As we wrap up our series on Emergency Preparedness, we are going to talk about having an Emergency Plan and an Emergency Kit, and being prepared for the two scenarios you may find yourself in should an emergency occur.
Emergency Plan
An Emergency Plan outlines what you will do should an emergency occur. You will take into consideration potential emergencies and how they could affect you, your family, and your property. The Government of Canada has created a great resource to help us create an Emergency Plan.
Make an Emergency Plan
- Safe exits from home and neighbourhood.
- Meeting places to reunite with family.
- Designated person to pick up children from school or daycare, should you be unavailable.
- Contact persons close-by and out-of-town.
- Health and insurance information and location of documentation, what is essential should you have to evacuate and what can be easily replaced.
- Places for your pet to stay.
- Risks in your region.
- Location of your fire extinguisher, water valve, electrical panel, gas valve and floor drain.
- Evacuation plan: Where will you go? Will there be any risks (i.e., traffic congestion)?
- Photos of all contents of your home (open drawers, closets etc.) for insurance purposes, in the event you have a loss.
- Consider your home/rental insurance coverage – would they cover water damages if you left a running sprinkler on your roof?
Once you have a lan, communicate the plan to those who need it. Print copies to keep in your home and vehicle. Email copies to keep on your device.
Emergency Kit
Maintain an emergency kit stocked with supplies such as water, food, battery-powered or crank radio and flashlight, extra batteries or Weatheradio. Ensure to have an emergency kit in your vehicle as well, plus a full tank of fuel.
- Change of clothes for each member of the family
- Medications
- Essential documentation
- Diapers, wipes, plastic bags
- Toilet paper
- Water
- Non-perishable snacks/food
- Consider a caffeine source in case you need to be awake for extended periods of time
- Pet supplies
- Comfort items/irreplaceable sentimental items
- Blankets
- Flashlights
- Candles in a metal tin, matches
- Emergency radio, batteries
- Phone charger
- Copy of Emergency Plan
