Proper emergency preparation
Posted Aug 23, 2011 05:26:52 AM.
This article is more than 5 years old.
With severe weather becoming more common, the region’s Emergency Measures Office is encouraging us to be prepared for anything.
Waterloo Region operates a number of emergency management programs, including mitigation and prevention, preparedness, response and recovery.
Manager of Emergency Services, Steve LaRochelle, likens emergency preparedness to creating a personal fire escape plan.
“Identify key areas in your home where you can go (in the event of an emergency),” LaRochelle recommends. “And it’s a really good idea to take a tour of the house and point out those safe areas, especially if you have kids.”
The basement is the safest place to go in the event of a weather-related emergency, according to LaRochelle. But he still cautions against being too close to walls and windows.
If your home does not have a basement, LaRochelle suggests finding an area in the centre of your home, again avoiding exterior walls and windows. A sturdy table can also be used as a makeshift shelter and, after a storm passes, LaRochelle recommends having an evacuation list handy, detailing places you can go to find more permanent shelter.
The same safety rules apply if you’re at work. LaRochelle says the basement of your workplace remains the safest spot to go in the event of a storm and if you’re on the road, the last thing you should do is chase a tornado. He recommends getting out of your car and seeking shelter in a low-lying area, preferably a ditch.
LaRochelle says preparedness is the key and that means keeping a close eye on your local media.
“Always make sure you’re listening to the radio and watching TV, where you can,” says LaRochelle. “There are also weather radios that will instantly update with any watches or warnings issued by Environment Canada.”
More details on the region’s emergency preparedness programs can be found at www.wrem.ca.
