How to Prepare

Personal Preparedness
Disaster can strike quickly and without warning. It can force you to evacuate your neighbourhood or confine you to your home. What would you do if you did not have water, gas, electricity or telephones after a major emergency? No matter how well your community has planned their response to a disaster, in the event of a large-scale incident, first response resources may quickly become overwhelmed. To ensure the safety and well-being of you and your family, you should prepare now to take care of your own basic needs for at least the first 72 hours following a major disaster.

Download Provincial Emergency Prepardness Booklet 

If a disaster strikes, remember to:

• Remain calm and patient. Put your plan into action.
• Check for injuries.
• Give first aid and get help for seriously injured people.
• Listen to your battery-powered radio or television for news and instructions from local authorities.
• Evacuate, if advised to do so. Wear protective clothing and sturdy shoes.
• Check for damage in your home.
• Use flashlights. Do not use matches, lighters or turn on electrical switches.
• Sniff for gas leaks, starting at the water heater. If you smell gas or suspect a leak, turn off the main gas valve, open windows and get everyone outside quickly. You will need a professional to turn gas back on.
• Shut off any other damaged utilities.
• Clean up spilled medicines, bleaches, gasoline and other flammable liquids immediately.
• Call your family contact - do not use the telephone again unless it is a life-threatening emergency.
• Check on your neighbours, especially elderly or disabled persons.
• Make sure you have an adequate water supply in case service is cut off.
• Stay away from downed power lines.
• Confine or secure your pet.