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)
The major risks for emergencies in the County of Brant include:
Chemical Spill
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”.
Cyber-Attacks
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
Floods are typically caused by melting snow, ice jams, heavy spring rains and summer thunderstorms. Flash flooding is caused by violent rain storms or breaking dams — often occurring with little or no warning. They can damage property and injure or kill people.
Install a sump pump and zero reverse flow valves in basement floor drains
Get a portable generator and pump
Move important items that may be subject to flooding to upper levels
Consult your electricity and fuel suppliers (oil, natural gas, propane) for instructions on how to safely shut down and protect furnaces and other equipment, and the steps that need to be taken after a flood before restarting equipment
Consult your property insurer about steps you should take if your property is flooded
Subscribe to the Grand River Conservation Authority flood notifications
Follow the County of Brant for updates
Create a 72 hour emergency kit and remember your pets
Make an emergency plan and practice it
When a flood is imminent or occurring
Listen to warnings and advisories on television and radio, or through media websites
Follow the instructions of emergency response officials and follow the County of Brant website and social media for important updates
Remove valuable items from the basement and lower levels
If you have a generator and/or portable pump, test them and have fuel on hand.
Make sure your sump pump is working
Follow the instructions from your utility supplier (gas, electrical, propane, etc.) to safely shut down and protect furnaces and other appliances
Disconnect electrical appliances. Do not touch electrical equipment if you're wet or standing in water
Prepare to evacuate if necessary and get your Emergency Kit. Emergency vehicles (ambulance, police cars, etc.) may not be able to get to your home
Resist the urge to tour flooded areas
Do not let children and pets near floodwaters or riverbanks
Take your pets and their supplies with you
If a road has been closed, obey the signs and take alternate routes. It is an offense to drive on a closed road and could void your insurance. To plan your route, call or visit 511
After a flood
Do not return home until authorities advise it is safe
Report broken utility lines
Consult your insurer about steps to take if your property is flooded. To learn more, visit the Insurance Bureau of Canada
If you suspect your building has suffered structural damage, contact the building department 519.44BRANT (519.442.7268), 1.855.44BRANT
Exercise caution when re-entering your home. If the main power switch was not turned off prior to flooding, do not re-enter your home until a qualified electrician has determined it is safe to do so
If your main electrical panel was under water, it must be cleaned, dried and tested by a qualified electrician to determine if it is safe. Do not use flooded appliances, electrical outlets, switch boxes or fuse breaker panels until they have been checked by the power company
If natural gas lines were under water, contact your gas supplier before resuming service. If natural gas appliances were under water, have them checked by an approved heating, ventilation and air conditioning contractor
The water in your home could be contaminated with sewage and other pollutants. Contact the Brant County Health Unit for instructions. Do not eat food that's come in contact with flood waters
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
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
Thunderstorm
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
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
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
Winter Storms including freezing rain, ice and snow
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.
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.
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
Local authorities may issue directives such as ‘Evacuation' or ‘Shelter-in-Place' to protect the public.
Evacuation
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
Shelter-in-Place
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
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