Emergency Planning - FAQs

According to the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act of 2006, an emergency is defined as:

"a situation or impending situation that constitutes a danger of major proportions that could result in serious harm to persons or substantial damage to property and that is caused by forces of nature, a disease or other health risk, an accident or an act whether intentional or otherwise"

There are three main categories of emergencies:
1. Natural e.g. tornadoes, floods, snow and ice storms, disease outbreaks
2. Human caused; Accidents e.g. train derailments, power outages or Hostile Acts e.g. chemical and biological threats, explosions
3. Technological e.g. failed computer, telecommunications or other information technology

Individuals are responsible for their own safety and the safety of their families. You should be prepared for an minimum of 72 hours. Supplies may not be available to purchase in an emergency situation, so it is important to have provisions in an emergency kit safely stored in your home. These supplies should be refreshed at a minimum frequency of once per year. It is a good idea to update your supplies when you check the batteries in your smoke detector (every six months).

Local community government and emergency services are the first to respond to an emergency. Non-governmental organizations like the Canadian Red Cross and Salvation Army also assist at this level of an emergency. It may take emergency workers some time to reach you as they help those in desperate need.

Before an emergency

• Teach your child how to recognize dangerous situations and how and when to call for help.
• Learn about disaster plans at your child's daycare or school and other places where your family spends time, such as your local recreation centre or arena.

During an emergency

• One of the most important things to remember is that the way adults handle the situation during an emergency will determine, to a great extent, how their children will react. Stay calm and reassure children by talking with them openly and honestly about the situation.
• Children respond well to familiarity. Practice your emergency evacuation plan twice a year. In the event of an emergency or evacuation, bring along a favourite toy or board game to provide comfort and entertainment.
• Limit media coverage of the event that children are exposed to as this can increase anxiety.

After an emergency

• Encourage children to talk about their feelings and questions surrounding the situation.
• Include children in the recovery after the disaster. Assign tasks for clean-up that are appropriate to the child's age and skill level.

Pets are part of our families. When developing your emergency preparedness kit, include supplies to last 72 hours for your pet such as:

• Food, potable water, bowls, paper towel and a can opener
• Blanket and a small toy
• Leash and/or harness
• Muzzle, if required by local by-laws
• Cat litter and pan
• Plastic bags
• Carrier for transport
• Medications and medical records, including vaccinations
• Information about feeding schedules, medications, or behavioural problems in case you must board your pet
• Up-to-date ID tag with your name and telephone number and the name and telephone number of your veterinarian.
• Copy of licence, if required by local by-laws
• Current photograph in case your pet gets lost

Evacuation centres do not accept pets due to health regulations.
Before an emergency:

• Check with hotels and motels outside your immediate area to see if they would accept pets in an emergency situation
• Prepare a listing of boarding kennels, veterinarians, and animal shelters that may accept pets during an emergency
• Check with family and friends living outside your immediate area who may be able to shelter a pet
• Make arrangements with a trusted neighbour to evacuate your pet, along with the pet's emergency supplies, and meet you at a prearranged location if you are not home during an emergency evacuation

During an emergency:

• Keep your pet with familiar people and on a leash. Even the most trustworthy petts may panic, hide, try to escape or even bite or scratch.
• If you must evacuate, do not leave your animals behind. Evacuate them to the prearranged place if they cannot be with you. It is more dangerous to leave your pet at home alone during an evacuation.

After an emergency:

• Inspect your home and property and remove any hazards such as broken metal, glass shards or electrical wires, that may harm your pet.
• For a few days following the emergency, do not allow your pet to go outside unattended since he may become disoriented and lost in a changed landscape.
• Monitor your pet for changes in behaviour. Contact your veterinarian if you have any concerns.

When preparing emergency kits, extra supplies should be included to suit any special needs such as:

• Assistive devices e.g. canes, walkers, hearing aids, breathing apparatus
• Prescription eyewear and footwear
• Extra medications and medical supplies to last for 7 days
• Copies of prescriptions
• Extra personal toiletries e.g. dentures and cleaner

It is recommended that people with special needs create a network of family members, friends, and co-workers who could assist in an emergency situation. The network members should know how to operate any special equipment and be able to alert the person with special needs of an emergency. Practice the plan you make together.

Wear a medical alert bracelet or other identification or medical conditions.

Discuss emergency plans with home care providers and primary care physician.

If you require life-sustaining equipment that is electrically powered, notify your local hydro provider. They cannot guarantee a continuous supply of electricity, but may be able to prioritize your location when re-establishing service, if feasible.

Additional recommendations for those with special needs and people who are assisting those with special needs can be found in the Emergency Preparedness Guide for People with Special Needs/Disabilities from Emergency Management Ontario.

All businesses, both small and large, need a plan for operations during emergency situations. Key infrastructure such as utilities, physical property, and communications systems must be protected. Business continuity planning includes plans, measures and arrangements to ensure continuous delivery of critical services and products. This planning will help the organization to recover its facility, data and assets.

Residents, businesses and vacationers are usually notified of an emergency situation by way of local media -- radio and television stations. Ensuer that you have a battery or crank powered radio in your home, cottage or office so if power is lost during an emergency you can still receive updates.

Information can also be found on the County of Simcoe Emergency Management website under Emergency Notices.

Occasionally, door-to-door canvassing by police, fire, or other emergency officials will be utilized to notify the public of an emergency situation.

In an emergency, only turn off your utilities if you are instructed to do so by the authorities. Each capable family member should familiarize themselves with the incoming utilities and electrical panels in your home.

If you have any questions about your services, contact your local utility supplier.

There are three types of weather alerts:

• Special weather statements are issued for weather events that are unusual, cause general inconvenience or public concern, and cannot adequately be described in a weather forecast.
• Watches are issued when conditions exist that are favourable for a possible summer or winter storm. The storm could affect safety at at the very least will cause an inconvenience. In the summer a watch is issued up to 6 hours before a storm. In the winter, a watch can be issued up to 12-24 hours in advance. A watch can be upgraded to a warning.
• Warnings are issued when severe weather is occuring or will occur. Severe summer storm warnings, such as thunderstorms, can be issued less than 1 hour in advance of the storm. Updates are issued as needed. Warnings should be taken seriously. When a warning is issued you should seek shelter and prepare to activate your emergency plan.