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It is important to consider deliberate acts and large-scale accidents as part of your emergency plan. Authorities monitor for potential threats around the clock and all levels of government -- federal, provincial, territorial and municipal -- have plans in place to deal with such events. Preparing yourself in advance and following the advice of local officials makes good sense, particularly for emergencies involving hazardous materials.
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Bomb threats  If you receive a bomb threat, stay calm and try to get as much information as possible. Although this might be difficult, try to note any unique features about the voice and any background sounds you hear over the telephone. Keep the caller on the line as long as possible and take detailed notes about what is said. Try to note the following: - If the speaker is male or female
- If the speaker has a distinctive accent
- If the voice is disguised, muffled or strange-sounding
- If the voice is shrill or deep
- Any background noises (e.g. traffic, bus passing, bell ringing, fax or printer sounds)
- Any indoor vs. outdoor sounds
Call the police and building management immediately afterwards. After you have been notified of a bomb threat, do not touch any suspicious package. Leave the area where it was found. Notify the police immediately. After evacuating a building, avoid standing in front of windows or other potentially hazardous areas. Do not block the sidewalk or street. It will need to be kept clear for emergency officials. In the case of an explosion, get out of the building as quickly and calmly as possible. If items are falling off bookshelves or from the ceiling, get under a sturdy table or desk until the situation has stabilized enough for your safe passage. Ensure your own safety before trying to help others. Making a bomb threat is a criminal offence. Do not try to guess whether the threat is real or a hoax. Call the police.
Suspicious packages  Suspicious packages could be delivered to your home or workplace, therefore it is good practice to be vigilant and know what to do. You know what kind of mail and packages you usually receive. Look for things that are out of the ordinary, such as unexpected mail from a foreign country. The following might help in identifying a suspicious package: - Unfamiliar return address or none at all
- Strange odour or noise
- Protruding wires
- Excessive postage
- Misspelled words
- Addressed to a business title only (e.g. President)
- Restrictive markings (e.g. Do not X-ray)
- Badly typed or written
- Rigid or bulky letters
- Lopsided or uneven
- Excessive wrapping, tape or string
- Oily stains, discolouration or crystallization on wrapping
- Leaking
The contents of a letter or package may cause concern if: - You see powder or a liquid
- It contains a threatening note
- It contains an object that you did not expect to receive or cannot identify
If you are worried about a package or letter you have received: - Do not handle, shake, smell or taste it
- Leave the letter or package where it is
- Get everyone out of the room and close the door
- Call 9-1-1 (or the emergency response number in your area)
- Wash your hands with soap and water
- If applicable, alert building security or the superintendent
- Wait in a safe place until the police or fire response teams arrive
If you have opened a suspicious package: - Leave the package where it is
- Remove any clothing that has powder or liquid on it and seal it in a plastic bag
- Get everyone out of the room and close the door
- Wash your hands or shower with soap and water
- Call 9-1-1 (or the emergency response number in your area)
- If applicable, alert building security or the superintendent
- Wait in a safe place until the police or fire response teams arrive
The police, other emergency workers and public health authorities will give advice about what to do next.
Chemical releases  Hazardous chemicals can be released by accident or through a deliberate act of criminal intent. In either case, it is important to listen to the directions of emergency responders. Chemicals that could be used by terrorists vary from warfare agents to toxic chemicals commonly used by industry. People exposed to these chemicals could suffer injury, disease or death. Emergency responders are trained to identify hazards and provide appropriate guidance to the public. In some situations, you should seal yourself inside the building you are in (see Taking shelter) while other times you may be instructed to go to higher elevations or evacuate the area. If you suspect that a chemical substance has been released in a closed area such as a subway or building, try to avoid breathing any of the fumes and evacuate as quickly as possible. Immediately contact the closest police, fire and ambulance services. Decontamination might be required before you can receive medical attention. Heed advice from local officials. When an accidental chemical spill occurs, an evacuation of nearby communities is often ordered as a precautionary measure. Stay away from the accident. Listen to the radio for instructions from emergency responders in your area. Exposure to a chemical substance may require quarantine and the attention of medical authorities. Because the type of chemical may not be known right away, treatment is based on symptoms. Keep track of things like breathing and heart rate, perspiration, dizziness, skin tone, deliriousness. Tell medical personnel and public health agencies about these or any other symptoms.
Biological agents  Biological agents are bacteria or viruses that can be deliberately dispersed to cause disease and/or death. Anyone exposed to a biological agent should obtain immediate medical attention. If you experience sustained or unusual symptoms, seek medical treatment right away. If you have been exposed (or think you might have been exposed) to a biological agent but are not ill, you should still contact the public health authorities as quickly as possible. Officials will assess and manage the risks for anyone who may have been exposed to a dangerous substance. If need be, post-exposure treatment with antibiotics might be recommended by health officials.
Nuclear emergencies  The likelihood of a nuclear or radiological incident is remote because of the stringent controls in place for the movement and use of radioactive materials. All levels of government and the operators of nuclear facilities have emergency plans that are ready to be implemented at a moment's notice. A nuclear emergency could be declared if there is an accident or an intentional release (or threat of intentional release) of potentially harmful radioactive materials. In either situation, the risks to health result from exposure to radiation. As with any emergency, remain calm. Officials will quickly determine the degree of risk radiation and take immediate measures to limit the dangers of exposure. Depending on the incident and risk to health, you could be visited by emergency services personnel who would advise you about what to do. In chemical, biological or nuclear emergencies, it is important to follow the instructions of local officials and emergency responders for possible evacuation instructions. During a nuclear emergency, you may be told to minimize the amount of outside air entering your home. If so, immediately close doors and windows then turn off air exchangers and heat-recovery units. If you were outside around the time of a nuclear emergency, remove your clothes as soon as possible and seal them in a plastic bag. Rinse your hair and body in the shower and then put on clean clothes from a closed drawer or closet. Find your emergency kit, turn off appliances and stay indoors until advised otherwise. |
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