RedCross

BE PREPARED

NOT SCARED

Emergency Preparedness

Starts With You

Canada

Government of

Canada

SAFE GUARD

BE PREPARED

NOT SCARED

IN YOUR DAY-TO-DAY LIVING, DISASTERS MAY SEEM A DISTANT

POSSIBILITY. YET NATURAL DISASTERS, SUCH AS FLOODS OR

TORNADOES; TECHNOLOGICAL OR ENVIRONMENTAL ACCIDENTS,

SUCH AS CHEMICAL SPILLS; OR SERVICE DISRUPTIONS, SUCH

AS POWER FAILURES DURING THE WINTER, CAN STRIKE ANY

COMMUNITY, INCLUDING YOURS, AT ANY TIME.

If you’re unprepared for a disaster, it can

shatter your life.

Expect the unexpected and plan for it...

Knowing what to do when a disaster

strikes will help you better control the

situation and be in a better position to

recover more quickly.

No community is equipped to handle all

the demands of a catastrophe. Help your

community by preparing yourself.

Make sure everyone in your family knows what to do before, during and

after an emergency.

Set up a family meeting this week to discuss how you can best prepare for

an emergency. Have your own plan.

BE PREPARED

PLAN for

EMERGENCIES

1

WILL YOUR WHOLE FAMILY THINK

CLEARLY AND LOGICALLY IN A CRISIS?

NOT MANY OF US CAN. SO DO YOUR

CLEAR, LOGICAL THINKING NOW – WHEN

YOU HAVE THE TIME TO BE THOROUGH.

PREPARE NOW

Your best protection in any emergency is

knowing what to do. Read this brochure, and

act on its suggestions.

KNOW YOUR ENEMY

Find out what natural and technological

disasters could happen in your community.

Know what to expect during each disaster.

LOOK AT YOUR OWN SITUATION

Hazard-proof your home

Anticipate what could go wrong in your home

and take corrective action.

If you live in an

earthquake zone,

move or secure

objects that could

fall and injure

you: books, plants,

mirrors, lamps, china.

Secure objects that

could tip and start a

fire: water heater, gas

appliances.

If you live in a tornado zone, secure anything

that might be blown around or torn loose,

both indoors and outdoors.

KNOWwhat to do

DISASTER STRIKES

2

If you live in a flood-prone area, remove all

chemical products from the basement. Move

irreplaceable belongings to upper floors.

You can install a non-electric standby heating

unit that is not dependent on a motor, fan, or

any other electrical device to function. Vent the

stove or heater adequately with the type of

chimney flue specified for it. Never connect

two heating units to the same chimney flue at

the same time.

Post emergency numbers

Keep a list of key telephone numbers and

addresses near the phone. (If there’s been a

major disaster, use the phone only if it’s

absolutely necessary. Emergency crews will

need all available lines.)

Check your insurance

Make sure you have adequate insurance coverage

for the range of risks in your community.

PREPARE AN EMERGENCY

SURVIVAL KIT

Aim to have an emergency survival kit that will

keep you and your family self sufficient

in your home for at least three days.

If you’ve got

a flashlight,

battery-operated

or a crank radio,

food, water and

blankets, you

already have part

of an emergency

survival kit. All

you have to do

is assemble the supplies in an easy-to-carry

container (in case you have to evacuate).

Keep a smaller survival kit in your car

A blanket, extra clothing, a candle in a deep

can and matches can save your life.

OTHER PROCEDURES

Here are some other steps that can make your

life more tolerable in the event of a disaster.

Choose an out-of-area or province family

contact

Choose someone in another province to be

your family’s contact. After the disaster, it is often

easier to call out of the region as the

local phone lines might be tied up. Make sure

everyone memorizes this person’s name and

telephone number and knows to call your family

contact if they get separated from the family.

3

Have a show and tell

If you live in a house

Teach members of your family where and how

to shut off the water, electricity and gas supply.

Make big easy-to-see signs saying Breaker Panel

(or main circuit breaker), Gas and Main water

supply. Put these signs near the breaker panel,

gas valve and main water valve.

If you live in an apartment

Show everyone in your family where the

emergency exit is. Show them where the fire

alarm is, and explain when and how to use it.

In a fire or other emergency, don’t use the

elevators. You’ll be trapped in the elevator if the

power goes out.

Learn about other community

emergency plans

Your kids’ school and your work place might

have their own emergency plans. Find out what

they are and how they apply to you. You may be

separated from your family and need to know

how to get reunited. You can assist in educating

your children about school plans, etc.

Avoid potential emergency situations

Heed weather warnings and avoid driving and

other activities in hazardous weather conditions.

4

HERE ARE SOME BASIC

PROCEDURES FOR SPECIFIC

DISASTERS. (FOR MORE

INFORMATION ON THESE AND

OTHER DISASTERS, CONTACT

THE OFFICE OF CRITICAL

INFRASTRUCTURE PROTECTION

AND EMERGENCY

PREPAREDNESS, YOUR

PROVINCIAL OR TERRITORIAL EMERGENCY

MEASURES ORGANIZATION OR YOUR LOCAL

RED CROSS OFFICE.)

DURING AN

EARTHQUAKE

If you are in a building

Stay inside. Stay away

from windows. Get

under a heavy desk

or table and hang on.

If you can’t get under

something strong,

flatten yourself

against an interior

wall, protect your

head and neck.

If you are outside

Go to an open area. Move away from buildings

or any structure that could collapse. Stay away

from power lines and downed electrical wires.

If you are in a car

Stop the car and stay in it. Avoid bridges,

overpasses or underpasses, buildings or anything

that could collapse on you and your car.

DURING A TORNADO

If you are in a building

Go to the basement immediately.

If there isn’t one, crouch or lie

flat (under heavy furniture) in an

inner hallway or small inner room

or stairwell away from windows.

Stay away from large halls,

arenas, shopping malls, and so on

(their roofs could collapse).

5

KNOWwhat to do

DURING a DISASTER

If you are caught outside

If there is no shelter, lie

down in a ditch or ravine,

protecting your head.

If you are driving

Get out of and away from

the car. It could be blown

through the air, or roll over

on you. Lie down as above.

DURING A SEVERE

LIGHTNING STORM

If you are in a building

Stay inside. Stay away from windows, doors,

fireplaces, radiators, stoves, metal pipes,

sinks or other electrical charge conductors.

Unplug TVs, radios, toasters and other

electrical appliances. Don’t use the phone or

other electrical equipment.

If you are outside

Seek shelter in a building, cave or

depressed area. If you’re caught in the

open, crouch down with your feet

close together and your head down

(the “leap-frog” position). Don’t lie

flat – by minimizing your contact

with the ground you reduce the risk

of being electrocuted by a ground

charge. Keep away from telephone

and power lines, fences, trees and hilltops.

Get off bicycles, motorcycles, and tractors.

If you are in a car

Stop the car and stay in it. Don’t stop near

trees or power lines that could fall.

DURING A FLOOD

Turn off basement furnaces and the outside gas

valve. Shut off the electricity. If the area around

the fuse box or circuit breaker is wet, stand on

a dry board and shut off the power with a dry

wooden stick.

Never try to cross a flood area on foot. The fast

water could sweep you away.

If you are in a car

Try not to drive through flood waters. Fast

water could sweep your car away. However,

if you are caught in fast rising waters and

your car stalls, leave it and save yourself and

your passengers.

6

DURING A WINTER

POWER FAILURE

Turn the thermostat(s) down to minimum and

turn off all appliances, electronic equipment

and tools to prevent injury, damage to equipment

and fire. Power can also be restored more

easily when the system is not overloaded.

Use proper candleholders. Never leave lit

candles unattended.

Don’t use charcoal or gas barbecues,

camping heating equipment, or home

generators indoors.

Home generators are handy for backup

electricity in case of an outage, but there

are hazards to be aware of.

To operate a generator safely, follow the

manufacturer’s instructions, and always:

• Ensure that the generator operates outdoors

in well-ventilated conditions, well away

from doors or windows.

• Connect lights and appliances directly

to the generator. If extension cords must

be used, ensure they are properly rated,

CSA (Canadian Standard Association)

approved cords.

Direct installation of a generator to an existing

electrical system should only be done by a

qualified technician.

7

RIGHT AFTER THE EMERGENCY, YOU MAY

BE CONFUSED OR DISORIENTED. STAY CALM

AND REMEMBER THE FOLLOWING

PROCEDURES.

HELP THE INJURED

Help anyone who is injured. Get your

emergency survival kit (the first-aid kit

should be with it).

LISTEN TO THE RADIO

Listen to your local radio station on your

battery-operated radio for instructions.

DON’T USE THE TELEPHONE

Don’t use the telephone unless it is absolutely

necessary. Emergency crews will need all

available lines.

KNOWwhat to do

AFTER a DISASTER

8

CHECK YOUR HOME

Check for damage to your home. Remember

the following points:

• Use a flashlight – don’t light matches

or turn on the electrical switches if you

suspect damage or smell gas.

• Check for fires, fire hazards or other

household hazards.

• Sniff for gas leaks, starting at the water

heater. If you smell gas, turn off the main

gas valve, open windows and get everyone

outside quickly.

• Shut off any other damaged utilities.

• Clean up spilled medicines, bleaches,

gasoline and other flammable liquids immediately.

Wear protective clothing.

For major spills or leaks, call in

professional help.

• Confine or secure your pets.

• Check on your neighbours, especially the

elderly or people with disabilities.

9

IF YOU TURN OFF THE GAS, IT

SHOULD ONLY BE TURNED

BACK ON BY A PROFESSIONAL

FROM THE GAS COMPANY.

WATCH

for hazards

POST EARTHQUAKE

HAZARD

Damaged buildings

Aftershocks

Water gets cut off

Power can go off

Tsunamis (huge ocean

waves)

WHAT TO DO

Stay out of damaged buildings,

even if they look okay

Stay put

Use emergency water from

water heater, toilet tank, melted

ice cubes.

If you live in an apartment, don’t

use the elevator. You’ll get stuck

in it.

If you live near the ocean, stay

away from the waterfront.

POST-FLOOD HAZARDS

Contaminated drinking

water

Contaminated dishes

and utensils

Basement full of water

WHAT TO DO

Use bottled water or bring water

to a rolling boil for ten minutes,

or add one drop of non-perfumed

chlorine bleach per litre of water,

or three drops per litre of cloudy

water, and allow it to stand for

30 minutes before consuming.

(Water should still have a slight

chlorine smell.)

Wash and sterilize dishes and

utensils. Use boiling water or use

a sterilizing solution of one part

chlorine bleach to four parts

water; then rinse dishes and

utensils thoroughly.

Drain the water in stages, about a

third of the volume of water per

day. (Draining the water too

quickly can structurally damage

your home.)

11

OTHER HAZARDS

Food poisoning

Loose or dangling

electrical wires

Broken sewer and

water mains

WHAT TO DO

Check food supplies in refrigerator,

freezers and cupboards for

signs of spoilage. When frozen

food begins to defrost it should

be cooked, otherwise it should be

disposed of in accordance with

the instructions from local health

authorities.

Stay away. Advise the authorities

if you can.

Advise the authorities if you can.

Contaminated flood water

in the basement

Watch for mould

Disinfect every three days if the

flood is severe and the house is

occupied for an extended period.

For the average home, mix two

litres of liquid bleach into the

flood water.

Mould is a health hazard. If

mould is present wear a face

mask and disposable gloves.

Anything that stays wet long

enough will grow mould. Dry

everything quickly to avoid

future health problems.

IF THE EMERGENCY IS SERIOUS ENOUGH,

YOU MAY BE ASKED TO LEAVE YOUR

HOME AND GO TO A NEARBY EVACUATION

CENTRE, LIKE A SCHOOL GYM OR A

COMMUNITY HALL.

IF YOU HAVE TO EVACUATE

• Leave immediately.

• Take your emergency survival kit with you.

• Listen to the radio and follow instructions

from local emergency officials.

• If you are instructed to do so, shut off

water, gas and electricity.

• Make arrangements for pets.

• Wear clothes and shoes appropriate

to conditions.

• Lock the house.

• Follow the routes specified by the officials.

Don’t take shortcuts. A shortcut could take

you to a blocked or dangerous area.

• If you have time, leave a note telling

others when you left and where you went.

If you have a mailbox you could leave

the note there.

• If you are evacuated, sign up with the registration

centre so you can be contacted or

reunited with your family and loved ones.

• If you have to evacuate your home for a

prolonged period during a winter power

failure, drain the water from the plumbing

system. Starting at the top of the house,

open all taps and flush toilets several times,

and open the drain valve in the basement.

Drain your hot water tank by attaching a

hose to the tank drain valve and running it

to the basement floor drain. (If you drain a

gas-fired water tank, the pilot light should

be turned off – the local gas supplier should

be called to re-light it!) Unhook washing

machine hoses and drain.

12

READY

to EVACUATE

Be

You won’t “act like yourself ” for a while

Most people caught in a disaster usually feel

confused. They may tremble, feel numb, vomit

or faint. Immediately after the disaster they

often feel bewildered, shocked, and relieved to

be alive. These feelings and reactions are

perfectly normal.

Later many survivors sleep

poorly, have no appetite, are

angry with those around them,

or panic at the slightest hint

of a storm. Children might start

thumb sucking or bed wetting.

These feelings and reactions

are perfectly normal too.

How to get back on track

Here are some suggestions to

help get yourself and your family

back on track after the disaster.

Talk about your feelings. Talk about what’s

happened.

Encourage your children to express their

feelings. They may want to do this by drawing

or playing instead of talking. Understand that

their feelings are real.

Recognize that when you

suffer a loss, you may

grieve. (Yes, you can grieve

the loss of a wedding photo

or your grandfather’s

favourite ring.) You may

feel apathetic or angry. You

may not sleep or eat well.

These are normal grief

reactions. Do give yourself

and your family permission

to grieve and time to heal.

EXPECT

emotional

REACTIONS

13

How to help your children

Children exposed to a disaster can experience

a variety of intense emotional reactions such

as anxiety, fear, nervousness, stomachaches, loss

of appetite and other reactions. These

are normal and temporary reactions to danger.

Parents can help relieve such reactions by

taking their children’s fears seriously, by

reassuring them, giving them additional

attention and hugging them.

After a disaster, children are most afraid that

• the event will happen again

• someone will get hurt or injured

• they will be separated from the family

• they will be left alone.

So comfort and reassure them.

Tell them what you know about the

situation. Be honest but gentle.

Encourage them to talk about the

disaster. Encourage them to ask

questions about the disaster.

Give them a real task to do, something that

gets the family back on its feet.

Keep them with you, even if it seems easier to

look for housing or help on your own. At a

time like this it’s important for the whole

family to stay together.

14

A CHILD WHO FEELS AFRAID

IS REALLY AFRAID.

CHECKLISTS

Canada

Government of

Canada

Gouvernement du

THINK OF ANY SPECIAL NEEDS THAT

SOMEONE IN YOUR FAMILY MIGHT HAVE.

INCLUDE ANY OTHER ITEMS THAT YOUR

FAMILY WOULD NEED. HERE ARE SOME

SUGGESTIONS.

Babies/toddlers

diapers, bottled milk, toys, crayons and paper

Other family members

prescription medication, extra eye glasses

(keep at least one week supply of medication in

your emergency kit and include copies of

prescriptions for your medicine and glasses.)

Pets

dog/cat food

Have at least a three-day supply of food and

water on hand. Choose ready-to-eat foods that

your family likes. And choose food that doesn’t

need refrigeration.

DRINKING WATER

❑ At least two litres per person per day

FOOD

❑ Canned food: soups, stews, baked beans,

pasta, meat, poultry, fish, vegetables, fruits

❑ Crackers and biscuits

❑ Honey, peanut butter, syrup, jam, salt and

pepper, sugar, instant coffee, tea

EQUIPMENT

❑ Knives, forks, spoons

❑ Disposable cups and plates

❑ Manual can opener, bottle opener

❑ Fuel stove and fuel (follow manufacturer’s

instructions.) Don’t use a barbecue indoors.

❑ Waterproof matches and plastic

garbage bags

LARGE ORANGE GARBAGE BAGS

MAKE GREAT RAIN PONCHOS.

CHECKLIST

EMERGENCY FOOD

and WATER KIT

REPLACE CANNED FOOD AND

DRY GOODS ONCE A YEAR.

16

❑ Flashlight and batteries (in case the lights

go out)

❑ Radio and batteries or crank radio (so you

can listen to news bulletins)

❑ Spare batteries (for radio and flashlight)

❑ First-aid kit

❑ Candles and matches/lighter

❑ Extra car keys and cash (including coins/

cards for telephone)

❑ Important papers (identification for

everyone, personal documents)

❑ Food and bottled water (See “Food list”)

❑ Clothing and footwear (one change of

clothes per person)

❑ Blankets or sleeping bags (one blanket or

sleeping bag per person)

❑ Toilet paper and other personal supplies

❑ Medication

❑ Backpack/duffel bag (or something else to

carry the emergency survival kit in, in case

you have to evacuate)

❑ Whistle (in case you need to attract someone’s

attention)

❑ Playing cards, games

KEEP SUPPLIES IN AN

EASY-TO-FIND SPOT

CHECKLIST

EMERGENCY SURVIVAL KIT

17

❑ Shovel

❑ Sand, salt or kitty litter

❑ Traction mats

❑ Tow chain

❑ Compass

❑ Cloth or roll of paper towels

❑ Warning light or road flares

❑ Extra clothing and footwear

❑ Emergency food pack

❑ Axe or hatchet

❑ Booster cables

❑ Ice scraper and brush

❑ Road maps

❑ Matches and a ‘survival’ candle in a deep

can (to warm hands, heat a drink or use

as an emergency light)

❑ Fire extinguisher

❑ Methyl hydrate (for fuel line and

windshield de-icing)

❑ Flashlight

❑ First-aid kit with seatbelt cutter

❑ Blanket (special ‘survival’ blankets are best)

CHECKLIST

CAR KIT

KEEP YOUR CAR GAS TANK

AT LEAST HALF-FULL AT

ALL TIMES.

teletypewriter (TTY).

The SAFE GUARD program brings together

government, private organizations and voluntary

agencies that are part of the emergency

preparedness, response, recovery and mitigation

community.

The triangle depicted in the program logo is the

international symbol of emergency preparedness.

The jagged line evokes the maple leaf, Canada’s

internationally recognized symbol. The amber

yellow colour represents caution and warning.

SAFE GUARD Emergency Preparedness Partners in Canada

is an Office of Critical Infrastructure Protection and Emergency Preparedness program.