Emergency Preparedness

As global temperatures continue to rise and the world's climate continues to destabilize, locations arounds the world are experiencing more extreme and unusual weather events. Environment Canada monitors and forecasts the weather 24/7 and issues alerts to advise the public of significant weather. These alerts are updated regularly so that you can stay on top of a developing situation and take the appropriate action.

The four types of weather alerts from Environment Canada are:

Special Weather Statements

• the least urgent type of alert
• issued to let you know that conditions are unusual and could cause concern

Advisories

• less severe alert, but could still significantly impact Canadians
• issued for specific weather event (like blowing snow, fog, freezing drizzle and frost)

Watches

• alert you about weather conditions that are favorable for a storm or severe weather, which could cause safety concerns
• as the certainty increases about the path and strength of a storm system, a watch may be upgraded to a warning

Warning

• urgent message that severe weather is occurring or will occur
• warnings are usually issued six to 24 hours in advance, although some severe weather (such as thunderstorms and tornadoes) can occur rapidly, with less than half hour's notice

Power Outages are often caused by freezing rain, sleet storms and/or high winds which damage power lines and equipment. What do do. 

Find all the information that you need on preparing for storms and the work that Hydro One does to restore power safely. 

Forest, Wildland and Outdoor Fires

In Canada, wildfires or forest fires are common in forested and grassland regions from May to September, which can cause extensive damage and put lives in danger. While forest fires can be dangerous to people and property, being prepared in advance and knowing what actions to take can better protect you. What to do. 

To report a forest fire call 9-1-1.

For air quality in Lanark County, visit Public Weather Alerts for Canada

For Highway conditions, including road closures visit 511on.ca

For smoke drift conditions across North America, visit Smoke Drift Across North America

For information about forest fire smoke and your health, consult Smoke and your Health

Put supplies in one or two containers, such as plastic bins or duffel bags. Store them in an area of your home that's easy to get to, such as a hall closet, spare room or garage. 

Include:

• food (non-perishable and easy-to-prepare items, enough for three days) and a manual can opener
• bottled or bagged water (4 litres per person for each day) and backup water purification tablets
• medication(s)
• toilet paper and other personal items such as soap, shampoo, toothbrush, toothpaste, etc.
• personal protective equipment such as medical masks and respirators
• back up chargers and power banks for cell phone or mobile device
• cash in small bills
• portable light source such as a flashlight, headlamp or glow stick
• radio (crank or battery-run)
• extra batteries
• first-aid kit
• candles and matches/lighter
• hand sanitizer or moist towelettes
• important papers such as a copy of your emergency plan, identification, contact lists, copies of prescriptions, etc.
• extra car and house keys
• whistle (to attract attention, if needed)
• zip-lock bag (to keep things dry)
• garbage bags and duct tape

A grab-and-go bag is a small emergency kit that's easy to take with you, in case you need to leave right away. It's a good idea to make grab-and-go bags for your home, workplace and vehicle. 

Include:

• food (ready to eat) and water
• phone charger and battery bank
• small battery-powered or hand-crank radio
• battery-powered or hand-crank flashlight
• extra batteries
• small first-aid kit and personal medications
• personal toiletries and items, such as an extra pair of glasses or contact lenses
• copy of your emergency plan
• copies of important documents, such as insurance papers and identification
• cash in small bills
• local map with your family meeting place identified
• seasonal clothing and an emergency blanket
• pen and notepad
• whistle

Environment Canada (current conditions, public alerts, weather radar)

Lanark County Road Closures 

211 Ontario (Find programs and services in your community)

511 Ontario (Highway traveler information service)

Emergency Management Ontario

Office of the Fire Marshal and Emergency Management

Leeds, Grenville & Lanark District Health Unit

Mississippi Valley Conservation Authority

Rideau Valley Conservation Authority

During emergencies, remember that your child looks to you for guidance and comfort. Children follow their parent/guardian's lead. The calmer you are, the calmer they will be.

Here's what you can do:

• Talk with your children about emergencies that are common to your community and how to prepare for them.
• Have children help you put together your family emergency plan and household's emergency survival kit.
• Practice family evacuation drills regularly and talk about why you are doing it. Children will not be as frightened because there will be some familiarity.
• Learn more about what you need to include in your emergency survival kit for infants and toddlers.

Learn more about what you can do to protect your children during an emergency. 

There are 2.6 million people in Ontario with a disability. Emergency Management Ontario and the Ministry of Seniors and Accessibility have developed an Emergency Preparedness Guide for People with Disabilities.

To best prepare for an emergency according to one's individual needs, please refer to the appropriate category in this guide for a list of suggested emergency survival kit items and contingency planning considerations.

An emergency situation or an evacuation can be a frightening and confusing time. It is important that seniors are educated about:

• The potential for emergencies
• The steps to take to be prepared
• The programs and services available to help get them through the emergency
• Returning to their regular routine

In additional to the basic emergency survival kit, it is essential that seniors being evacuated during emergencies take all equipment or devices they may need immediately with them. 

Dos and don'ts when assisting seniors

• Check neighbors to find out if they need your help during an emergency or evacuation.
• Allow the person to describe what help they need and how it can be provided to them. Be patient, listen actively. If the person appears anxious or agitated, speak calmly and provide assurance that you are there to help. 
• If evacuation is necessary, offer a ride to those who do not have access to a vehicle. If time permits, offer to carry the person's emergency survival kit to your car, along with any equipment of assistive devices they will need. Follow instructions posted on their equipment and/or assistive living devices during an emergency.
• Refrain from shouting or speaking unnaturally slow.
• Avoid being dismissive of the person's concerns or requests.

Learn more about emergency survival kits for seniors, support networks for seniors and information for seniors in high-rise buildings at Ontario.ca

Pets are members of the family. Make sure to include your pets when developing your family emergency plan. Making arrangements before an emergency will increase your pet's chances for survival and ability to cope. Assemble a pet emergency survival kit and be ready to take your pet and their kit with you in the event you have to evacuate. 

Prepare a pet emergency survival kit and keep it with your family kit. Be sure to check the expiry date of your contents twice a year.

If safety permits, pets should not be left behind during an evacuation as they may be lost, injured or even killed as a result of the emergency. Plan ahead to ensure that you have a safe place to take your pet.

For more information on what to include in your pet emergency kit and what to do in during an evacuation visit Ontario.ca.

For more information about pets and emergencies, contact the Ontario Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (OSPCA).