Emergency Planning

Complete the Ministry of Ontario's Guide to Emergency Planning for Your Family (website).

Emergency Kit checklist:

• Contact list
• Important papers (identification, contact lists, copies of prescriptions, etc.)
• At least one week supply of any medication your family members need, extra eyeglasses, extra oxygen cylinder and copies of prescriptions
• At least three day supply of food including ready-to-eat foods (canned food, crackers, peanut butter, sugar, instant coffee, tea, etc.) Replace canned and dry food once a year
• At least four litres of water per person in your house (2L for drinking, 2L for food preparation, hygiene and dishwashing)
• A supply of water purification tablets
• Keep in mind the special needs of people in your house: babies and toddlers may need milk, formula and diapers
• Three day supply of pet food and water
• Manual can opener
• Flashlight
• Radio (crank or battery-run)
• Extra batteries
• First-aid kit
• Candles and matches/lighter
• Hand sanitizer or moist towelettes
• Extra car keys and cash
• Whistle
• Garbage bags
• Cash

Car Emergency Kit checklist:

• Shovel
• Sand, salt or kitty litter
• Traction mats
• Tow chain
• Compass
• Cloth or roll of paper towels
• Warning light or road flares
• Extra clothing and footwear
• Emergency food pack
• Axe or hatchet
• Booster cables
• Ice scraper and brush
• Road maps
• Matches and a "survival" candle in a deep can
• Fire extinguisher
• Methyl hydrate (for fuel line and windshield de-icing)
• Flashlight
• First-aid kit with seatbelt cutter
• Blanket (special "survival" blankets are best)

Plan for emergencies today and reduce your risk tomorrow. Be prepared to look after your family’s basic needs for 72 hours.

Print off our Family Emergency Cards to help you plan.

Family Preparedness Wallet Cards (PDF)

• Emergency Management Ontario
• Emergency Preparedness Brochure - Emergency Management Ontario
• Emergency Preparedness Checklist Bookmark - Emergency Management Ontario
• Pet Emergency Preparedness Checklist Brochure - Emergency Management Ontario
• Family Preparedness Wallet Cards - County of Brant

Hazard Information

The potential for a chemical spill exists as factories are located in the area and major highways and railways run through Brant. Hazardous materials could be flammable, explosive and/or toxic.

Prepare

• Create a 72 hour emergency kit. Remember your pets!
• Make a plan and practice it.
• Listen to local media and follow the local authorities' directions. They may issue an "Evacuation" or direct you to "Shelter-in-Place". To learn more about these directives, see below under “Emergency Directives”.

Hazard Information

Cyber attacks are becoming more sophisticated, targeted, widespread and undetected.

What do cyber-attacks look like?

Some cyber-attacks may seem obvious such as a suspicious email, but others can be hard to detect. Some of the most common ways criminals try to steal your information include:

• Hacking: cyber criminals gain access to your device or an organization's information technology systems to steal your information
• Malware: viruses, spyware or adware are placed on your device to steal your information
• Pharming: cyber criminals redirect an organization's legitimate website to a similar-looking website that captures the information you enter
• Phishing: fake emails, text messages and websites asking for your information, such as your social insurance number (SIN)
• Spam: mass distribution of unwanted messages to you or from you to your contact list
• Wi-Fi Eavesdropping: captures your online activity over an unsecure Wi-Fi network

How can you reduce the risks of a cyber-attack?

Practicing regular reviews of your online profile can reduce your exposure to cyber-attacks.

Reduce your risk by 80%:

• Use strong passwords
• Change passwords regularly for each of your devices and services
• Update software to the latest version

Other things you can do:

• Start a discussion with your financial service providers so you understand how your information is kept safe
• Avoid using public wifi when dealing with financial service providers and opt for an encrypted or secure connection
• Turn off Wi-Fi and Bluetooth settings when you are not using them
• If you receive an email from a financial service provider asking for information, give them a call (on a number not given in the email) to confirm it is legitimate and when in doubt, delete it
• Use safe payment options, such as credit cards, when making purchases online
• Avoid using money transfers as this is not a common practice in the financial services industry

Resources

• Protect yourself against cyber-attacks – Financial Services Commission of Ontario
• Get Cyber Safe – Government of Canada

Hazard Information

Extreme heat can make you sick with heat stroke, heat rash and heat cramps.

Prepare

• Cover windows that receive morning or afternoon sun with drapes, shades or awnings
• Create a 72 hour emergency kit. Remember your pets and include extra water, sunscreen and sunglasses
• Make a plan and practice it
• Know the places you can go to cool down (library, pool etc.)

Safety Tips

If you feel dizzy, weak or overheated:

• go to a cool place
• sit or lie down
• drink water
• wash your face with cool water

If you don't feel better soon, seek medical help.

If you are indoors:

• Stay indoors to limit sun exposure
• Take frequent cool showers or baths
• Stay on lower floors if there's no air conditioning
• Drink water and eat light, regular meals

If you are outdoors:

• Spend the hottest part of the day in air-conditioned public buildings (mall, library, cooling station)
• Drink water every 15 to 20 minutes even if you aren't thirsty
• Dress in light coloured, loose-fitting clothing covering as much of your skin as possible
• Wear a wide-brimmed hat to protect your face
• Wear full UVA and UVB protection sunglasses
• Apply sunscreen with SPF 15 or higher 20 minutes before going outside
• Apply lip balm with an SPF 15 or higher

Resources

• Extreme Heat Emergency Management Ontario

Visit the Flooding page on our website for important tools and resources.

Hazard Information

Pandemics occurs when an infectious disease spreads throughout the global population. It is different than an epidemic, which is usually contained within a region or country. Since the virus is new, the human population is likely to have little to no immunity against it.

Prepare

Add these items to your emergency kit:

• Alcohol-based hand sanitizer that's between 60 and 90% alcohol
• Medicines for headaches, coughs and fevers
• Thermometer
• Anti-Diarrheal medication
• Drinks with electrolytes

Safety Tips

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for about 15 seconds
• Stay healthy by eating well, drinking lots of water, getting regular exercise and plenty of rest
• Get your annual flu shot
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick
• When you are sick, keep your distance from others to protect them from getting sick too. Stay home from work, school, and errands when you are sick. Face covering may be recommended
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. It may prevent those around you from getting sick
• Follow the direction of local, provincial and federal health authorities

Resources

• Ontario Ministry of Health and Long Term Care
• Telehealth Ontario
• Brant County Health Unit
• Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC)
• World Health Organization (WHO)
• Pandemic Pantry Checklist (PDF)

For local power outage information, visit:

• Energy+ Inc. power outage map
• Hydro One power outage map

Prepare

• Install a non-electric heat source
• If you have a wood-burning fireplace, have the chimney cleaned every year.
• If the standby heating unit will use the normal house oil or gas supply, have it connected with shut-off valves by a certified tradesperson
• Before considering the use of an emergency generator during a power outage, check with furnace, appliance and lighting fixture dealers or manufacturers regarding power requirements and proper operating procedures
• Create a 72 hour emergency kit. Remember your pets
• Make an emergency plan and practice it

During a power outage

• First, check whether the power outage is limited to your home
  • If your neighbours' power is still on, check your own circuit breaker panel or fuse box
  • If the problem is not a breaker or a fuse, check the service wires leading to the house
  • If they are obviously damaged or on the ground, stay at least 10 meters back and notify your electric supply authority, be sure to keep the number along with other emergency numbers near your telephone
  • If your neighbours' power is also out, notify your electric supply authority
• Turn off all tools, appliances and electronic equipment, and turn the thermostat(s) for the home heating system down to minimum to prevent damage from a power surge when power is restored (power can be restored more easily when there is not a heavy load on the electrical system
• Turn off all lights, except one inside and one outside, so that both you and hydro crews outside know that power has been restored
• Don't open your freezer or fridge unless it is absolutely necessary. A full freezer will keep food frozen for 24 to 36 hours if the door remains closed
• Never use charcoal or gas barbecues, camping heating equipment, or home generators indoors or in garages. They give off carbon monoxide. Because you can't smell or see it, carbon monoxide can cause health problems and is life-threatening
• Use proper candle holders. Never leave lit candles unattended and keep out of reach of children. Always extinguish candles before going to bed
• Listen to your battery-powered or wind-up radio for information on the outage and advice from authorities

If you have to evacuate

If the house must be evacuated, protect it by:

• Turn off the main breaker or switch of the circuit-breaker panel or power-supply box.

If water pipes are at risk of freezing:

• Turn off the water main where it enters the house. Protect the valve, inlet pipe, and meter or pump with blankets or insulation material.
• Drain the water from your plumbing system. Starting at the top of the house, open all taps, and flush toilets several times. Go to the basement and open the drain valve. Drain your hot water tank by attaching a hose to the tank drain valve and running it to the basement floor drain.
• Note: If you drain a gas-fired water tank, the pilot light should be turned out. Call the local gas supplier to re-light it.
• Unhook washing machine hoses and drain.
• Do not worry about small amounts of water trapped in horizontal pipes. Add a small amount of glycol or antifreeze to water left in the toilet bowl, and the sink and bathtub traps.
• If your house is protected from groundwater by a sump pump, clear valuables from the basement floor in case of flooding.

Safety Tips

• Ensure your home has a working carbon monoxide detector. If it is hard-wired to the house's electrical supply, ensure it has a battery-powered back-up
• Protect sensitive electrical appliances such as TVs, computer, and DVD players with a surge-protecting power bar

How to operate a generator safely

• Follow the manufacturer's instructions
• Ensure that the generator operates outdoors in well-ventilated conditions, well away from doors or windows, and never in your garage, to prevent exhaust gases from entering the house
• Connect lights and appliances directly to the generator. If extension cords must be used, ensure they are properly rated, CSA-approved cords

After a power outage

• Do not enter a flooded basement unless you are sure the power is disconnected
• Do not use flooded appliances, electrical outlets, switch boxes or fuse-breaker panels until they have been checked and cleaned by a qualified electrician
• Replace the furnace flue (if removed) and turn off the fuel to the standby heating unit
• Switch on the main electric switch (before, check to ensure appliances, electric heaters, TVs, microwaves computers, etc. were unplugged to prevent damage from a power surge)
• Give the electrical system a chance to stabilize before reconnecting tools and appliances. Turn the heating-system thermostats up first, followed in a couple of minutes by reconnection of the fridge and freezer. Wait 10 to 15 minutes before reconnecting all other tools and appliances
• Close the drain valve in the basement
• Turn on the water supply. Close lowest valves/taps first and allow air to escape from upper taps
• Make sure that the hot water heater is filled before turning on the power to it
• Check food supplies in refrigerators, freezers and cupboards for signs of spoilage. If a freezer door has been kept closed, food should stay frozen 24 to 36 hours, depending on the temperature. When food begins to defrost (usually after two days), it should be cooked; otherwise it should be thrown out
• As a general precaution, keep a bag of ice cubes in the freezer. If you return home after a period of absence and the ice has melted and refrozen, there is a good chance that the food is spoiled. When in doubt, throw it out!
• Reset your clocks, automatic timers, and alarms
• Restock your emergency kit so the supplies will be there when needed again

Hazard Information

Lightning kills about nine Canadians each year and seriously injures more than 100 people. Be aware of weather conditions and seek shelter immediately if a warning has been issued.

Prepare

• Have a safe room in your home where everyone gathers during a storm that is away from windows, skylights and glass doors
• If there's a tornado, gather in a basement, storm cellar or interior room on the lowest floor
• Remove dead or rotting trees and branches that could fall and cause injury or damage
• Bring inside or tie-down garbage cans and lawn furniture
• Use surge protectors to protect your computer and other household items
• Receive instant weather alerts by downloading Environment Canada's WeatherCan mobile app
• Create a 72 hour emergency kit. Remember your pets
• Make a plan and practice it with your family

Safety Tips

If you are indoors:

• Stay away from windows, skylights and glass doors. Strong winds and large hail can shatter windows.
• Avoid running water in your house. Lightning can enter through pipes and plumbing
• Don't take showers or baths during a thunderstorm
• Remain indoors during a thunderstorm and stay inside for at least 30 minutes after the last rumble of thunder
• Be prepared to seek shelter in a basement or interior room on the lowest level if conditions worsen

If you are outdoors:

• If you hear thunder, lightning is close enough to be dangerous. Take shelter in an enclosed building or metal-topped vehicle
• Avoid water, high ground, isolated trees, power lines and picnic shelters. Small, open structures don't protect you from lightning
• If there's no shelter, go to a low-lying area away from tall, isolated objects. Crouch down and put your feet together. Do not lie down

Resources

• Preparing for Thunderstorms - Emergency Management Ontario

Hazard information

A tornado is a powerful rotating column of wind that can hurt people and damage property. Very large thunderstorms can create tornadoes. The sky is often green, yellow or black. Be aware of weather conditions and warnings.

[emphasis: blue] Seek shelter immediately if a warning has been issued or you believe one could occur.

Prepare

• Make a plan and practice it with your family. Have a safe room in your home where everyone gathers during a tornado such as the basement, storm cellar or interior room on the lowest floor with no windows
• Conduct a tornado drill to make sure everyone knows where to go if a tornado is coming
• Remove dead or rotting trees and branches that could fall and cause injury or damage
• Receive instant weather alerts by downloading Environment Canada's WeatherCan mobile app
• Prepare for a power outage [anchor link to Power Outage accordion]
• Create a 72 hour emergency kit – don't forget your pets
• Make a plan and practice it with your family

Safety tips

If you're indoors:

• The safest place to be is an underground shelter, basement or safe room
• If you don't have a basement, go to the centre of an interior room on the lowest level away from corners, windows, doors and outside walls. Put as many walls as possible between you and the outside
• Get under a sturdy piece of furniture. Use your arms to protect your head and neck
• Don't open windows

If you're outdoors:

• Don't wait until you see the tornado to get inside
• If you can't get inside, lie flat in a ditch and cover your head with your hands
• Don't go under an overpass or bridge. You're safer in a low, flat area

If you're in a mobile home:

• Go to the nearest sturdy building or shelter immediately. Mobile homes do not offer protection from tornadoes

Resources

• Tornadoes - Emergency Management Ontario

Hazard Information

Winter storms kill more Canadians than tornadoes, thunderstorms, lightning, floods and hurricanes combined. Heavy snowfall and ice can make the roads treacherous and interrupt the power supply.

Check local weather forecasts and avoid unnecessary travel when a winter storm is forecasted.

Prepare

• Winterize your home to retain heat:
  • insulate walls and attics
  • caulk or weather-strip doors and windows
  • install storm windows or cover windows with plastic
• Get heating equipment and chimneys cleaned and inspected once a year
• Bring pets inside and move livestock to sheltered areas with non-frozen drinking water
• If you must go outside, dress in layers and wear non-slip boots, regularly check for frostbite (numbness or white areas on your face and body) and avoid overexertion when shoveling snow by taking frequent breaks.
• Receive instant weather alerts by downloading Environment Canada's WeatherCan mobile app
• Create a 72 hour emergency kit – don't forget your pets
• Make a plan and practice it with your family

Ice Storm Safety Tips

• Ice from freezing rain accumulates on branches, power lines and buildings. If you must go outside when a significant amount of ice has accumulated, pay attention to branches or wires that could break due to the weight of the ice and fall on you
• Never approach power lines. A hanging power line could be charged (live) and you could be electrocuted. Stay back at least 10 meters (33 feet) from wires or anything in contact with them
• When freezing rain is forecast, avoid driving. Even a small amount of freezing rain can make roads extremely slippery. Wait several hours after freezing rain ends so that road maintenance crews have enough time to spread sand or salt on icy roads
• Rapid onsets of freezing rain combined with strong winds increase the chances for hypothermia. If you live on a farm, move livestock promptly to shelter where feed is available. Forage is often temporarily inaccessible during and immediately after ice storms

Resources

• Winter Storms - Emergency Management Ontario
• Get Prepared – Government of Canada

Authorities will not ask you to leave your home unless they have reason to believe you are in danger.

If you are directed to evacuate, take:

• your emergency kit
• your emergency plan
• essential medications, assistive devices and copies of prescriptions
• a cellular phone and charger
• your pets and their supplies

Protect your home:

• Shut off water and electricity if officials tell you to
• Leave natural gas service on, unless officials tell you to turn it off. (If you turn off the gas, the gas company has to reconnect it. In a major emergency, it could take weeks for a professional to respond. You would be without gas for heating and cooking)
• Lock your home

If you have time:

• Call or e-mail your out-of-town contact. Tell them where you are going and when you expect to arrive. Once you are safe, let them know

If you are driving in emergency conditions:

• Keep the radio on to hear important updates
• Follow the routes specified by officials
• Don't take short cuts; they could lead you to a blocked or dangerous area
• Watch for fallen power lines, debris, damaged bridges or roads and dangling wires

Sheltering is appropriate when conditions require that you seek protection in your home, place of employment or other location when there is a threat to personal safety. Listen for updates and follow the officials' instructions.

Emergencies that require shelter-in-place include:

• A chemical spill
• A tornado
• A severe winter storm
• Event that could harm the public (ie. dangerous predator)

If the emergency is related to an environmental hazard:

• Close and lock all windows and exterior doors
• Turn off all fans, heating and air-conditioning systems to avoid drawing in air from the outside
• Close the fireplace damper
• Get your emergency kit and make sure the radio is working
• Go to an interior room that's above ground level (if possible, one without windows). In the case of a chemical threat, an above-ground location is preferable because some chemicals are heavier than air and may seep into basements even if the windows are closed
• Using duct or other wide tape, seal all cracks around the door and any vents into the room
• Continue to monitor your radio or television until you are told all is safe or are advised to evacuate