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Emergency preparedness and you

Emergency management in Canada

Canadians may face a range of emergencies, from earthquakes to transportation accidents to the threat of terrorism. When an emergency happens, local authorities respond first, including hospitals, fire and police departments and municipal governments. If they need assistance, they request it from the provincial or territorial emergency management organization (EMO). The EMO, in turn, seeks assistance from the Government of Canada if the emergency escalates beyond its ability to respond effectively.

Governments are working hard to prepare for emergencies of all kinds -- what about you? Is your family prepared? All Canadians should be ready to take care of themselves and their loved ones in an emergency for a minimum of 72 hours while rescue workers help those in desperate need. This is why the Government of Canada is releasing a new, three step emergency preparedness guide.

Emergency preparedness guide

The Government of Canada’s new emergency preparedness guide shows Canadians how to prepare themselves and their families in three simple steps:

• Knowing the risks in their area
• Making and practising emergency plans
• Making or purchasing an emergency kit

Making your emergency plan

Your emergency plan should include the following:

• Escape routes from your home and neighbourhood
• Safe meeting places
• Designated person(s) to pick up your children should you be unavailable
• Grab-and-go bag with medications and details of medical conditions
• Plan for your pets
• Emergency contact information including out-of-town and family contacts, doctors, etc.
• Safe home instructions with location of fire extinguisher, water valve, electrical box and gas valve

Preparing a kit

In an emergency, you will need some basic supplies. You may need to get by without power or tap water. You should be prepared to be self-sufficient for at least 72 hours. Preparing a kit for your home and one for your car can make all the difference during an emergency.

Your basic emergency kit should include:

• Water -- at least two litres of water per person per day. Include small bottles that can be carried easily in case of an evacuation order
• Food that won’t spoil (such as canned food, energy bars and dried foods)
• Manual can-opener
• Flashlight and batteries
• Candles and matches or lighter
• Battery-powered or wind-up radio (and extra batteries)
• First aid kit
• Special items such as prescription medications, infant formula and equipment for people with disabilities
• Extra set of keys for your car and house
• Some cash in smaller bills, such as $10 bills (travellers cheques are also useful) and change for payphones
• A copy of your emergency plan and contact information                    

Your basic emergency car kit should include:

• Food that won’t spoil (such as energy bars)
• Water
• Blanket
• Extra clothing and shoes
• Candle in a deep can and matches
• First aid kit with seatbelt cutter
• Warning light or road flares
• Small shovel, scraper and snowbrush
• List of contact numbers

More detailed information on emergency risks, plans and kits can be found at www.epweek.ca or by calling 1 800 O-Canada.

See also:

• Minister Day launches Emergency Preparedness Week
• FAQ -- Tabling of the proposed Emergency Management Act
• Introduction of the proposed Emergency Management Act