This page contains information taken from the Halifax Regional Municipality's SPAN (Strengthening Preparedness Among Neighbours) handbook. Included is information about developing a household emergency plan for your family and preparing a survival kit for your home. A hard copy of the SPAN handbook can be obtained from the EMO office.

Consequences of major disasters

Disasters affect individuals and households as well as organizations and communities. Some of the most common effects include:

• a breakdown in communication systems;
• injury, illness or death;
• a decrease in the capability of emergency services to respond;
• a loss of utility and other community services; and
• a limited supply of basic provisions such as food, water, fuel and shelter.

Household Emergency Plan: Your best protection is knowing what to do!

Your Household Emergency Plan is the first step in preparing your household for an emergency or disaster. The following plan is a list of activities that can help you prepare your household.

• Establish an out-of-area friend or relative as your family contact. This person will be the link between family members if they are separated from each other in an emergency.
• Print a copy of the out-of-area contact card
• If you have children, know their school and daycare emergency policies. This will help you know what to do and where to go.
• Pre-arrange two meeting places for households members to meet: one outside your home in case of a sudden emergency and another outside your neighbourhood in case you can not return home. Record these locations on your out-of-area contact card
• If you have pets, make arrangements for their care. Identify a shelter to which you can take them and ensure that their immunization records are up-to-date.
• Determine the best escape routes from your home. Find two routes, if possible, from each room of your home.
• Install smoke alarms on each level of your home, especially near bedrooms.
• Install a five pound Type ABC fire extinguisher in your home. There are three recommended locations: just outside the kitchen doorway, basement or where the furnace is located and the garage.
• Choose a shelter such as a closet under the stairs or the smallest room in the house. Avoid rooms with many windows as they may shatter and cause injury in situations such as hurricanes.
• Complete important information in the personal documentation log
• Have a meeting with your family to determine where and how to turn off utilities. Make sure they are labelled with clear instructions.

Preparing a Household Survival Kit

Your Household Survival Kit is a necessary part of your Household Emergency Plan. Remember to keep your kit well stocked and accessible to all household members. Many of the items on the list are inexpensive and most households already have them. Nevertheless, to keep costs down, you can purchase items on a regular basis rather than going out and buying everything at once.

The kit should contain the following:

• Blankets or sleeping bags.
• Candles, waterproof matches or a lighter.
• Car keys - an extra set.
• Cash (including change for the payphone).
• Clothing and footwear. In cold weather, choose fabrics such as wool or gortex. Stay away from cottons as they absorb moisture. Footwear should be waterproof and sturdy. Have one change of clothing for each person.
• First-aid kit. Make sure it is well stocked and replenished.
• Flashlight and batteries. Tape the end of the batteries so they do not rub together and lose energy.
• Non-perishable food
• Prescription and essential over-the-counter medication. Check expiry dates.
• Toiletries such as toothbrushes, toothpaste, toilet paper, face cloths, towels, soap, comb, brush, shampoo and sanitary napkins.
• Drinkable water
• Pet supplies such as food, litter, toys and proper documentation (e.g., licenses, immunization records).<
• Battery-operated or solar-powered radio, spare batteries, walkie talkies and/or Ham radios.
• Whistle for each member of the household in case members get separated.
• Playing cards, games and books for entertainment.
• Backpack to carry the kit in case your family needs to evacuate. You can have your family members carry items from the kit in their own backpacks. It might keep them more involved and lessen the burden for you.