Personal Preparedness

Personal Preparedness

Prepare Now, Learn How! Emergencies can happen anytime, anywhere Each year, thousands of Canadian families face emergency situations that could change their lives forever Prepare Now, Learn How!

Personal Preparedness The following five steps will outline the actions you can take to increase your level of personal preparedness: • Make a family emergency plan • Prepare an emergency survival kit • Consider any special needs • Don’t forget your pets • Practice

Step 1: Make a Family Emergency Plan Learn about hazards in your community – prepare a list of risks that you are most likely to face and think about how they might affect your family Find out how you will be informed of an emergency - e.g. through media or first responders who come to your house

Step 1: Make a Family Emergency Plan • Pick two meeting places – one outside your home • and one outside your neighborhood • Choose an out-of-area contact, someone each • member of the family can call or e-mail in case of • an emergency • This person can help family members stay in touch and get together if they are separated • Be sure to pick someone who will not be affected by the same situation

Step 2: Prepare an Emergency Survival Kit • Flashlight and batteries • Radio and batteries or crank radio • Spare batteries (for radio and flashlight) Emergency Kits

Step 2: Prepare an Emergency Survival Kit • First-Aid Kit • Candles and matches/lighter • Extra car keys and cash Emergency Kits

Step 2: Prepare an Emergency Survival Kit • Important papers (identification, house insurance) • Food and can opener • Bottled water Emergency Kits

Step 2: Prepare an Emergency Survival Kit • Blankets or sleeping bags • Toilet paper and other personal items • Clothing and footwear Emergency Kits

Step 2: Prepare an Emergency Survival Kit • Whistle (to attract attention, if needed) • Playing cards, games • Backpack/duffel bag (to hold all of the • emergency survival kit items) Emergency Kits

Step 3: Consider any Special Needs There are an estimated 1.5 million Ontarians with disabilities and special needs Emergency Management Ontario and the Accessibility Directorate of Ontario developed an Emergency Preparedness Guide for People with Disabilities/Special Needs Available in six other languages

Step 4:Don’t Forget Your Pets Determine where you can bring your pets Prepare a pet survival kit: • Food, potable water, bowls, paper towel and a can opener • Blanket and a small toy • Sturdy leash/harness • Cat litter/pan (if required) and plastic bags • Carrier for transporting your pet • Medications and medical records (including vaccinations) • Current photo of your pet in case your pet gets lost • Up-to-date ID tag with your phone number and the name/phone number of your veterinarian

Step 5: Practice • Have a family exercise • Show family members how to turn off the water, electricity and gas • Show family members the location and how to use a fire extinguisher • Practice evacuating your home (remember your emergency survival kit) • Update your family emergency plan regularly • Check the contents of your emergency kit regularly Emergency Kits

Prepare Now! Learn How!

Personal Preparedness