Weather-related emergencies can disrupt your plans at home, at work, and at play. Does your family have an emergency plan in place for events that might affect your home? Does your office or factory have an evacuation plan that includes some method of notification for weather emergencies?
If the answer to either question is no, you or your family may be at risk should a weather emergency occur. Why not plan ahead? Just as everyone should know what to do in case of fire, take the time to make a plan for severe weather emergencies. Decide which small interior room will provide the best shelter. Keep an emergency pack handy with a battery-powered flashlight, radio, extra batteries, first aid and food supplies, blankets, and extra clothing.
No matter where you are, a Weatheradio receiver can be an essential part of your emergency plan too:
If severe weather threatens, public safety experts agree that seconds count to save lives. Weatheradio broadcasts will carry the alert tone to notify you when severe thunderstorm warnings or tornado warnings are issued.
Plan ahead. Just as everyone should know what to do in case
of fire, take the time to make a plan for severe weather emergencies. Decide
which small interior room will provide the best shelter. Keep an emergency pack
handy with a battery-powered flashlight, radio, extra batteries, first aid and
food supplies, blankets, and extra clothing.
Conditions are favourable for severe thunderstorms to develop.
Secure or put away loose objects like lawn furniture, bicycles, and toys. Put
the car in a garage or carport if available. Bring pets and livestock to shelter.
Listen for updated weather bulletins.
Severe thunderstorms are highly probable or may already be occurring. Close all windows and doors if time permits. Ensure that children are indoors or otherwise safely sheltered. Go to your shelter and take along the emergency pack. If boating or swimming, head for land immediately and seek appropriate shelter, avoiding trees or other tall objects.
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| during a thunderstorm... | during a tornado... | during a flood... |
| Don't use the phone or other electrical equipment. Stay away from windows, doors, sinks and other items which conduct electricity. If you're caught outside, get off bicycles, motorcycles and tractors. Seek shelter in a building, cave or low-lying area. | June is tornado month in Canada. This is when, on average, the greatest number of tornadoes occur. During a tornado, go to the smallest interior room or stairwell on the lowest floor of the building. (The bathroom is often the best choice.) | Turn off basement furnaces and the outside gas valve. Shut off the electricity. Stand on a dry board and shut off the power with a dry wooden stick if the area around the fuse box or circuit box is wet. If you're driving, watch for road washouts and avoid bridges and underpasses. |
For tips on planning for all types of emergencies, visit the Web site operated by Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness Canada. Additional information on handling severe weather emergencies can be found by following the "Weather" link on the MSC's Green Lane.
Additional information about Weatheradio Canada is available from:
Tony Chir
Environment Canada
4905 Dufferin Street
Toronto, ON M3H 5T4
phone: (416) 739-4369
fax: (416) 739-4287
email: weatheradio@ec.gc.ca
Weather and environmental information are also available on the Internet. Check out:
http://weatheroffice.ec.gc.ca/canada_e.html
The Green LaneTM,
Environment Canada's World Wide Web Site.