Are you prepared?
Posted Mar 15, 2011 02:25:17 PM.
This article is more than 5 years old.
The disaster in Japan can serve as a reminder that, even in Waterloo Region, we should be prepared for emergencies.
In fact, the Waterloo Region Emergency Management system exists for that very reason. Municipalities across Ontario have a Community Emergency Management Co-ordinator (CEMC), as mandated by the province, to ensure that all regions are ready to respond to any manner of emergency.
In Waterloo Region, those emergencies are primarily weather-related.
“Cold weather emergencies, any kind of blizzards, extreme cold, sleet, winter storms that we get, similar to those we saw in London this winter,” explains Steve Larochelle, Co-ordinator of Emergency Plans and Training with the Region of Waterloo. “Even warm weather events such as fog, severe thunder and lightning, as well as severe wind storms and tornadoes. We’ve been seeing those a lot more lately than in the past.”
Outside of the weather, the region also has emergency preparedness plans for air transportation accidents, floods, energy emergencies, chemical spills (rail or road), and droughts.
While the region’s emergency management system is one piece of the puzzle, Larochelle says residents also have a role to play. Part of that role is identifying family members or neighbours who may have special needs due to mobility or health concerns. Larochelle says it’s important for an individual or family emergency plan to take those factors into account.
Our own emergency preparedness plan should start with keeping a basic “emergency kit” on hand with some essential items.
“First and foremost, water and food. At least a minimum of two litres of water per person, per day. For food, canned food, energy bars and dried fruit are good examples,” Larochelle says. “You’ll also want a flashlight and batteries, matches, lighters, candles and a battery-powered or even wind-up radio. Also, be sure to have a first aid kit on-hand.”
According to the Government of Canada’s website, a basic emergency kit should contain:
* Water — two litres of water per person per day (Include small bottles that can be carried easily in case of an evacuation order)
* Food — that won’t spoil, such as canned food, energy bars and dried foods (remember to replace the food and water once a year)
* Manual can opener
* Flashlight and batteries
* Battery-powered or wind-up radio (and extra batteries)
* First aid kit
* Special needs items — prescription medications, infant formula or equipment for people with disabilities
* Extra keys — for your car and house
* Cash — include smaller bills, such as $10 bills (travellers cheques are also useful) and change for payphones
* Emergency plan — include a copy of it and ensure it contains in-town and out-of-town contact information
For more information on Waterloo Region’s emergency management plan, click here.
