London's emergency preparedness guide

preparedness guide A step by step planner to help your family prepare for emergencies and disasters Preparation you can't live without.

Using 911 and Emergency Contact Numbers
call 911 When you need Police, fire or Paramedic services to resPond immediately When should you call 911? Call 911 if there is:
• a medical emergency a medical emergency involves a serious or • a crime in progress life-threatening injury Do not Call 911 to:
• locate relatives or to inquire about their condition
• ask about current road or weather conditions • find out when electricity and gas services will return in the event of an emergency, information and instructions from emergency response officials will be available on the radio, television and the internet. you can also get information by using non-emergency telephone numbers.
When there is no immediate danger to health or
property use a non-emergency number.
MY PERSONAL NON-EMERGENCY CONTACTS
519-661-2500 ext. 4565 Middlesex – London Health emergency PreParedness guide - are you ready? Table of Contents Your Emergency Preparedness Planner
Emergencies: Be Prepared
Non-Emergency Contact Numbers
Personal Emergency Contact Numbers
Emergencies: Be Prepared
Step 1. Know the Risks
Step 2. Make a Plan
Create a Home Escape Plan Identify a Meeting Place Away From Your Home Record Your Emergency Contact Information Choose an Out-Of-Area Contact Person Copy and Protect Important Documents Take an Inventory Of Household Possessions Prepare an Evacuation Plan Make a Plan For Your Pets Step 3. Prepare a Kit
72 Hour Basic Emergency Kit Vehicle Emergency Kit Pet Emergency Kit Step 4. Know What to Do During an Emergency
Water Treatment in Emergencies How to Shelter-in-Place during a Hazardous Materials Incident If You Need to Evacuate Preparing for Severe Thunderstorms and High Winds Winter Storms, Ice Storms, and Blizzards Tornadoes and Windstorms Extended Power Outages After an Emergency
Insurance and Emergencies Children and Emergencies Coping with the Aftermath Where to find More Information EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT LONDON EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS GUIDE - ARE YOU READY? Non-Emergency Contact Numbers
519-661-2500 ext. 4565 London Fire Services London Police Service 519-661-5670 519-661-6472 TTY community resources Ontario Provincial Police OPP 24 hour toll free telephone number Canadian Red Cross. London and Middlesex Use this number to speak with a police officer about a non-emergency situation London & Middlesex Mental Health Crisis Community Information, Middlesex - London Distress Line Services, Or visit their web site Ontario Poison Centre Telehealth Ontario 1-866-797-0007 TTY Road Conditions and Construction Info Rescue Coordination Centre (AIR and MARINE The Salvation Army Ontario Great Lakes Divisional Headquarters Environment Spill St. John Ambulance Please use the 911 serviCe
CorreCtly. if the system is flooded
Southwestern Branch with non-emergency calls, then true emergency calls take longer to get through. this puts the health and safety of others at risk.
emergency PreParedness guide - are you ready? PERSONAL EMERGENCY CONTACT NUMBERS
FAMILY CONTACT NUMBERS OUT-OF-AREA CONTACT FAMILY MEDICAL INFORMATION Family Physician: SChOOL(S)/TEAChER/ChILD CARE PROvIDER EMERGENCY MEETING PLACE In case you cannot return home, meet at: WRITING DOWN YOUR CONTACT NUMBERS ALLOWS YOU TO QUICKLY
FIND CRUCIAL INFORMATION SHOULD AN EMERGENCY HAPPEN.
emergency PreParedness guide - are you ready?

Emergencies: Be Prepared Disasters and emergencies are unpredictable. They
can strike anytime and anywhere. Often they occur with very little warning. Although the likelihood that one will occur in our area may seem like a remote possibility, our region of Ontario is susceptible to severe storms, flooding, winter blizzards, and tornadoes.
Hazardous materials incidents, major transportation accidents, power disruptions and disease outbreaks can also have an impact on our area. Every year communities such as ours experience events that pose a significant risk to the lives, health and property of the people in them.
Emergencies have the potential to affect large numbers of people and produce substantial damage to property. They can be caused by accidents, forces of nature, technology failures, disease outbreaks, or even be the result of intentional acts.
If an emergency were to occur in our region, it
could pose a significant risk to the people, property,
environment and economic well-being of our
EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS GUIDE - ARE YOU READY? Emergencies: Be Prepared In an emergency, the City of London and emergency
services will be working to ensure the safety of residents
and to reduce the damage caused by the event.
They will also work closely with hospitals, public health, local utilities, businesses, provincial ministries and other community partners to mount a co-ordinated response to the situation. This work will continue through the recovery phase to restore conditions to normal as quickly as possible. When a disaster occurs, emergency workers focus their initial
efforts on helping people who need immediate, urgent assistance.
As a result, if your neighbourhood is not in immediate danger, it may take time for workers to clear roads and restore utilities to your area. Therefore, it is important to be prepared to cope without regular services and assistance for a period of time. In an emergency you may need to take shelter in your home or workplace. You could be left without electricity, heat or water for hours or even a few days. In some circumstances you might even need to leave your home and evacuate to All residents should plan for these situations and be prepared to
be as self-sufficient as possible for at least 72 hours.
ThIS GUIDE IS DESIGNED TO hELP YOU CONSTRUCT AN EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS PLAN FOR YOU AND YOUR FAMILY. DEvELOP, DISCUSS AND PRACTICE YOUR PLAN TOGEThER.
emergency PreParedness guide - are you ready? There are three steps you can take to help you
and your family prepare for an emergency:
Step 1 - Know the Risks
In City of London, we are fortunate to live in a relatively safe region of Canada. However, that does not mean that we are immune to the possibility of a large-scale emergency. A hazard identification and risk assessment study conducted by the City of London has identified the following potential hazards in our region: Severe weather and other Snowstorms, ice storms, extreme temperatures, meteorological events windstorms, tornadoes, floods, fires Hazardous materials incidents, explosions, transportation accidents, water contamination, train derailments Technological failures Extended power failures, network interruptions, phone Disease outbreaks Widespread health emergencies, human or animal borne diseases, pandemic influenza Arson, crime, civil unrest EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS GUIDE - ARE YOU READY? Emergencies: Be Prepared Step 2 - Make a Plan
Emergencies can strike with very little warning, leaving you with no time to make plans about where to go and what to do.
CHALLENGES YOU MIGHT FACE IN AN EMERGENCY:
You might not have the opportunity to gather resources Family members may be in different locations when the Communication networks can break down It is possible that electricity, water or gas service to your home will be disrupted Roads could be blocked or closed Regular sources of food, water and gasoline might not IT'S UP To
RESIDENTS hAvE A KEY ROLE TO PLAY IN RESPONDING TO EMERGENCIES. MAKE PLANS TO BE ABLE TO TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF AND ThE MEMBERS OF YOUR hOUSEhOLD FOR UP TO 72 hOURS.
Being prepared ahead of time will help you and your family cope with an emergency more effectively and enable you to make a faster recovery.
Emergencies can be particularly stressful for children, seniors and individuals with disabilities or special needs. They may feel especially vulnerable if they rely on caregivers for assistance, but are separated from them when the incident occurs. If your household includes a person who requires extra help or has special needs, be sure to include provisions for them in your plan.
emergency PreParedness guide - are you ready? MAKE YoUR PLAN BEFoRE
AN EMERgENCY oCCURS
Create a home escape plan Record your emergency contact information Identify a meeting place away from your home Choose an out-of-area contact person Copy and protect important documents Take an inventory of household possessions Prepare an evacuation plan Make a plan for your pets CREATING A HOME ESCAPE PLAN
Make a plan to be able to leave your home quickly and safely in the event
of a sudden emergency.
Draw a floor plan of your home. Identify two ways that you can exit from each room. Draw arrows on your diagram to show where these emergency exits are located. Use a different colour ink to make the arrows stand out.
Consider buying a collapsible emergency ladder if you might need to exit from an upper floor window or balcony. If you live in a high-rise building do not use elevators in an emergency. Use the stairs instead.
Decide on a safe meeting place outside your home where
everyone will go if you need to get out in an emergency
(e.g. a fire). Ensure that everyone in your family knows where
the meeting place is and practice your home escape plan EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS GUIDE - ARE YOU READY? Emergencies: Be Prepared Safe meeting place near home:
USE ThIS AREA TO SKETCh YOUR hOME ESCAPE PLAN. IDENTIFY TwO wAYS TO ExIT FROM EACh ROOM AND MARK EACh wITh AN ARROw.
emergency PreParedness guide - are you ready? RECoRD YoUR EMERgENCY
CoNTACT INFoRMATIoN
Members of your family may not be together at home when an emergency occurs. Children may be at school, in daycare or visiting friends. Adults may be at work or elsewhere. Make
plans to be able to contact each other in order to reunite.
gather a list of your emergency contact phone numbers.
Every family member should carry a copy of these numbers with them at all times. Adults can keep a copy in their wallet or store numbers in a mobile phone. Children can write them in a school agenda, or keep a copy in a backpack. For younger children give a copy to the child's teacher or daycare provider.
IDENTIFY A MEETING PLACE AWAY FROM YOUR HOME
Select a meeting place located well outside of your neighbourhood where everyone will go if you cannot return to your home in an emergency. Location:
Contact phone #:
Make plans ahead of time about who will pick up children who are at school or daycare.
EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS GUIDE - ARE YOU READY? Emergencies: Be Prepared CHooSE AN oUT-oF-AREA
Decide on an out-of-area emergency contact person. This person should live far enough away that they will not likely be affected if a disaster occurs in your area. Contact this relative or friend if you are separated from your family in an emergency. They can co-ordinate information about where family members are and help you to reunite with them. You can also use this contact to provide information to other relatives and friends to let them know that you are safe. EMERGENCY CONTACT INFORMATION
Family Member:work phone:Mobile phone:E-mail:Meeting Place:Out-of-area contact:Phone number:E-mail:School Phone:School Address: Record emergency contact information on a card for each family
member to carry with them at all times
In mobile phones store emergency contact numbers under iCe
For in Case of emergency
emergency PreParedness guide - are you ready? CoPY & PRoTECT
IMPoRTANT DoCUMENTS
Make copies of all important documents.
For example:
birth & marriage certificates driver's licences vehicle registration banking & investment information Find recent photographs of each family member and include them with your sets of copies. Make backup copies of important electronic files and scanned documents as well. Store them on a CD, DVD or USB drive.
Keep one set of all backup copies in your emergency preparedness kit and store another set in a safe place away from home. These files contain sensitive information so store them in a safe place. You might choose to store them in a safety deposit box or with trusted family or friends who live out of town.
TAKE AN INVENToRY oF
HoUSEHoLD PoSSESSIoNS
Compile an inventory of your household possessions. For each item, include a description, serial numbers, approximate value and original purchase receipts if possible. Photographs are an excellent way to keep track of your home's contents, especially unique items such as antiques and jewelry.
When your inventory is complete, it is a good idea to make sure you have adequate insurance for your property and possessions. Check that you are covered for the types of emergencies that might occur in your area.
EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS GUIDE - ARE YOU READY? Emergencies: Be Prepared PREPARE AN EVACUATIoN PLAN
In some emergencies, such as floods, fires or hazardous materials incidents, it may be necessary for you to evacuate from your home and neighbourhood. Authorities will not ask you to leave your home unless they believe you are in significant danger.
If you are directed to evacuate, take your emergency kit with you. Carefully follow the instructions given by emergency authorities. Stick to the evacuation route you have been told to follow and proceed to a reception centre or evacuation shelter. When you arrive, be sure to register with the shelter or reception centre staff. Do not attempt to enter or return to an area that has been Make arrangements ahead of time with relatives or friends who would be willing to provide you with temporary lodging during an evacuation. Choose one location that is not too far from your home where you could go in the event of a small, localized evacuation. Choose another that is farther away in case there is a major incident that requires the widespread evacuation of a larger area.
PLACE TO STAY IN THE EVENT OF AN EVACUATION
In an evacuation, once you have taken care of yourself and your family, check to see if there are neighbours who you can assist. Discuss ahead of time.
2 travel routes to this location: emergency PreParedness guide - are you ready? MAKE A PLAN FoR YoUR PETS
Pets are generally not allowed in evacuation centres. Make plans for pets in case you are forced to evacuate from your home. Prepare a pet emergency kit (see page 19) and think about family, friends or boarding kennels that would take care of your pet in an emergency. Some hotels and motels allow visitors to stay with their pets. Explore your options before the Step 3 - Prepare a Kit
72 hOUR BASIC EMERGENCY KIT vEhICLE EMERGENCY KIT PET EMERGENCY KIT Make preparations before an emergency to be self-sufficient for up to 72 hours.
This allows emergency workers to focus on people who require urgent assistance.
Assemble an emergency kit that contains items to help you cope during the first 72 hours of an emergency. Store the items in backpacks, duffel bags or luggage so you can easily take the kit with you in case you need to evacuate. Keep it in a cool, dry area of your home. Ensure that every household member knows where the emergency kit is located.
Check your kit at least once each year. A
good time to inspect it is during Emergency
Preparedness Week. Check that all items are in
working order and use your checklist to ensure
that your kit is still complete. Replace food, water
and batteries in your kit at this time.
EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS GUIDE - ARE YOU READY? Emergencies: Be Prepared Include special items that may be required for individuals
with disabilities or special needs. Emergency Management
Ontario has produced an excellent guide on emergency preparedness for individuals with disabilities and special needs. The guide is available on their web site.
emergencymanagementontario.ca
Families with infants and toddlers also have additional
needs. Remember to include baby food, formula, bottles or
sippy cups, diapers, baby wipes, toys, crayons, paper and other items as required.
72 HOUR BASIC EMERGENCY KIT
Water – 4 litres per person per day Toothbrushes & toothpaste Non-perishable food Whistle to attract attention Manual can opener Spare batteries for flashlights Prescription medications Spare house and car keys Flashlight and batteries Money - include small bills and Radio and batteries or crank radio A copy of your emergency plan Candles and matches or a lighter Emergency contact information A basic analog telephone DURING ThE FIRST Copies of important documents Warm clothing and footwear FULL wEEK OF MAY Recent photos of each family Blanket or sleeping bag for each Playing cards, games or small Toilet paper, feminine hygiene products and other personal care supplies Infant supplies and diapers if needed Plastic garbage bagsSoap, shampoo and gel hand sanitizer emergency PreParedness guide - are you ready? CoNSIDER THE FoLLoWINg:
Water (4 litres per person per day)
Basic analog telephones that
• use 2 litres for drinking work when they are plugged into • use 2 litres for washing, hygiene, a phone jack (and don't need to be and food preparation plugged into an electrical outlet) will still work in a power outage if For prescription medications,
telephone lines are not damaged. include a 1 week supply and copies of prescriptions.
Keep some cash on hand - debit and credit cards may not work in Water treatment methods include water purification tablets, filters or bleach RECoMMENDED ADDITIoNAL ITEMS
Small camping stove and Disposable dishes, cups, and cutlery fuel for cooking outside Disposable razors and shaving cream Tarps or plastic sheeting Toys and games for children if needed NEVER USE camping
stoves, barbecues or
propane heaters indoors
or in enclosed spaces. The
carbon monoxide gas that
they emit can be lethal if
EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS GUIDE - ARE YOU READY? Emergencies: Be Prepared FIRST AID & MEDICAL SUPPLIES
Purchase a basic first aid kit or assemble one on your own and ensure that it has adequate supplies for the number of people in your home.
A BASIC FAMILY KIT INCLUDES: • 2 pressure bandages • Assorted adhesive bandages • 8 gauze pads - (4) 2x2, (4) 4x4 • 20 wrapped antiseptic towelettes • instant cold pack • 2 abdominal pads • 1 roll adhesive tape • 2 gauze rolls • first aid gloves (non-latex, nitrile) • 5 large fabric fingertip dressings • 1 thermal blanket • 2 triangular bandages • First Aid manual INCLUDE SOME NON-PRESCRIPTION MEDICATIONS IN YOUR FIRST AID KIT: • A pain reliever (e.g. acetaminophen)• An anti-inflammatory (e.g. ibuprofen)• An antihistamine for allergy relief• A topical antibiotic cream for cuts and abrasions• Skin moisturizer• An anti-diarrhea medication (e.g. Imodium)• Antacid tablets emergency PreParedness guide - are you ready? choose foods which:
• canned fruits, vegetables, ready-to-eat • do not require refrigeration • energy rich peanut butter, granola bars, dry pasta sauces, dried fruit, nuts • have a long shelf life • canned juice or juice-boxes • are ready to eat or require little preparation • instant coffee, tea, hot chocolate • are calorie and nutrient • energy bars, meal replacement drinks • spices, sauces, condiments and sugar, to improve the taste of the food VEHICLE EMERgENCY KIT
Sand, salt, cat litter or traction mats for ice Emergency food supply (e.g. energy bars) Extra anti-freeze and windshield wiper fluid Extra pieces of warm clothing including a hat, mitts, scarf, and boots Snowbrush & ice scraper Survival candle in a deep can and matches/ Emergency contact numbers (relatives, work, Seat belt cutter and window breaker tool roadside assistance) (keep these 2 items where they can be easily reached from the driver's seat) Booster cablesFire extinguisher (class ABC)Emergency flaresWhistle Spare fuel containerRoad maps EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS GUIDE - ARE YOU READY? Emergencies: Be Prepared PET EMERGENCY KIT
Food, water, bowls, paper Copy of pet licence towel, can opener Muzzle (if required) Blanket and a small toy Medications and records (including vaccinations) Cat litter (if required) and Record details of feeding schedules, medical or Pet carrier for transportation behavioural problems in case you must board Current photo of your pet in case your pet gets lost Up-to-date ID tag with your Step 4 - Know What to Do During an Emergency
The key to responding effectively in an emergency is to be prepared, remain calm, use common sense and follow the directions issued by emergency authorities.
In an emergency you will be provided with information through the media about the nature of the emergency, status of the situation and instructions about what to do. Monitor radio and television broadcasts for emergency information and notifications. You could also be alerted by emergency workers who come directly to your home or workplace.
If you need to wait out a disaster in your home, use the provisions in your 72-hour emergency preparedness kit. Cook outside on a barbeque or camp stove if there is no electricity. In cold weather you may be able to use a fireplace or woodstove to heat your home. Do NoT USE BARBEQUES, gAS SToVES oR PRoPANE HEATERS INDooRS.
emergency PreParedness guide - are you ready? WATER TREATMENT IN EMERGENCIES
On average, a person can only survive for three days without water. If you run out of stored supplies you will need to turn to other sources for drinking water. Ensure that the water is safe to drink. If you are not sure, you must treat it before drinking or using it to prepare food.
TEMPORARY TREATMENT OF wATER Boiling is an effective method for disinfecting water. Bring water to a full boil for at least one minute to kill bacteria and parasites. Boiling is a good temporary treatment for clear surface water or rain water.
Plain household bleach can also be used to treat water. Add 5 to 8 drops of plain bleach for every 4 litres of water. Stir and let the water sit for 15 minutes before using. Do not use specialty, colourfast or scented bleach.
Water purification tablets that contain iodine or chlorine are another option. They are available at camping and outdoor stores. Follow A safe and effective method is to use a portable water filtration system. These systems typically pump water through special filters to remove bacteria, viruses and contaminants. They are sold at camping and outdoor stores.
EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS GUIDE - ARE YOU READY? Emergencies: Be Prepared HOW TO SHELTER-IN-PLACE DURING
A HAZARDOUS MATERIALS INCIDENT
Hazardous materials incidents involve the release of dangerous chemical, biological or radioactive contaminants. There are many safeguards in place whenever a dangerous substance is being manufactured, transported or stored. Occasionally, however, hazardous chemicals and other substances are accidentally spilled or released.
If a hazardous materials incident occurs in your area, you will be notified by radio and television broadcasts. These broadcasts will provide information about what to do to reduce your exposure and protect yourself. You may be instructed to shelter-in-place or to evacuate. To shelter-in-place you must remain inside your home or workplace and protect yourself there. THE FOLLOWING STEPS WILL HELP TO REDUCE YOUR ExPOSURE AND MAxIMIZE YOUR PROTECTION:
1. Close and lock all exterior doors and 5. Choose an interior room, ideally one without windows, where you will take shelter. Select a room that is above ground because, in 2. Shut off all fans to avoid drawing air a chemical gas leak, toxic gases that are in from outside. Turn off heating and heavier than air can seep into basements and air-conditioning systems that circulate air through your home. Ensure that the kitchen range hood and bathroom 6. Once you are in the room, use duct tape to seal ventilation fans are off.
all air vents and cracks around the door.
3. Close your fireplace chimney damper.
7. Monitor your radio or television station for information. You will be notified when it is safe 4. Retrieve your 72-hour emergency kit. to come out of shelter or you may be instructed Ensure that the radio is working. If you suspect that you have been exposed to a hazardous material, call 911 immediately and seek medical care. Monitor any symptoms that you experience. Be aware of perspiration, dizziness and changes in your heart rate, breathing, skin tone and level of consciousness. Tell medical personnel about these and any other symptoms that you notice.
emergency PreParedness guide - are you ready? IF YOU NEED TO EVACUATE
Authorities will only direct you to evacuate from your home if they have reason to believe you are in significant danger. Follow instructions that you are given about when to leave, where to go and what transportation routes to follow. Do not enter or return to an evacuated area unless emergency officials have given you specific instructions and permission to do so.
If you are ordered to evacuate remember to take:
your emergency kit your emergency plan & contact information essential medications and copies of prescriptions your pets and their supplies TAKE STEPS TO PROTECT YOUR HOME:
Locate all shut-off switches and valves for water, When you evacuate, lock your home electricity, gas, heating and ventilating systems in and leave a note on the front door that your home ahead of time.
indicates when you left, where you are going and your contact information.
Identify valves and switches with labels and clearly mark the on/off position.
If you are able to, assist your neighbours with the evacuation.
Officials may advise you to shut off water and electricity service. ONLY turn them off if you are If you have time call or e-mail your out-of- instructed to do so by emergency officials.
area contact. Let them know where you are going, your planned route and when Do not shut your natural gas service off UNLESS you you expect to arrive. When you arrive at are specifically directed to by emergency officials. a reception centre or evacuation shelter, If you turn off your gas a qualified technician will register with the staff. Also contact your have to reconnect it. In a major emergency it could out-of-area contact to give them an take weeks for a technician to respond, leaving you update. Tell them if any family members without gas for heating and cooking. have become separated.
EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS GUIDE - ARE YOU READY? Emergencies: Be Prepared WHAT TO DO IN SPECIFIC
When severe weather is approaching, Environment Canada issues storm watches, warnings and advisories through local radio and television broadcasts. Information is also available on the Weather Office web site: Preparing for Severe Thunderstorms and
High Winds
Cut down dead trees and branches ahead of time so they can't fall and cause damage.
Secure lawn furniture and other objects that might be blown around.
If a thunderstorm is approaching, unplug televisions, computers, and other electronic equipment. If you are outside in a thunderstorm, Do not go out in a boat during a take shelter in a building immediately. storm or if one is in the forecast. If If there is no building nearby, shelter you are on the water and bad weather in a low, protected area such as a is approaching, head for shore ditch, culvert or cave.
Don't lie flat if you are caught in an If you are in a vehicle and need to open area. Crouch down on two stop, park away from trees and power feet to minimize your contact with lines that could fall. Stay inside your the ground in case there is a nearby lightning strike.
Never take shelter under a tree.
emergency PreParedness guide - are you ready? WINTER SToRMS, ICE SToRMS
AND BLIZZARDS
When a winter storm hits, stay indoors. If you must go outside, dress for the weather and wear warm boots, mitts and a hat or toque.
Blowing snow reduces visibility on the road. Avoid driving in these conditions.
If a blizzard catches you when you are driving, pull off to the side of the road. Turn on your flashing hazard lights to make your vehicle as visible as possible for other drivers.
If your car becomes stuck in snowstorm, stay inside the vehicle.
To stay warm in a vehicle, you can run the engine for ten minutes every half- hour if the muffler is not blocked by snow. Check the tailpipe to make sure it is not obstructed. Dangerous carbon monoxide fumes can enter the car if the exhaust pipe is blocked by snow. Ice from freezing rain accumulates on branches, power lines and buildings. Use caution around branches or wires that could break under the weight of the ice.
Stay away from fallen power lines to avoid the risk of electrocution.
If freezing rain is in the forecast, avoid driving because roads become extremely hazardous. After a storm, wait until road conditions are safe before driving.
EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS GUIDE - ARE YOU READY? Emergencies: Be Prepared ToRNADoES AND
IF YOU ARE IN THE HOUSE:
•
Stay away from windows, doors, and outside walls.
Take shelter in the basement.
If there is no basement, go to a small interior room, hallway or closet on the ground floor.
Take shelter under a sturdy desk or table for more In a multi-storey building, go to an interior room or hallway on the ground floor. Avoid using elevators.
IF YOU ARE IN A LARGE OPEN BUILDING SUCH AS A GYM, GROCERY STORE, ARENA,
AUDITORIUM OR CHURCH
Be aware that the wide span roof of a large building can collapse in a tornado.
Take shelter in another building if possible.
If you cannot leave, move to a small interior room such as a change room, washroom, cloakroom or storage room. Look for sturdy tables or desks to shelter under.
IF YOU ARE DRIVING AND SPOT A TORNADO
IF YOU ARE IN A MOBILE HOME, VEHICLE, OR
RV WHEN A TORNADO IS APPROACHING
Never chase a tornado - they are unpredictable and can change Take shelter in a nearby building that direction quickly. has a strong foundation. If the funnel is in the distance, take shelter in the nearest solid building. If it is nearby, get out of your vehicle and take shelter in a low-lying ditch or depression.
area or ditch.
If you are caught in an open area, get as close to the ground as possible and cover your head to protect it from flying debris.
emergency PreParedness guide - are you ready? Floods are the most frequent natural hazard in Canada. Parts of this area are susceptible to flooding during the spring run-off, particularly if there is a combination of heavy rainfall and rapid melting of the winter snow pack.
PREPARATIONS TO REDUCE FLOOD DAMAGE
Install a sump pump and zero reverse flow valves in basement drains.
Do not store important items or documents in the Apply weather sealant around basement windows. Extend eavestrough downspouts to ensure rainwater is discharged away from your home. IF FLOODING IS IMMINENT
Take precautions to safeguard Remove the toilet DO NOT ATTEMPT
electrical, natural gas or bowl if you have a TO TURN OFF YOUR
propane heating equipment.
basement washroom. ELECTRICITY IF ANY
Seal basement drains If there is time, consult your WATER IS PRESENT.
and toilet connections electricity, water and gas with wooden stoppers Water combined with supplier for flood instructions.
or rubber plugs to live electrical wires Turn off your basement prevent contaminated creates a potentially furnace and outside gas valve.
water from entering.
If there is time, you lethal electrocution Move basement furniture, may be able to protect electronics and appliances hazard. Leave your home immediately and sandbags or plastic Take chemicals and toxic (polyethylene) barriers. inform authorities. Do substances out of basement Check with local not return until it is officials for instructions safe to do so.
and information on EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS GUIDE - ARE YOU READY? Emergencies: Be Prepared IF YOU NEED TO EVACUATE
If an evacuation is ordered, leave your home. Staying may put your safety and the safety of others at risk.
Do not cross flooded areas on foot or in a vehicle. The water can be much deeper than it appears. Fast flowing water, even if it is shallow, is powerful enough to sweep you away. AFTER A FLOOD
Do not return home until authorities have informed you that it is safe. Do not enter your residence if the electricity was not turned off at the CONTAMINATED WATER & MOLD
main switchbox before the flood. You will need an electrician to Flood water is often heavily determine if it is safe to enter. contaminated with sewage and The main electrical panel will need to other pollutants. Take precautions be dried, cleaned and tested by an to protect your health. Use gloves, electrician to ensure that it is safe.
masks and rubber boots when working in contaminated areas and wash Wiring in flooded electrical appliances may be damaged. They can short-circuit and give off a strong Do not drink water if you suspect electrical shock or even catch fire contamination. Have it tested.
when plugged in. Make sure they Damp basements are an ideal place for are thoroughly cleaned and dried and mold growth. Mold can lead to serious have them inspected by a qualified health problems if it is not removed. electrician before use. When working in an area where mold Check for structural damage before is present, wear a face mask and entering your home. Make sure it disposable gloves. You may need to is safe. Look for buckled or slanted have mold removed by professionals.
walls or floors. Watch for sewage contamination, broken glass and other dangerous For more information on cleaning up
flood debris.
after a flood, visit the Middlesex -
London Health Unit Web site:
healthunit.com
emergency PreParedness guide - are you ready? EXTENDED PoWER oUTAgES
Most power failures are short in duration. However, during severe storms or other emergencies they can last for hours, days or even a week or more.
During a power outage, you may be left without heating, air conditioning, lighting and running water. Phone service can also be disrupted. Basic analog telephones which do not require electricity may still work. A radio in your emergency kit makes it possible for you to monitor news broadcasts. You can reduce the impact of a power outage by taking time to prepare in advance. Be prepared to manage without electricity for at least 72 hours.
PREPARING YOUR HOME
DURING A POWER OUTAGE
Consider installing a backup If yours is the only home without power, check heating source for winter your electrical panel or fuse box.
power failures. Gas or wood If neighbouring homes are affected as well, call stoves and heaters that your electricity supplier. don't rely on electricity can heat your home and keep Appliances and electronic equipment can be water pipes from freezing.
damaged by a power surge when electricity returns; turn appliances off.
Clean your chimney every fall Turn off all lights, except for one or two. When if you have a woodstove or they come on you will know that service has Another option is to install a Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed as backup electricity generator. much as possible to prevent food from spoiling. People choosing this option Food will remain frozen in a full freezer for 24 to need to check their home's 36 hours if the door remains closed. energy requirements and Never use barbecues, camping stoves, propane have the generator installed heaters or generators indoors.
by a professional. Use safe candle holders which will not topple. Have at least one telephone Do not leave lit candles unattended and put them that doesn't require out before going to bed.
electricity to work.
A crank or battery powered radio will enable you to stay informed during an outage. EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS GUIDE - ARE YOU READY? Emergencies: Be Prepared AFTER AN EMERgENCY
Check yourself and your family for injuries.
Help injured individuals and provide first aid if it is safe to do so. Otherwise get help or call 911 if it is an emergency.
Once you have taken care of people in your own household, check on your neighbours.
Monitor local radio and television stations for information from emergency officials.
Avoid using telephones or cell phones unless you require emergency services. Keep the lines free for those who need them most.
Stay away from disaster areas. Going there may interfere with rescue work. If you become injured or stranded in a dangerous area you become part of the emergency and create more work for emergency personnel.
Avoid fallen power lines. Report their location to local utilities.
If there is damage to your residence use caution. If there is structural damage, leave your home and do not re-enter until it has been examined by a professional.
Check for fires, fire hazards and gas leaks. If there are any hazards present, leave your house and call for help. Be sure to use appropriate safety equipment to protect yourself from injury.
Notify relatives and friends that the emergency is over.
Contact your insurance company.
If you can prevent further damage by boarding up windows or temporarily patching holes in a roof then make these repairs.
After any emergency do not drink the water until you have verified that it is safe.
emergency PreParedness guide - are you ready? INSURANCE AND EMERgENCIES
Check your insurance policy before a disaster strikes to determine if you have enough coverage and exactly what types of damage will be covered.
For insurance purposes, make sure you have an accurate description of your home and an inventory of your belongings. Take photographs, record serial numbers and keep copies of receipts to show the value of items. If an emergency damages your home or possessions, take immediate steps to protect your property from further damage and contact your insurance company as soon as CHILDREN AND EMERgENCIES
Children, in particular, may experience anxiety and fear after an emergency. Children take their cues on how to respond to a situation by how the adults around them react. Try to be calm, reassuring and realistically optimistic about the situation.
Children may feel powerless and Encourage children to express worry that the event will happen themselves through play or Encourage children to talk about If you have evacuated, try to the event and their feelings. keep the family together in one Listen to their fears and take them Provide children with information Talk about what happened and at a level they can understand.
what is being done to return life Hold and hug young children to back to normal.
give them a sense of safety and EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS GUIDE - ARE YOU READY? Emergencies: Be Prepared CoPINg WITH THE AFTERMATH
WHAT YoU AND YoUR FAMILY MIgHT EXPERIENCE
Realize that people react in different ways following an Recognize that the way you are feeling and reacting to the event is normal.
Talk to family members and friends.
Be there to listen to others as well.
There may be a lot of cleanup and recovery work to do but don't overdo it. Take time to rest.
Remember that emergencies are very stressful events.
If physical and emotional reactions continue to persist after the event or if you have experienced particularly traumatic losses, it may be necessary to seek counselling and professional help. Don't hesitate to do this; help is available.
emergency PreParedness guide - are you ready? Where to find more information FOR MORE INFORMATION ON EMERGENCY
PREPAREDNESS, ExPLORE THESE WEBSITES:
City of London – Emergency Managementlondon.ca/emergency Public Safetygetprepared.ca St. John Ambulance Canadasja.ca The Salvation Armysalvationarmy.ca Middlesex - London health Unithealthunit.com The Canadian Red Cross redcross.ca Public health Agency of Canadaphac-aspc.gc.ca Other General Information211 Ontario - easy access to community, social, health, and related government services in Ontario211ontario.ca emergency PreParedness guide - are you ready?

Source: https://www.london.ca/residents/Emergency-Information/Emergency-Preparedness/Documents/CofL_EPGuide_2012_22_FINALlres.pdf