This week, May 1st to May 7th, is Emergency Preparedness Week in Bruce County.
If an emergency happens, it may take emergency workers some time to reach you, so get prepared now to face a range of emergencies anytime and anywhere. Residents and visitors should be prepared for a minimum of 72 hours.
Be Ready for Anything!
The following are helpful hints when it comes to emergency preparedness:
Know the Risks – In Bruce County, higher risk hazards include severe weather, floods, and power outages. Knowing the risks in your region can help you better prepare.
Make a Plan – Every household needs an emergency plan. Your family may not be together when an emergency occurs. Plan where to meet or how to contact one another. Discuss what you would do in different situations.
Get an Emergency Kit – Be prepared to be self-sufficient for at least 72 hours. Include basic items like food, water, and a battery-operated or crank flashlight. You may need to get by without power or tap water. Make sure your kit is portable, organized, accessible, and that everyone in the household knows where it is.
Get Prepared:
- Draw up a floor plan of your home that shows all possible exits from each room. Plan a main exit route and an alternate exit route from each room.
- Identify an evacuation route from your neighbourhood in case you need to leave in a hurry.
- Identify safe places where everyone should meet if you cannot go home or you need to evacuate.
- Make copies of important documents and keep them somewhere safe.
- Ask your children’s school or daycare about their emergency policies and procedures.
- Make a plan for your pets in case of evacuation. Keep in mind that not all locations are pet-friendly.
- Make a neighbourhood safety plan and work with your neighbours to identify people who may need extra help during an emergency.
In an emergency, follow your emergency plan, get your emergency kit, make sure you are safe before assisting others, listen to the radio or television for information from authorities and follow their instructions, and stay put until all is safe or until you are ordered to evacuate.
Discover more at www.brucecounty.on.ca/getprepared
