When considering the variety of dangers that could place you and your family in an uncomfortable or life-threatening situation, it quickly becomes apparent that you need to have an emergency plan put in place. By way of example, those who have not thought about emergency preparedness will wish they had when they face a flood or fire.
Emergency Management Ontario ( EMO ) not only deals with planning at the provincial level but focuses its efforts on individual and family preparedness. Public awareness and education are key to help make Ontarians disaster-resilient. That means having a plan and an emergency survival kit BEFORE a crisis occurs.
Common basic emergency planning will provide comfort and direction under stressful conditions but individuals with special needs or disabilities will need a customized plan.
EMO reminds you to think about two main factors when creating your plan.
1 – What kind of risks could you encounter where you live or work? Are there accidents or events that had an impact on you and your family in the past and that could happen again? 2 – How vulnerable are you and your family to these risks?
No single plan will fit all your needs, especially if your planning includes thinking about people with disabilities or special needs. For more information about emergency planning please visit the EMO website at www.ontario.ca Please take a look at the Emergency Preparedness Guide for People With Disabilities/Special Needs.
Despite its title, the Guide includes lessons and information that are useful to everyone interested in emergency planning. There are tips to assist seniors who may feel more vulnerable and that are also aimed at those interested in assisting others who are likely to struggle under stressful emergency conditions. The EMO Guide is also available in six different languages. The Emergency Survival Checklist below outlines the basic items you should include in your own 72 hour emergency survival kit.
• Flashlight and batteries
• Radio and batteries or crank radio
• Spare batteries (for radio and flashlight)
• First-aid kit
• Telephone that can work during a power disruption
• Candles and matches/lighter
• Extra car keys and cash
• Important papers (identification)
• Non-perishable food (ready-to-eat items that do not require refrigeration)
• Manual can opener
• Bottled water (4 litres per person per day)
• Clothing and footwear
• Blankets or sleeping bag
• Toilet paper and other personal items
• Medication
• Backpack/duffle bag
• Whistle (to attract attention, if needed)
• Playing cards
