked quickly or no cooking needed);
- know requires little or no water for preparation; and
- know are nutritious and easy digest.
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► Suggested food items include:
- canned food (e.g., soups, stews, baked beans)
- canned juices, powdered milk, extra water
-
comfort/stress foods (e.g., cookies, hard candy, sweetened cereals, lollipops,
instant coffee, tea bags, cocoa, chocolate bars, canned nuts)
- dried spices (e.g., garlic, onion, oregano, chili powder)
- dry pasta
- dry, crisp crackers and/or biscuits (stored in metal and/or air tight containers)
-
high energy foods (e.g., peanut butter, jelly, jam, honey, syrup, crackers,
granola bars, trail mix)
- multi-vitamins
- non-carbonated soft drinks
- potatoes (fresh or dried flakes)
- ready-to-eat canned meats, poultry, fish, fruits and vegetables
- ready-to-eat cereals and uncooked instant cereals (stored in metal and/or air tight containers)
- rice
- staples (e.g., sugar, pepper, salt)
- vegetable oils
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► Most canned foods can be eaten right
out of the can and don’t require cooking, water or special preparation. If you do want
to heat the food in the can, be sure to open it first and remove the label. Throw away
cans that have dents at the end or are leaking.
► Store specific foods for those family
members that are elderly, on special diets, infants and small children.
► Should the electricity go out, here
are some suggestions:
- Use any perishable foods first.
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Then, use food from your freezer. To reduce the number of times you open the
freezer door, post a list of the contents on the door. In a well-filled,
well-insulated freezer, foods will usually still have ice crystals in the center
(meaning foods are safe to eat for at least three days).
- Finally, begin eating non-perishable foods.
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► You might want to store the following in large covered plastic storage bins until needed:
- aluminum foil (heavy duty – to cook food in rather than dirtying pans);
- battery-operated smoke alarm;
- candles;
- disposable baby bottle liners;
- flashlight and extra batteries;
- lamps and lamp oil;
- manual can opener/bottle opener;
- medicine dropper;
-
mess kits or disposable cups, plates, and eating utensils (do not waste
drinking water washing dishes);
- needle and thread;
- plastic sheeting (in case of leaks);
- plastic storage containers;
- shut-off wrench (to turn off household gas and water);
- utility knife; and
- waterproof matches.
► When considering an alternative cooking
source in case of power loss, you must make sure there is proper ventilation. You should
also try to have additional fuel and/or wood on hand. The following are a few suggestions for
cooking sources:
- a fireplace;
- a propane or kerosene stove;
- a sterno stove;
- a woodstove;
- an outdoor charcoal or propane grill;
- candle warmers;
- fondue pots; and/or
- non-electric chafing dishes.
Maintaining your health is extremely important during a crisis and reduces the need to
call for emergency services that may not be available.
► You can help yourself by:
- taking a basic first-aid course;
- learning CPR; and
- preparing a first-aid kit which should include the following items:
- sterile adhesive bandages in assorted sizes
- 2-inch sterile gauze pads (4-6)
- 4-inch sterile gauze pads (4-6)
- hypo allergenic adhesive tape
- triangular bandages (3)
- 2-inch sterile roller bandages (3 rolls)
- 3-inch sterile roller bandages (3 rolls)
- scissors
- tweezers
- needles
- moistened towelettes
- antiseptic
- thermometer
- tube of petroleum jelly or other lubricant
- assorted sizes of safety pins
- cleansing agent/soap
- latex gloves (2 pair)
- sunscreen
- non-prescription drugs (e.g., aspirin or non-aspirin pain reliever; anti-diarrhea medication; antacid for stomach upset; laxative)
► These items can be stored in a cosmetic bag,
a tool or fishing tackle box, or even a cardboard box with handles. Tape a list of the contents
to the inside of the lid.
► You can obtain a first-aid manual from your
local Red Cross or St. John Ambulance office.
► Complete important
personal documentation. This will allow you
to leave your home quickly without the confusion or anxiety, and will make
the recovery process easier.
► Pre-arrange two meeting places
for your household members to meet that are:
- outside your home where you think will be a safe location; and
- outside your neighbourhood in case you are unable to return to your home.
► Establish an
out-of-area friend or relative as a family contact.
This person can help to link family members that may be, or become, separated in an
emergency situation.
► If you have family members living
in a nursing or senior’s home, make it a point to know their emergency policies.
► If you have children, make it point
to know their school, daycare or activity group emergency policies. This will help make
it easier for you to contact your children and reunite.
Pets are a part of many families. Some preparation and planning for the care of
pets should be considered.
► Contact your veterinarian, local S.P.C.A. or animal
hospital for advice on pet boarding or arrangements in the case of disaster and evacuation.
► Ensure immunizations and pet records are up-to-date.
Some pet shelters may not accept animals without proof of immunizations.
► Make arrangements with a friend or relative who will
be able to house your pet in an emergency.
► Know which hotels and motels will allow pets.
► If pets are part of your family, add
these items to your survival kit - depending on needs:
- bedding supplies;
- immunization records;
- leash or tying device;
- pet food and water;
- pet medications and first-aid supplies;
- pet treats and toy;
- travel cage, kennel; and/or
- waste disposal system.
In many emergencies, power, heat and light may be lost. These failures may last for
a few minutes, several hours, several days or even several weeks.
► Alternative power sources include:
- generators; and/or
- solar power (e.g., batteries and converters may be necessary).
► Alternative heating sources include:
- fireplace or woodstove (keep a good supply of wood on hand); and/or
- kerosene or propane heater (keep a good supply of fuel on hand).
► Alternative lighting sources include:
- candles;
- battery-operated camping;
- fireplaces or woodstoves;
- flashlights;
- hurricane lamps; and/or
- lightsticks (can provide light from 1-12 hours).
► Whatever light source you use, be sure you have
an adequate supply of fuel, batteries or wood. Store them where they are easily
accessible. Store fuel safely and away from children and pets.
Do everything you can to prevent accidents, injuries and fires in your home.
► Check for frayed or loose rugs, unnecessary
objects on stairs, halls and walkways, and other hazards.
► Have a meeting with your family to determine where
and how to turn off utilities. Label the utilities with clear “how-to” instructions.
► Install smoke alarms on each level of your home and
regularly check the batteries.
► Install a five-pound, type ABC fire extinguisher in your
home. Extinguishers should be placed in the following locations:
- just outside the kitchen doorway;
- in the basement or outside the furnace room; and
- in the garage.
► Determine the best escape routes from your
home. If possible, find two exits from each room in your house.
► Make sure you have enough sturdy, lidded containers
to hold refuse. In some rural areas, trash can be a particular attractant for a variety of
wildlife - some dangerous.
► If waste builds up, consider burying bags in pits
and use lime to cut down on smell and contamination.
► Don’t use your drinking water if you can help it.
Filling up the bathtub ahead of time should provide enough water to assist with flushing
toilets. If your shower works, don’t let all the water drain afterwards.
► Bleach can be used to deodorize and disinfect the
toilet when added to the water; just don’t let your pets drink it!
► If the local sewage system fails, consider buying
chemical or composting toilets. Portable ones are great for camping and can be used in
RVs. A plastic bucket can also be used for a latrine, if you are isolated.
► Store enough drinking water for a three-day supply
for each family member (e.g., four litres/day/person - two for drinking and two for food
preparation, hygiene and dish washing; one litre/day/pet).
► Water should be stored in thoroughly
washed and sealed plastic containers. Avoid using containers that will decompose or break,
such as milk containers or glass bottles.
► You should purify all potentially contaminated water
before using it.
► There are three main methods for treating water:
boiling, disinfection and distillation.
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Boiling is the safest method of purifying water if you have a safe heat source.
Follow these instructions for boiling water.
Bring water to a boil for 10 minutes.
Let the water cool before drinking or storing.
- Disinfection before drinking or storing water by using chlorine bleach to prevent the growth of bacteria.
Use liquid bleach that contains 5.25 percent sodium hypochlorite and no soap.
After boiling water, add liquid household bleach according to the chart below.
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| Water |
If Water Is Clear |
| 1 Litre |
2 drops |
| 4.5 Litre |
8 drops |
| 20 Litres |
½ teaspoon |
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Let water stand for 30 minutes. There should be a faint chlorine scent after treating.
If there is none, repeat the amount and let it stand for another 15 minutes.
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Some liquid bleach containers warn “Not for Personal Use”. You can disregard these warnings only if
the label states sodium hypochlorite is the only active ingredient; and if you use only the small quantities
indicated in the instructions above.
Water purification tablets are a safe alternative to household bleach. Ensure they contain 5.25%
sodium hypochlorite.
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Distillation involves boiling water, then collecting the vapor that condenses back to water.
The condensed vapor will not include salt or other impurities. Follow these instructions to distill water.
Fill a pot halfway with water.
Tie a cup to the handle on the pot’s lid so that the cup will hang right-side-up when
the lid is upside down (make sure the cup is not dangling in the water).
Boil the water for 20 minutes.
The water that drips from the lid into the cup is safe to drink.
► Rotate stored water every six months. If a disaster catches
you without a stored supply of clean water, you can use water from the following sources:
- your hot water tank;
- your plumbing;
- ice cubes;
- the reservoir tank of your toilet (not the bowl); and/or
- a water bed.
► All the following outdoor sources of water may require
additional precautions to purify:
- lakes or ponds;
- natural springs;
- rain water;
- rivers or streams; and/or
- snow.
Survival kits should be personalized according to individual and/or family needs or preferences.
Once together, the kit should be stored in an easily accessible and secure place that is
known to all family members. Soft duffel bags or backpacks will allow easier transportation
of assembled items.
- Batteries (tape the end of the batteries so they do not rub together and lose energy)
- Blankets/sleeping bags and pillows (one for each person)
- Books, games, playing cards, paper, pens and/or puzzles
- Can opener
- Candles and candle holders
- Cash (including coins and/or cards for the payphone)
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Clothing (pack for current season and include at least one change of clothes per person)
and footwear (footwear should be waterproof and sturdy)
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Disposable plates, cups and eating utensils
- Extra car and house keys
- First-aid kit
- Flashlight and spare batteries
- Food (e.g., non-perishable canned and dried foods)
- Garbage bags and/or ground sheet (e.g., large orange bags to use for trash, waste and/or water protection)
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Medications - over the counter(e.g., pain killers, fever control, anti-diarrhea, antacid, etc.); and/or prescribed
- Pet supplies (e.g., food, litter, toys, documentation, etc.)
- Plastic bucket (to use for a latrine if isolated)
- Radio, walkie talkies and/or ham radios and spare batteries
- Scissors
- Short rubber hose for siphoning
- Tape (e.g., duct and/or masking tape)
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Toiletries (e.g., toothbrushes, toothpaste, toilet paper, feminine hygiene products,
pre-moistened towelettes, facecloths, towels, etc.)
- Utility knife
- Watch or clock (battery-operated or spring wound)
- Water for drinking and washing (2 to 4 litres/person/day; 1 litre/pet/day)
- Waterproof matches and/or a lighter
- Whistle (one for each member of the household in case members get separated)
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When traveling long distances or if there is the possibility of inclement weather on your travel route
you should consider the following:
► Always let a family member or friend know you are
leaving and give them the following information:
- where you are going;
- what route you are taking;
- any difficulties you expect;
- how long you expect to be away; and
- when you expect to return.
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► If you get stuck or your car stalls you should consider the following:
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after you ensure the exhaust pipe is not blocked by anything, stay in the car –
you won’t get lost and you have shelter;
- set out warning lights or flares;
- stay calm and relaxed;
- keep watch for traffic or emergency responders;
- keep fresh air in the car by opening a window less than ½” on the side away from the wind;
- keep dry and warm, and wear a hat to preserve body heat;
- light a candle for warmth; and
- run your engine sparingly.
► Make a practice of keeping your vehicle gas tank at
least half-full at all times to be ready for evacuation.
► Your
Car Emergency Kit is a necessary part
of personal preparedness. It may actually act
as a mobile household if you are unable to get home. Here is a list of suggested items
that should go into your kit. A large, sturdy backpack can be used to store these items,
preferably one with padded shoulder straps for easy carrying.
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A can deep enough to put a candle in for light and warmth. (The deeper the can,
the more heat you will have.)
- Antifreeze (This keeps the gas in your tank from freezing.)
- Axe or hatchet
- Blankets special “survival” ones are the best and/or sleeping bags
- Books, games, playing cards, paper, pens, and/or puzzles
- Booster cables
- Candles
- Compass and map
- Essential medications
- Fire extinguisher (Five-pound, Type ABC)
- First-Aid kit and book
- Flashlight and spare batteries
- Extra clothing and footwear
- Hat (Your head is the greatest heat loss area, so a wool hat will help to preserve body heat.)
- Methyl hydrate (for fuel line and windshield de-icing.)
- Ice scraper with brush and shovel
- Sand, salt or kitty litter (The kitty litter should be multipurpose.)
- Snack foods
- Tow chain and traction mats
- Warning lights or road flares that are not expired
- Water (bottled)
- Waterproof matches and/or a lighter
- Whistle
How can you help others?
None of us can predict what the effects of a local emergency or a natural disaster
might be or how people will react to the event. However, it is known that it is
human nature for people to help each other when safety and survival are threatened.
Individuals who are prepared for an emergency or a disaster, and have planned
for their own safety and survival, will have more time, energy and motivation to
help others.
By looking at the information that follows, you can explore different ways that you
can help yourself, your family and others following a disaster.
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Monitor your local radio or television stations for news about the
emergency or disaster to share with your family and your neighbours.
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Take an amateur radio operator course so that you may be able
to provide communication methods for your neighbourhood.
- Assist neighbours in preventing further damage to their homes, belongings and property.
- Complete a First–Aid and CPR course. These should be kept up-to-date.
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Identify those people in your community with special medical needs,
disabilities or illnesses who may need your help.
- Check on your neighbours and provide first-aid care to those in need.
- If necessary, help neighbours shut off their electricity, water and gas.
- Identify and rope off hazardous areas where there may be downed power lines or fallen debris.
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Clear away debris from streets, sidewalks and walking areas. This will make it easier
for emergency crews and vehicles to access your neighbourhood.
- Offer to help care for your neighbours’ children; some parents could use assistance.
- Ensure that your neighbours have an adequate supply of food, water and warm clothing.
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Ensure that your neighbours are safe and warm enough in their own home.
If not, help them find an alternate place to stay.
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