72 hour emergency preparedness

Everyone should to be prepared to cope for at least the first 72 hours of an emergency, so first responders can focus on those in urgent need

• Every household should have an emergency plan so all family members know what to do in case of an emergency.
• Update or create your basic home emergency kit with necessary supplies for adults, children, and family members with special needs. Don’t forget your pets.
• Include medications and special care supplies, and update your first aid kit.
• Non perishable food in your kit should be replaced every year, to ensure freshness. Make sure you have a manual can opener.
• Have a three day supply of water on hand, at least two litres per person per day.
• It's a good idea to also include extra keys, important documents (in a waterproof container) and cash in small bills. In a power outage ATMs and credit machines won't work.

Power Outage

When snow and ice build up on tree branches, rooftops and utility lines, we face dangerous conditions which can also lead to power outages. You may not have heating, hot water, lighting or plumbing.

• Listen to the radio and/or television for weather reports and emergency information.
• Have a hand crank or battery operated radio and flashlight on hand.
• Cordless phones need electricity to operate. Keep at least one corded phone in your home.
• A fully charged cellphone will work, but in a widespread power failure, cellphone systems can overload quickly. Text messaging may be an alternative way to contact family and friends.
• Keep your car tank at least half full. Gas stations rely on electricity to power their pumps.

'Tis the Season for Poor Driving Conditions

Prepare a vehicle emergency kit for use in case you get stuck in your vehicle due to snow, ice or other hazards.

• Your emergency kit should include non-perishable food, water (crack proof container), wind up or battery operated flashlight, emergency flag, etc.
• A small candle in a deep metal tin can provide warmth and light. Don't forget water proof matches.
• You may want to carry special winter provisions in your vehicle, such as sand or kitty litter and a shovel.
• Keep your car gassed up. This gives you more options if trouble arises and helps prevent freezing condensation that can stall your engine.
• Listen to local weather reports and check road conditions.

If your car gets stuck in a blizzard or snowstorm, remain calm and stay in your car.

• Allow fresh air in your car by opening the window slightly on the sheltered side - away from the wind.
• You can run the car engine about 10 minutes every half-hour if the exhaust system is working well.
• Beware of exhaust fumes and check the exhaust pipe periodically to make sure it is not blocked with snow. Remember: you can't smell potentially fatal carbon monoxide fumes.
• To keep your hands and feet warm, exercise them periodically and avoid falling asleep.
• If you do try to shovel the snow from around your car, avoid overexertion.
• Keep watch for traffic or searchers

Winter Weather!

A major winter storm can last for several days and be accompanied by high winds, freezing rain or sleet, heavy snowfall and cold temperatures. The aftermath of a winter storm can have an impact on a community or region for days, weeks or even months.

• Freezing rain clings to everything it touches. Breaking tree limbs can be dangerous. Utility lines can be downed. Power outages are possible.
• Never touch power lines. A hanging power line could be charged (live) and you would run the risk of electrocution.
• Ice, branches or power lines can continue to break and fall for several hours after the end of the storm.
• Freezing rain is more slippery than snow. Use extreme caution if you have to go out.
• If you must go outside, dress for the weather to avoid cold-related injuries.
• Shovel out your 911 sign. Emergency responders can't help you if they can't find you.
• Avoid overexertion when shoveling snow. Take frequent breaks.
• Dress in several layers of lightweight clothing. Wear mittens and a hat (preferably one that covers your ears).
• Wear waterproof, insulated boots to keep your feet warm and dry and to maintain your footing in ice and snow.
• It is important to regularly check for frostbite. Indicators include, numbness or white areas on your face and extremities (ears, nose, cheeks, hands and feet in particular).
• Bring pets/companion animals inside during winter weather. Move other animals or livestock to sheltered areas with non-frozen drinking water.

Winter Fire Prevention!

As temperatures begin to drop, safe heating becomes an issue. Home fires are more likely to occur in winter than in any other season.

• Maintain a three foot clearance around heating equipment such as the furnace, fireplace, wood stove, or portable space heater.
• Always turn portable heaters off when leaving the room or going to bed.
• Have heating equipment and chimneys cleaned and inspected every year by a qualified professional.
• Always keep burning candles within sight. Always put out lit candles before leaving a room or going to bed.
• Test all smoke alarms monthly.
• If using a portable generator, carefully follow the manufacture’s instructions. Never use a portable generator inside a home, garage or crawlspace, even when using fans or opening doors and windows for ventilation.
• Consider installing a carbon monoxide alarm.

Oh Christmas Tree!

When choosing a natural tree, look for one that has a strong green colour and noticeable fragrance.

• Store tree in cool, sheltered place until ready to set up. The trunk butt of a fresh tree is sticky with resin, and when tapped on the ground, the tree should not lose many needles.
• The best protection for a tree is moisture. Place tree in a stand that will hold 2 to 3 litres of water and top it up daily. If water drops below the end of the trunk, the stem may reseal itself, requiring a fresh cut.
• Keep tree away from all sources of heat including radiators, furnace ducts, television sets, fireplaces and windows with direct exposure to the sun.
• Remove the tree within 10-14 days. After that amount of time in a heated building even the freshest tree will begin to dry out.
• Ensure all electric lights and connections are in good working order.
• Turn off lights when leaving your home and retiring for the night.
• Never use lighted candles on or near a Christmas tree.
• If you choose an artificial tree, look for the label "Fire Resistant." Although this label does not mean the tree won't catch fire, it does indicate the tree will resist burning and should extinguish quickly.
• Never use electric lights on a metallic tree. The tree can become charged with electricity from faulty lights, and a person touching a branch could be electrocuted.

Deck the Halls

• Check each set of lights, new or old, for broken or cracked sockets, frayed or bare wires, or loose connections, and throw out damaged sets.
• Indoors or outside, use only lights that have been tested for safety by a recognized testing laboratory, which indicates conformance with safety standards. Use only lights that have fused plugs.
• Use no more than three standard-size sets of lights per single extension cord. Make sure the extension cord is rated for the intended use.
• Before using lights outdoors, check labels to be sure they have been certified for outdoor use.
• Turn off all holiday lights when you go to bed or leave the house. The lights could short out and start a fire.
• Use only non-combustible or flame-resistant materials to trim a tree. Choose tinsel or artificial icicles of plastic or nonleaded metals. Leaded materials are hazardous if ingested by children.
• Never burn wrapping papers in a fireplace or wood stove.