Know the risks
|
|
In Douro-Dummer we may face a number of hazards, including: floods, severe storms, wildland fires, heat waves, and pandemics. These may be compounded with other issues such as power failures and disruptions in communication.
Be prepared and know what to do in advance. Planning ahead can save lives and improve your comfort during disruptions.
|
Make a plan
|
|
Does your family have an emergency plan? Does your plan consider vulnerable family members or neighbours that might need help during an emergency? What about pets and livestock?
If your family does not have a plan, or if it has not been updated recently, make or review your Emergency Plan by visiting the Ontario Government website.
When making your plan, consider all 4 stages of an emergency. Each stage can have its own challenges, and how well you prepare to meet those challenges will impact your safety and comfort during an emergency.
Preparedness
|
|
Make an emergency plan and 72-hour emergency kit for your entire household.
Emergency plans help your family plan for the unexpected. Details in your plan may include emergency phone numbers, evacuation routes, and meetings places.
The plan should be discussed and understood by everyone in your household. If you include other people in your plan, make sure that you discuss it with them so that they know that you are counting on them in the event of an emergency.
Include different scenarios in your planning so that you know how to respond to different emergencies. You could consider how you might respond if:
- you are asked to evacuate
- you are asked to shelter in place (stay home)
- there is a prolonged electrical outage
- services (such as heating fuels, respite or support workers, feed delivery trucks, etc.) are unable to get to your home for a prolonged period
- a wildland fire, or flood threatened your property
- you have guests visiting when an emergency occurs
|
Mitigation
|
|
Take steps to eliminate or reduce the impact of a hazard, such as having a working generator that you know how to use, FireSmart'ing your property, or having your emergency kit up to date with current prescriptions, food, and water.
Having appropriate insurance coverage for your property is also an example of mitigation.
|
Response
|
|
The response will take place during an emergency and will be influenced by what type of emergency you face, and the requests and orders from authorities.
Your response will also be directed by your emergency plan.
|
Recovery
|
|
In recovery, actions are taken to return to normal following an emergency. Lessons learned during the emergency can be used to improve your emergency planning and mitigation actions.
Be patient as recovery can be the longest phase.
|
|
Purchase or make a 72-hour kit
|
|
Emergency situations may require that you evacuate your home, but many emergency situations will require that you shelter in your home, without access to services such as electricity or water, for a period of time.
Be prepared to be self-sufficient for at least 72-hours (3-days). Basic items that should be in your 72 hour kit include:
Know how to use everything in your kit! Don't wait until you need it to learn!
Every home is different, ensure the items in your kit reflect the needs of your family.
|
Know the risks
|
|
Different risks may require different planning.
Flooding
|
|
Flooding can be an annual occurrence for municipalities along waterways, and can happen at any time of year. Flooding may be caused by melting snow, ice jams, high lake levels, or heavy rain.
To find out if you live in an area that is prone to flooding, visit Otonabee Conservation and Trent Severn Waterway.
Monitor water levels using the Trent-Severn Waterway Water Level Mapping site.
If you live of work in an area that is prone to flooding, take steps to prepare such as:
- have an emergency plan for your home and family
- stay informed by listening to local tv and radio - if flooding is expected in your area move and valuables to a higher floor in your home
- be ready to evacuate as flooding can change very quickly and you may need to leave your home on short notice
- do not walk, swim or drive through flood waters as you do not know what is beneath the water
- evacuate immediately if you are told to do so
If your yard can be altered to mitigate or prevent flood waters from entering it, consider taking action to implement anti-flooding steps. Prepare sand bags in advance if you experience localized flooding.
|
Wildland fires
|
|
Wildland fire could strike at any time of year, but the most common times are in the spring before vegetation is green and in the summer when there is high heat and little humidity.
Take steps to prepare for a wildland fire such as:
- prepare an emergency kit and make sure everyone in the household knows where it is and how to implement your emergency plan
- evacuate immediately if you are told to do so
- FireSmart your property to help mitigate wildland fire damage to your home and outbuildings
|
Power outages
|
|
Power outages can occur at any time of year and can be caused by a variety of things. While most power outages are short, they can last for hours, days, or even weeks depending on the cause of the outage.
Take steps to prepare for a power outage such as:
- prepare an emergency kit and have extra batteries for flashlights and radios
- keep your fridge and freezer closed while the power is out to keep food cold
- if you are using a portable generator only use it outside away from windows, doors, and vents (the carbon monoxide created by the generator can be pulled into the home)
- do not use gas powered appliances to heat your home
-
have something to do during a power outage, a deck of cards, puzzles, or boards games are good options
- unplug devices like computers, TVs, and other devices to avoid damage when the power comes back on
- if you are using candles do not leave them unattended
- make sure your home has working carbon monoxide detectors and that they have a battery back-up
|
Storms and winter weather
|
|
Storms can create a variety of hazards including heavy rain, lightning, hail, and strong winds. Be aware of local weather conditions and warnings and stay safe.
If you are outdoors in a storm:
- avoid water, high ground, and lone trees
- avoid power lines on the ground - do not drive over or under them, even if they do not appear powered
- if you can, take shelter in an enclosed building
- if you cannot get to shelter, get to a low lying area and get as low as possible until the storm has passed
If you are indoors:
- stay away from windows and glass doors, as large hail and strong winds can break them
- be prepared to seek shelter in a basement or interior room
- avoid running water during a thunderstorm as lightning can travel through pipes
- wait 30 minutes after the storm has ended to go outside
Freezing rain, blizzards, heavy snow, and extreme cold can make traveling or outdoor activities difficult. Road maintenance end emergency response may be delayed in extreme weather conditions that make roads dangerous to drive. If possible, do not travel.
During severe winter weather:
- if you do not have to go out during a winter storm stay home
- dress in warm waterproof and windproof layers if you do have to go out
- check road and weather conditions before going out
- prepare a emergency kit for your vehicle - winter conditions may force you to remain in your vehicle if you are travelling - you may need extra supplies in your vehicle to stay comfortable and safe
|
Extreme heat
|
|
Those who work outside, the elderly, and children are particularly vulnerable and should take extra precautions during periods of extreme heat.
During extreme heat events:
- avoid being outside for long periods of time
- avoid high energy activities outside
- do not leave people or animals in a closed car
- drink plenty of water
- wear light loose fitting clothing
- be aware of the signs of heat related illness
- check on family and friends who may be more vulnerable to extreme heat
- check on pets and livestock often to make sure they have water and are comfortable
|
|
