TORONTO: Be prepared for anything! Whether you work, play or live in Toronto you need to embrace the fact that personal preparedness is an individual responsibility.
Emergency responders do a great job keeping people safe, but they can’t do it alone. Take action to prepare for the types of emergencies that could affect you where you live, work and visit.
Being prepared for an emergency starts with having a plan. Make sure everyone in your family knows what to do during and after an emergency.
During times of emergency, there may be many people in need of assistance. It may take up to 72 hours for emergency services to reach you.
This means that residents have an important role to play in emergency preparedness. Learn how to be emergency-ready, as well as what to do during and after an emergency.
Your plan should include:
• Where and how to exit your home safely (doors, windows and stairways)
• A location, outside your home, where you will meet
• The location of your emergency kit(s) or go bag(s)
• The name of a person away from the emergency who can act as your family’s contact if you get separated at any point. Make sure that everyone knows this person’s name, address and telephone number
• A list of key telephone numbers and addresses
• The emergency plan at your children’s school / childcare centre / or day program facility
• A plan for your family in case you are separated – who could your children call for help or for information?
Steps That High-Rise Residents Can Take to Plan for Emergencies
Residents should know:
• The building superintendent’s name and phone number
• Locations of fire extinguishers, automated external defibrillator units and oxygen tanks
• Location of emergency evacuation device(s)
• Location of emergency exits
• Who conducts your building’s evacuation drills and how often
• Where to meet family and roommates if the building is evacuated
Residents are encouraged to set up a buddy system to check in on neighbors, especially the elderly and other residents that might have special needs. We encourage communities/neighbourhoods to identify vulnerable people in their area and do checks on them.
Whether you’re just starting to prepare or are a preparedness pro, gathering your emergency supplies isn’t hard. A good rule of thumb is to have supplies for at least 3 days or 72 hours. You’ll probably be surprised at how much you already have. Your Emergency Kit
• Three day supply of drinking water (4 litres per person per day) and non-perishable food that meets your family’s dietary needs including food for infants, children, seniors and pets
• Manual can opener if you pack cans
• Battery-powered or crank radio, flashlight (including batteries) and personal alarm or whistle
• Aluminum foil, duct tape and plastic wrap to cover vent openings
• First aid kit, including hand sanitizer
• Prescription drugs, medicalsupplies/equipment for family Have a three-day supply of
non-perishable food that meets your dietary needs. Some examples of foods that last up to a year include:Canned food, nuts, Peanut butter and jam, Ready-toeat cereals and uncooked instant cereals
◦Tip: Keep your cell phone charged and always keep a separate list of important contact numbers in case your cell phone loses power.
• Every member of your household should pack a Go Bag – A Go Bag should be packed in a sturdy, easy-to-carry container such as a backpack or suitcase on wheels. Consider including the following in yours: Copies of documents such as passports, bank account numbers, credit cards, health card, social insurance cards, family records, insurance policies, photo IDs, proof of address, etc. – City of Toronto