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Natural disasters

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	General preparedness Other emergencies

Canada borders on three oceans, stretches across six time zones, encompasses mountains, plains, forests and tundra. It hosts weather patterns that range from Arctic to moderate, from floods to drought, from numbing cold to heat waves. The possibility of severe weather and geological events is a constant reality for Canadians.

If a natural disaster does strike, being prepared well in advance can make the difference between inconvenience and immense losses.

• Severe storms
• Winter power failures
• Storm surges
• Floods
• Tornadoes
• Hurricanes
• Earthquakes

Severe storms

Thunderstorms, hail, blizzards, high winds and heavy rain can develop quickly and hit hard, posing a threat to life and property. If you are like most Canadians, you have probably had to clean up after these storms and you know the damage they cause.

Severe weather can occur any time of the year. Make it a habit to listen to the local radio or television stations for severe weather warnings and advice. Make sure you have a battery-powered radio on hand; electricity frequently fails during a severe storm.

Types of storms

Severe thunderstorms
A thunderstorm develops in an unstable atmosphere when warm, moist air near the earth's surface rises quickly and cools. The moisture condenses to form rain droplets and dark thunderclouds called cumulonimbus clouds. These storms are often accompanied by high winds, hail, lightning, heavy rain and tornadoes. Thunderstorms are usually over within an hour, although a series of thunderstorms can last for several hours.

Heavy rain
A heavy rainfall can result in flooding. This is particularly true when the ground is still frozen or already saturated from previous storms. Floods may also result if heavy rain coincides with the spring thaw.

Take cover when hail begins to fall. Do not go out to cover plants, cars or garden furniture or to rescue animals. Hail comes down at great speed, especially when accompanied by high winds. Although no one in Canada has ever been killed by hail, people have been seriously injured by it.

Freezing rain occurs when an upper air layer has an above-freezing temperature while the temperature at the surface is below freezing. The snow that falls melts in the warmer layer and as a result, it is rain -- not snow -- that lands on the surface. But since the temperature is below 0°C, raindrops freeze on contact and turn into a smooth layer of ice spreading on the ground or any other object like trees or power lines. More slippery than snow, freezing rain is tough and clings to everything it touches. A little freezing rain is dangerous, a lot can be catastrophic.

Blizzards come in on a wave of cold arctic air, bringing snow, bitter cold, high winds and poor visibility in blowing snow. While these conditions must last for at least six hours to be designated a blizzard, they may last for several days. Although snowfall may not be heavy, the poor visibility, low temperatures and high winds are a significant hazard.

In Canada, blizzards are most common in the Prairies and the eastern Arctic. Heavy snowfalls are most common in British Columbia, the Atlantic provinces, southern and eastern Quebec and areas around the Great Lakes. Freezing rain can occur pretty much anywhere in the country but is particularly common from Ontario to Newfoundland.

Preparing for severe storms

It’s a good idea to get in the habit of trimming dead branches and cutting down dead trees to reduce the danger of these falling onto your house during a storm. You may also want to consider checking the drainage around the house to reduce the possibility of basement flooding after a heavy rain.

If you live in an area where blizzards or heavy snows are frequent, consider stocking up on heating fuel and ready-to-eat food, as well as battery-powered flashlights and radios -- and extra batteries. For a complete list of emergency supplies, see emergency kits.

When a severe storm is on the horizon, the Meteorological Service of Canada issues watches, warnings and advisories through radio and television stations, the WeatherOffice Web site, automated telephone information lines and Environment Canada's Weatheradio.

If a severe storm is forecast, secure everything that might be blown around or torn loose -- indoors and outdoors. Flying objects such as garbage cans and lawn furniture can injure people and damage property. If hail is forecast, you may want to protect your vehicle by putting it in the garage. Before a severe thunderstorm, unplug radios and televisions -- listen for weather updates on your battery-powered radio.

If you are on a farm with livestock, bring the animals into the barn. Make sure they have plenty of water and food. If a blizzard or heavy blowing snow is forecast, you may want to string a lifeline between your house and any outbuildings to which you may have to go during the storm.

During a severe storm

Indoors
If you are indoors, stay away from windows, doors and fireplaces. During thunderstorms, you should also stay away from items that conduct electricity, such as telephones, appliances, sinks, bathtubs, radiators and metal pipes. Do not go out to rescue the laundry on the clothesline because it may conduct electricity.

You may want to go to the sheltered area that you and your family chose for your emergency plan.

If you are advised by officials to evacuate, do so. Take your emergency kit with you.

You can use a cellular telephone during a severe storm but it’s not safe to use a land-line telephone.

Outdoors
If you are outdoors when a thunderstorm hits, take shelter immediately, preferably in a building but, failing this, in a depressed area such as a ditch, culvert or cave. Never go under a tree.

If you are caught in the open, do not lie flat but crouch down with your feet close together and your head down (the "leap-frog" position). By minimizing your contact with the ground, you reduce the risk of being electrocuted by a ground charge.

Do not ride bicycles, motorcycles, tractors, golf carts or use metal shovels or golf clubs because they may conduct electricity.

• See also: Proximity of lightning

Never go out in a boat during a storm. If you are on the water and you see bad weather approaching, head for shore immediately. Always check the marine forecast before leaving for a day of boating and listen to weather reports during your cruise.

Take cover if hail begins to fall. Do not attempt to cover plants, cars or garden furniture or to rescue animals. Hail comes down at great speed, especially when accompanied by high winds.

When a winter storm hits, stay indoors. If you must go outside, dress for the weather. Outer clothing should be tightly woven and water-repellent. The jacket should have a hood. Wear mittens -- they are warmer than gloves -- and a hat, as most body heat is lost through the head.

In wide-open areas, visibility can be virtually zero during heavy blowing snow or a blizzard. You can easily lose your way. If a blizzard strikes, do not try to walk to another building unless there is a rope to guide you or something you can follow.

Ice from freezing rain accumulates on branches, power lines and buildings. If you must go outside when a significant amount of ice has accumulated, pay attention to branches or wires that could break due to the weight of the ice and fall on you. Ice sheets could also do the same.

Never touch power lines: a hanging power line could be charged (live) and you would run the risk of electrocution. Remember also that ice, branches or power lines can continue to break and fall for several hours after the end of the precipitation.

If you must travel during a winter storm, do so during the day and let someone know your route and arrival time.

When freezing rain is forecast, avoid driving. Even a small amount of freezing rain can make roads extremely slippery. Wait several hours after freezing rain ends so that road maintenance crews have enough time to spread sand or salt on icy roads.

If your car gets stuck in a blizzard or snowstorm, remain calm and stay in your car. Allow fresh air in your car by opening the window slightly on the sheltered side -- away from the wind. You can run the car engine about 10 minutes every half-hour if the exhaust system is working well. Beware of exhaust fumes and check the exhaust pipe periodically to make sure it is not blocked with snow. Remember: you can't smell potentially fatal carbon monoxide fumes.

To keep your hands and feet warm, exercise them periodically. In general, it is a good idea to keep moving to avoid falling asleep. If you do try to shovel the snow from around your car, avoid overexerting yourself -- shovelling and bitter cold can kill. Keep watch for traffic or searchers.

• See also: Vehicle emergency kit

Winter power failures

Preparing for winter power failures

Most Canadian home-heating systems depend upon electric power. Power supply interruptions can last from a few hours to several days and are often caused by freezing rain, sleet and/or high winds which damage power lines and equipment. An extended power failure during winter months can result in a cold, dark home and damage to walls, floors and plumbing.

You can install a non-electric standby stove or heater. Choose heating units that do not depend upon an electric motor, electric fan or other electrical device to function. It is important to adequately vent the stove or heater with the correct type of chimney flue. Never connect two heating units to the same chimney flue at the same time. If it is necessary to vent the standby heater to the existing chimney flue used by the furnace, first disconnect the furnace from it. Use only fuel-burning heaters certified by the Canadian Standards Association (CSA) or Canadian Gas Association.

If the standby heating unit will use the normal house oil or gas supply, have it connected with shut-off valves by a competent technician.

If you have a wood-burning fireplace or woodstove, keep a good supply of fuel on hand. Clean the flue every fall. The creosote that builds up in the flue can ignite in sustained high temperatures and cause a chimney fire.

Before considering the use of an emergency home generator during a power failure, check with furnace, appliance and lighting fixture dealers or manufacturers regarding power requirements and proper operating procedures.

If someone in the home relies on electrically powered life-sustaining equipment, register with your electric supply authority and your community emergency program.

During a winter power failure

Check whether the power failure is limited to your home. If your neighbours' power is also out, notify your electric supply authority. If your neighbours have power, check your own circuit-breaker panel or fuse box. If the problem is not a breaker or a fuse, check the service wires leading to the house. If they are obviously damaged or on the ground, stay well back and notify your electric supply authority.

Turn off all tools, appliances and electronic equipment and turn the home heating thermostat(s) down to minimum for the following reasons:

• Tools and appliances left on will start up automatically when service is restored. Turning them off will prevent injury, damage or fire.
• Power can be restored more easily when there isn’t a heavy load on the electrical system.
• Leave one light switch on, so you know when power is restored.

Don't open your freezer or refrigerator unless it is absolutely necessary. A full freezer should keep food frozen for 24 to 36 hours if the door remains closed. In the winter, you can sometimes store perishable food outside in protective containers in the snow. Storing food outdoors does, however, require caution. There are risks posed by unsanitary conditions, variable temperatures and passing animals. The sun’s rays could melt frozen food and cause refrigerated food to become too warm. If the temperature is cold enough to keep frozen foods frozen, it will be too cold for refrigerated foods.

Don't use charcoal or gas barbecues, camping heating equipment or home generators indoors. They give off carbon monoxide. Because you can't smell or see it, carbon monoxide can cause health problems and even kill you before you know it's there.

Use proper candle holders. Never leave lit candles unattended.

Even in very cold weather, it can take several hours for a house with closed doors and windows to become too cold for comfort.

If you have to evacuate during a winter storm

• Turn off the main breaker or switch of the circuit-breaker panel or power-supply box.
• Turn off the water main where it enters the house. Protect the valve, inlet pipe and meter or pump with blankets or insulation material.
• If you have a standby heating system, make sure it produces enough heat to prevent the plumbing from freezing. If not, or as a sensible precaution, drain the water from your plumbing system. Starting at the top of the house, open all taps and flush toilets several times. Go to the basement and open the drain valve. Drain your hot water tank by attaching a hose to the tank drain valve and running it to the basement floor drain. (If you drain a gas-fired water tank, the pilot light should be turned out -- and the local gas supplier should be called to re-light it.)
• Unhook and drain washing machine hoses.
• Don’t worry about small amounts of water trapped in horizontal pipes. Add a small amount of glycol or antifreeze to water left in the toilet bowl, the sink and bathtub traps.
• If your house is protected from groundwater by a sump pump, it won’t work if the power fails. Clear valuables from the basement floor in case of flooding.

Downed power line

• Call your electric supply authority with the exact location of the downed line.
• Keep back a minimum of 10 metres (33 feet) from wires or anything in contact with them and warn others of the danger.
• Always assume that the lines are live. It is difficult to distinguish between power lines and other utility lines (for example, telephone or cable lines) and they also carry sufficient power to cause harm. Treat all lines as a danger.

Home generators

Home generators are handy for backup electricity in case of an outage but there are hazards to keep in mind.

Connecting a generator to an existing electrical system should be done only by a qualified technician and approved by your electric supply authority. Otherwise, serious accidents can result. The electricity produced by the home generator may follow the electrical lines back to the transformer, creating a higher voltage current that can endanger the lives of utility employees working on the lines nearby. Anyone touching equipment powered by the generator is also in danger. A generator connected to the existing electrical circuit could also be damaged when the main power comes back on, potentially exploding and causing a fire.

To operate a generator safely, follow the manufacturer's instructions. Always ensure that the generator operates outdoors in well-ventilated conditions, away from doors or windows, to prevent exhaust gases from entering the house. Connect lights and appliances directly to the generator. If extension cords must be used, ensure they are properly rated, CSA-approved cords.

Directly connecting a generator to a household electrical circuit can endanger the lives of both household members and utility workers.

After the power returns

• Tip: Food

  Monitor food supplies in refrigerators, freezers and cupboards for signs of spoilage. If a freezer door has been kept closed, food should stay frozen for 24 to 36 hours, depending on the temperature. When food begins to defrost, it should be cooked; otherwise it should be destroyed in accordance with instructions from your local public health authorities. As a general precaution, keep a bag of ice cubes in the freezer. If you return home after a period of absence and the ice has melted and refrozen, there is a good chance that the food is spoiled.

  If the main electric switch was turned off, check to ensure appliances are unplugged to prevent damage from a power surge when the power is restored.
• Do not enter a flooded basement unless you are sure the power is disconnected.
• Do not use flood-damaged appliances, electrical outlets, switch boxes or fuse-breaker panels until they have been checked and cleaned by a qualified technician.
• Replace the furnace flue (if removed) and turn off the fuel to the standby heating unit.
• Switch on the main electric supply.
• Give the electrical system a chance to stabilize before reconnecting appliances. Turn the heating system thermostats up first, followed in a couple of minutes by reconnection of the refrigerator and freezer. Wait 10 to 15 minutes before reconnecting other appliances.
• If you had to turn water off and drain the pipes, close the drain valve in the basement. Turn on the water supply. Close the lowest valves and taps first and allow air to escape from upper taps. Make sure that the hot water heater is filled before turning on its power supply. Rinse out the dishwasher and washing machine if necessary.
• Warm the house slightly above normal temperature for a few hours to allow it to dry thoroughly.

Restock your emergency kit so the supplies will be there when needed again.

Storm surges

A storm surge involves an abnormal rise in water levels and can often accompany very intense winter storms, hurricanes or high winds. The storm surge itself is caused by the wind and pressure "pushing" the water onto the shore.

On exposed coastlines, this can often result in high waves. Getting caught near the shoreline during flooding could be life-threatening. It is important to take measures to protect yourself and your property.

Storm surges can happen quickly, without allowing much time for preparation. Residents, particularly those living in low-lying areas near the coastline, should prepare in advance.

• See also: Floods

Listen for warnings

If a storm surge has the potential to affect your region, the Meteorological Service of Canada will issue warnings.

Statements informing the public of the potential for high surf, high water levels and coastal flooding are issued up to 48 hours in advance of any anticipated storm surge.

If forecasters anticipate a large storm surge, they will also issue a public weather warning. However, the effects of storm surges can vary, making it difficult to provide warnings that are specific to each local area. For example, a 60-centimetre rise in sea levels may not be significant in one area but, depending on tide heights, may be high enough to cause significant damage in other areas.

Preparing for a storm surge

• Find out if your home is vulnerable to damage from storm surges. Have you or your neighbours experienced coastal flooding in the past? If so, check your house and land for any potential dangers related to flooding.
• Sandbags are a valuable tool to prevent water from entering your home. This approach requires specific instructions from your local emergency officials.
• It is important to know how to turn off the gas and electricity in your house because you may be instructed by local authorities to shut these off.
• If you live in an area that is subject to flooding, do not store your important documents in the basement. Keep them at a higher level, protected from flood damage.
• Ensure that your family has an emergency kit and plan.
• Storm surges can happen at any time. If you live in an area that is susceptible to storm surges and coastal flooding, listening regularly to marine or public forecasts can be helpful since they will predict when water levels in certain areas will be higher than normal. If a storm surge is forecast:
• Check supplies including medications, radio and flashlight batteries.
• Make sure the basement windows are closed.
• Fuel your car. If evacuation becomes necessary, it will be hard to stop for gas.

If you have any questions or need to know more about evacuation procedures, contact your local emergency management organization, police or fire department.

During a storm surge

• Should a storm surge occur, stay inside where you are protected from the water. It’s best to be on the downwind side of the house, away from windows.
• If you are not all in the same location, keep in touch frequently with family members.
• Monitor the storm's progress and listen for warnings or instructions from local officials.
• Flood waters can be dangerous to drive through. Before driving anywhere, it is best to listen carefully to rescue officials who will be coordinating evacuation plans.
• Be aware of risks such as hypothermia from cold water or drowning from running water. Your local chapter of St. John Ambulance or Red Cross can provide more information on how to prevent these problems.
• See also: After any emergency

Floods

A heavy rainfall can result in flooding, particularly when the ground is still frozen or already saturated from previous storms. Floods may also result if heavy rain coincides with the spring thaw.

Flash flooding -- in which warning time is extremely limited -- can be caused by earthquakes, tsunamis or tidal waves, hurricanes, violent storms or bursting of dams.

Preparing for a flood

Beyond the human toll taken in lives, injuries and suffering, flood damage costs Canadians millions of dollars each year. The best way to minimize flood damage is to take precautions ahead of time, especially if you live in a flood-prone area. Although governments at every level work to reduce the risk of floods, you are the first line of defence.

To reduce the likelihood of flood damage:

• Put weather protection sealant around basement windows and the base of ground-level doors
• Install the drainage for downspouts a sufficient distance from your residence to ensure that water moves away from the building
• Consider installing a sump pump and zero reverse flow valves in basement floor drains.

If a flood is forecast:

• Turn off basement furnaces and the outside gas valve
• Special precautions should be taken to safeguard electrical, natural gas or propane heating equipment
• If there is enough time, consult your supplier for instructions on how to proceed

When there is immediate danger of flooding:

• Shut off the electricity.
• If the area around the fuse box or circuit breaker is wet, stand on a dry board and shut off the power with a dry wooden stick.
• Try to move furniture, electrical appliances and other belongings to floors above ground level.
• Remove toxic substances such as pesticides and insecticides from the flood area to prevent pollution.
• Remove toilet bowls and plug basement sewer drains and toilet connections with a wooden stopper.
• Disconnect eavestroughs if they are connected to the house sewer.
• In some cases, homes may be protected with sandbags or polyethylene barriers. This approach requires specific instructions from your local emergency officials.

During a flood

Keep your radio on to find out what areas are affected, as well as what roads are safe, where to go and what to do if the local emergency team asks you to leave your home.

• See also: Evacuating safely

After a flood

Following a flood, it is important to restore your home to good order as soon as possible to protect your health and prevent further damage to the house and its contents. The Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation has prepared a checklist to help organize your clean-up. It is also available by calling 1 800 668-2642 (outside Canada call 613 748-2003).

Before you begin
Be cautious when re-entering your home. Avoid electrical shock by wearing rubber boots in any area flooded with more than five centimetres (two inches) of standing water.

Electricity
Keep extension cords out of the water. If the power is on in the flooded area, shut it off immediately at the breaker box. If conditions are wet around the breaker box, stand on a dry board and use a dry stick to turn off the switch. Consult your local electrical utility if you require assistance.

Ensure building safety
Make sure the building is structurally safe. Look for buckled walls or floors. Watch for holes in the floor, broken glass and other potentially dangerous debris.

Water
Flood water can be heavily contaminated with sewage and other pollutants, posing a serious health hazard.

If through colour, odour or taste you suspect that your drinking water has been contaminated, purify it before drinking.

Household items that have been flood-damaged will have to be discarded according to local regulations.

Store all valuable papers that have been damaged in a freezer until they are needed.

Record details of flood damage by photograph or video, if possible. Register the amount of damage to your home with both your insurance agent and local municipality immediately.

Depending on your situation, you may need to rent additional equipment such as extension cords, submersible pumps, wet/dry shop vacuums, a carbon monoxide sensor and dehumidifiers, fans or heaters.

First steps in clean-up

Water damage
Remove water from your flooded home slowly. Drain it in stages -- about one third of the volume daily -- because if the ground is still saturated and water is removed too quickly, the walls or the floor could buckle. Use pumps or pails to remove standing water, then a wet/dry shop vacuum to mop up the rest. For instructions on how to disinfect and restore wells and cisterns, contact your local or provincial health authorities or emergency management organization.

Heating
Do not heat your home to more than four degrees Celsius (about 40 degrees Fahrenheit) until all of the water is removed.

If you use pumps or heaters powered by gasoline, kerosene or propane, buy and install a carbon monoxide sensor. Combustion devices can produce large amounts of lethal carbon monoxide if they're not tuned-up or are improperly ventilated.

Dirt and debris

• Remove all soaked and dirty materials as well as debris.
• Break out walls and remove drywall, wood panelling and insulation at least 50 centimetres (20 inches) above the high-water line.
• Remove residual mud and soil, furniture, appliances, clothing and bedding.
• Hose down any dirt sticking to walls and solid-wood furniture then rinse several times.
• Wash and wipe down all surfaces and structures with unscented detergent and water. Rinse.

Structures

• Ventilate or dehumidify the house until it is completely dry.
• Tape clear food wrap to sections of material. If these sections are still damp inside, they will turn darker than the surrounding material. Dry until this no longer occurs.
• Rinse then clean all floors as quickly as possible.
• Replace flooring that has been deeply penetrated by flood water or sewage.
• Clean all interior wall and floor cavities with a solution of water and unscented detergent.

Mould
Mould can lead to serious health problems. If mould is present, wear a face mask and disposable gloves. To minimize mould growth, move items to a cool, dry area within 48 hours and set up fans. Alternatively, textiles, furs, paper and books can be frozen. Wet mould will smear if wiped. Let it dry and then brush it off outdoors. Materials not affected by alcohol can be lightly misted with isopropanol (rubbing alcohol) to kill mould spores.

Floor coverings
Carpets must be dried within the first two days. For large areas, hire a qualified professional to do the job. Carpets soaked with sewage must be discarded immediately.

• Act quickly to prevent further damage.
• Wet items will be heavy and fragile so keep them well supported when handling, drying or freezing. Relocate items to a cool, dry location.
• Books, documents and textiles can be placed in a freezer until they can be properly treated.
• Consult a conservator before attempting repairs.
• If items are contaminated with sewage, take proper health precautions.

Dirt
Dirty items that are saturated can be rinsed with clean water if they are strong enough to withstand it; exceptions are paper, fragile items, items with loose parts or soluble paints and adhesives. If items are just damp, let the mud dry and then brush it off.

Tips and precautions for specific items

• Furs: Blot gently with towels to remove excess water. Air-dry or freeze
• Textiles: Rinse until the water runs clear. Air-dry, or bag and freeze
• Upholstered furniture: Remove cushions and dry separately. Do not remove upholstery. Raise furniture on blocks and place fans underneath
• Wooden furniture: Remove drawers and open doors. Do not dry quickly or splitting may occur
• Books: Do not squeeze. Fan open and air-dry, using electric fans, or freeze
• Framed items: Remove from frame and air-dry
• Glossy paper: Do not allow it to dry or the pages will stick together. Freeze immediately.
• Paintings: Do not remove canvas paintings from their stretchers. Do not freeze.
• Contemporary photographs, negatives and slides: Remove from mounts or plastic sleeves and air-dry. If stuck together, do not force apart.
  

What to keep or discard
Flooding can disrupt water purification and sewage disposal systems, cause toxic waste sites to overflow and dislodge chemicals previously stored above ground. For this reason, floodwaters are often contaminated with infectious organisms. Although most floods do not cause serious outbreaks of infectious disease or chemical poisonings, they can cause sickness. It is very important to maintain good hygiene during cleanup, and to make every effort to minimize contact with floodwaters or anything that may have been in contact with them.

Remove and replace all insulation materials and other articles that have been soaked including particleboard furniture, mattresses, box springs, stuffed toys, pillows as well as furniture coverings, padding and cushions.

Frames on high-quality furniture can often be saved. However, they must first be cleaned, disinfected and rinsed, then dried by ventilation away from direct sunlight or heat. Drying too quickly can cause warping and cracking.

Scrape heavy dirt from washable clothes. Rinse and wash them several times with detergent and dry quickly.

Consult your lawyer to determine whether flood-damaged documents, or just the information in them, must be retained.

The yard area should also be cleared of all debris and refuse which can provide a breeding ground for bacteria and mould.

Keep children away from contaminated areas during clean-up operations.

Before moving back in
Once the flood waters have receded, you must not live in your house until:

• The regular water supply has been inspected and officially declared safe for use
• Every flood-contaminated room has been thoroughly cleaned, disinfected and surface- dried
• All contaminated dishes and utensils have been thoroughly washed and disinfected -- either by using boiling water or by using a sterilizing solution of one part chlorine bleach to four parts water. Rinse dishes and utensils thoroughly.
• Adequate toilet facilities are available. (For more information, consult your local health authority.)
  

Heating systems and appliances
Do not use flooded appliances, electrical outlets, switch boxes or fuse-breaker panels until they have been checked by your local utility.

Whether you use a wood, gas or electrical heating system, ensure that it has been thoroughly inspected by a qualified technician before using it again. If they have been soaked, replace the furnace blower motor, switches and controls. Flooded forced-air heating ducts and return-duct pans should be either cleaned or replaced.

Replace filters and insulation inside furnaces, water heaters, refrigerators and freezers if they have been wet. However, it is often cheaper to replace this equipment.

Floor drains
Flush and disinfect floor drains and sump pumps with detergent and water. Scrub them to remove greasy dirt and grime. Clean or replace footing drains outside the foundation when they are clogged. Consult a professional for advice or service.

Food
All undamaged canned goods must be thoroughly washed and disinfected. Dispose of all medicines, cosmetics and other toiletries.

Reminder: Anything that stays wet long enough will grow mould. Mould can make people sick so dry everything quickly to avoid future health problems.

Dispose of any of the following food items if they have been exposed to flood waters:

• The contents of your freezer or refrigerator including all meats and all fresh fruit and vegetables
• All boxed foods
• All bottled drinks and products in jars, including home preserves, since the area under the seal of jars and bottles cannot be properly disinfected
• Cans with large dents or that reveal seepage

Tornadoes

Tornadoes are violent windstorms characterized by a twisting, funnel-shaped cloud. Tornadoes usually move over the ground at anywhere from 20 to 90 kilometres per hour and often travel from the southwest to the northeast. It is not a good idea to chase tornadoes -- they are unpredictable and can change course abruptly.

Tornadoes form suddenly, often preceded by warm, humid weather. Warning signs include:

• Severe thunderstorms, with frequent thunder and lightning
• An extremely dark sky, sometimes highlighted by green or yellow clouds
• A rumbling sound, such as a freight train might make, or a whistling sound such as a jet aircraft might make. A funnel cloud at the rear base of a thundercloud, often behind a curtain of heavy rain or hail

May to September are prime tornado months. Tornadoes usually hit in the afternoon and early evening but they have been known to strike at night too.

• See also: Natural Hazards of Canada map

Tornadoes in Canada

Canada has several high-risk areas including:

• Alberta
• Southern Ontario
• Southern Quebec
• Southern Saskatchewan and Manitoba through to Thunder Bay, Ontario
• Interior of British Columbia
• Western New Brunswick

If you live in one of Canada's high-risk areas, you should listen to your radio during severe thunderstorms. As a rule, when Environment Canada issues a tornado warning, radio stations broadcast it immediately. If you hear that a tornado warning has been issued for your area, take cover immediately.

During a tornado

If you are at home:

• Go to the basement or take shelter in a small interior ground floor room such as a bathroom, closet or hallway.
• Failing that, protect yourself by taking shelter under a heavy table or desk.
• In all cases, stay away from windows, outside walls and doors.

If you are in an office or apartment building:

• Take shelter in an inner hallway or room, ideally in the basement or on the ground floor.
• Do not use the elevator and stay away from windows.

Avoid buildings such as gymnasiums, churches and auditoriums with wide-span roofs. These roofs do not have supports in the middle and may collapse if a tornado hits them. If you are in one of these buildings, take cover under a sturdy structure.

Avoid cars and mobile homes. More than 50 percent of all deaths from tornadoes happen in mobile homes. Take shelter elsewhere, preferably in a building with a strong foundation. If no shelter is available, lie down in a ditch away from the car or mobile home. However, beware of flooding from downpours and be prepared to move.

If you are driving and spot a tornado in the distance, try to get to a nearby shelter. If the tornado is close, get out of your car and take cover in a low-lying area.

In all cases, get as close to the ground as possible, protect your head and watch for flying debris. Small objects such as sticks and straws can become lethal weapons when thrown by a tornado's winds.

Keep in mind that if a tornado is heading straight for you, it may appear to be standing still.

Hurricanes

Hurricanes are violent tropical storms which blow up from the Caribbean. They occasionally hit eastern Canada, usually between June and November -- September is the peak month. Both the east and west coasts get fall and winter storms which have hurricane-force winds. Hurricanes cause more widespread damage than tornadoes because they are bigger. Some hurricanes are as large as 1,000 kilometres across.

• See also: Natural Hazards of Canada map

During a hurricane

If a hurricane warning has been issued and you live on the coast or in a low-lying area near the coast, you are advised to move inland and to higher ground. The high winds create huge waves at sea which, when they reach the shore, may become tidal waves or storm surges.

Do not go down to the water to watch the storm. Most people who are killed during hurricanes are caught in large waves, storm surges or flood waters.

As a rule, hurricanes move slowly and batter communities for several hours. If the eye of the hurricane passes over, there will be a lull in the wind lasting from two or three minutes to half an hour. Stay in a safe place. Make emergency repairs only and remember that once the eye has passed over, the winds will return from the opposite direction with possibly even greater force.

Mobile homes

Owners and residents of mobile homes must take special care to protect themselves and their property in the event of storms. Position your trailer near a natural windbreak such as a hill or clump of trees. As severe storms usually come in from the southwest, west or northwest, the narrow end of the home should face in a westerly direction to make a smaller target.

Make sure your mobile home is anchored securely. Consult the manufacturer for information on secure tie-down systems.

When a severe storm approaches, you should seek shelter in a more secure building.

During a hurricane, mobile homes are the exception to the stay-indoors rule.

Earthquakes

An earthquake is the result of the sudden movement of two blocks of bedrock along a break, or “fault,” deep in the earth’s crust. Seismologists estimate that more than a million small earthquakes (registering below 3 on the Richter scale) happen every year around the world while major earthquakes (greater than 8 on the Richter scale) happen about once per year.

Earthquakes in Canada

Canada has approximately 1500 earthquakes each year, about four per day. Only a few dozen of these are strong enough to be felt.

Earthquakes can occur in virtually any region of Canada. In fact, a strong earthquake near one of Canada’s major urban areas would likely be the most destructive natural disaster this country could experience.

In the past 100 years, at least nine earthquakes in, or near, Canada have registered between 7 and 8 on the Richter scale. A magnitude 6 earthquake could do extensive damage in a built-up area.

Seismologists say that a major destructive earthquake could occur at any time along the coast of British Columbia. There is a strong likelihood that residents of Canada’s west coast will experience a moderate-to-strong earthquake in their lifetimes.

Moderate earthquakes -- in the range of 6 on the Richter scale -- can also occur in eastern and northern Canada where the Canadian Shield could carry the shock waves over a wide area.

• See also: Natural Hazards of Canada map

Preparing your home for an earthquake

Planning ahead can help you remain calm if you actually experience an earthquake.

• Identify safe spots in each room in your home. Emphasize their location by having everyone in the household physically place themselves in the safe spot. Practising this is especially important for children.
• If you live in an earthquake zone, pay special attention to the location of everyday objects in your home.
• Move or secure objects that could fall and injure you such as books, plants, mirrors, lamps or china. Keep heavy items on lower shelves. Affix paintings and other hanging objects securely so they won’t fall off hooks.
• Secure objects that could start a fire or break gas or water lines if they topple, such as the water heater and other heavy appliances (e.g. stove, washer, dryer). Make sure that heavy furniture and shelving units are secure as well, to prevent tipping.
• Locate beds and chairs away from chimneys and windows. Don’t hang heavy pictures and other items over beds.
• Closed curtains and blinds will help stop broken window glass from falling on beds.
• Put anti-skid pads under TVs, VCRs, computers and small appliances, or secure them with Velcro or other such products.
• Use child-proof or safety latches on cupboards to stop the contents from spilling out.
• Keep flammable items and household chemicals away from heat and where they are less likely to spill.
• Put plywood up in the attic on joists around each chimney to help prevent bricks and mortar from coming through the ceiling. (Check clearances with your local fire department.)

Houses
Make sure the house is bolted to its foundation and that the walls are braced. Repair loose roof shingles. Make sure the chimneys are strong and well braced.

Apartment buildings
Work with your building manager or condominium board to decide how to “quake-safe” your unit. If you have an on-site lockup, consider storing your extremely heavy items there. Seek advice from professionals (building engineers, architects, emergency preparedness authorities) if you are unsure about what to do.

Mobile homes
Earthquake damage usually occurs when a unit falls off its supports. To reduce or eliminate such damage, you can leave the wheels on the mobile home to limit its fall and you can install a structural support bracing system to greatly reduce the chances of your unit falling off its supports. For information on the best way to brace your unit, contact your local mobile home dealer or a mobile home owner's association. You should also ensure that the awning on your home is securely supported and fastened to the unit.

During an earthquake

If you are close to the source of an earthquake, you may hear a loud bang followed by shaking. Further away, your first warning might be swaying buildings or a sudden noise like a roaring sound. In either location, you will probably feel shaking followed by a rolling motion that rotates up, down and sideways.

Wherever you are when an earthquake starts, take cover immediately and stay there until the shaking stops. Expect the ground or floor to move, perhaps violently. You will probably feel dizzy and be unable to walk during the earthquake.

A moderate earthquake might last only a few seconds while a large earthquake could last for several minutes.

If you live in a high rise or a multi-storey building, you may experience more sway and less shaking than in a smaller, single-storey building. Lower floors will shake rapidly, much like residential homes. On upper floors, movement will be slower but the building will move farther from side to side. Furnishings and unsecured objects could fall over or slide across the floor. Unsecured light fixtures and ceiling panels may fall. Windows may break. Don't be surprised if the fire alarm, sprinkler systems, lights and power go off.

If you have to evacuate a high-rise building, do not load yourself with objects that could cause congestion and create unsafe situations for yourself and others in the stairwells. Once you’re out, wait for permission from authorities before returning to the building.

What to do during an earthquake

If you are indoors

• Stay inside.
• Take cover under a heavy table, desk or any solid furniture and hold on.
• If you can't get under something strong, or if you are in a hallway, flatten yourself or crouch against an interior wall.
• Stay away from windows, glass partitions, mirrors, fireplaces, bookcases, tall furniture and light fixtures. In an earthquake you could be hurt by shattered glass or heavy objects thrown around by the shaking.
• If you are in a shopping mall, go into the nearest store. Stay away from windows, skylights and shelves with heavy objects.
• Avoid doorways. Doors may slam shut and cause injuries.
• If you are in a wheelchair, lock the wheels and protect the back of your head and neck.
• If you are at school, get under a desk or table and hold on. Face away from windows.
• Wherever you are, protect your head, face and neck.

If you are outdoors

• Stay outside.
• Go to an open area away from buildings. Sidewalks next to tall buildings are especially dangerous.
• Stay away from windows, buildings (or any other structure that could collapse), overhead wires, downed electrical wires, power lines and telephone poles.
• Remember that broken gas mains and fallen chimneys can cause fires. Downed power lines and broken water mains can also wreak havoc.
• Stay at least 10 metres away from downed power lines.

If you are in a vehicle

• Avoid bridges, overpasses, underpasses, buildings or anything that could collapse on you and your car.
• Listen to your car radio for instructions from emergency officials.
• Do not attempt to get out of your car if downed power lines are across it. Wait to be rescued.
• Try to pull over to a safe place where you are not blocking the road. Stop the car and stay inside.
• Place a HELP sign in your window if you need assistance.
• Keep roads clear for rescue and emergency vehicles.
• If you are on a bus, stay in your seat until the bus stops. Take cover in a protected place. If you can’t take cover, sit in a crouched position and protect your head from falling debris until the shaking stops.

If you are in a crowded public place, take cover where you won’t be trampled.

After an earthquake

Earthquakes are often followed by aftershocks: smaller earthquakes that happen when the earth underneath the surface adjusts to a new position.

If you feel aftershocks, stay where you are until they stop.

Earthquakes can trigger huge ocean waves called tsunamis. If you are near the ocean, stay away from the waterfront.

Although ground shaking is the major source of earthquake damage, secondary effects can also be very destructive. These include landslides, saturated sandy soils becoming soft and unstable, flooding of low-lying areas and tsunamis or tidal waves washing over coastlines. Large buildings, roadways and other infrastructures that have been built on reclaimed land, steep slopes and unstable soils are at high risk of being damaged by a large earthquake.

• See also: After any emergency