Local Emergency Risks

Did you know that with a wind speed of only 16 KPH a grass fire can reach speeds of 34 feet per minute and with a 32 KPH wind the grass fire speeds can reach 80 feet per minute.  Your best protection is prevention!

• Have a minimum 10 meter non-combustible area around buildings and equipment.
• When needed replace flammable landscaping with fire-resistive counterparts.
• Reduce the density of surrounding trees and branches.
• Keep flammable or combustible materials, such as fuel, well away from buildings and equipment.
• Hot exhaust systems can start grass fires, clean the grass from your vehicle and do not stop in grass that can touch your exhaust system.
• You are responsible if you are lighting an outdoor fire to take sufficient precautions to ensure the fire can be kept under control at all times.

If a Flood is Forecast

• Turn off basement furnaces and outside gas valve.
• Take special precautions to safeguard electrical, natural gas, or propane heating equipment.
• If there is enough time, consult your electricity or fuel supplier for instructions on how to protect your equipment.
• Shut off the electricity only if flooding has not yet begun and the area around your electrical panel is completely dry.  Have a flashlight handy. 

If a Flood is Imminent

• Move furniture, electrical appliances and other belongings to floors above ground level.
• Remove toxic substances such as pesticides and insecticides from the flood area to prevent pollution.
• In some cases homes may be protected with sandbags.

If you need to Evacuate

• Evacuate your home when you are advised to do so by local emergency authorities.
• Take your emergency kit with you.
• Follow routes specified by officials and report to a reception centre if one is opened up.
• Make arrangements for pets.
• Make arrangements for farm animals.

In the event of a severe storm:

• If you are indoors during a storm, stay away from windows, doors and fireplaces.  Do not use corded telephones.
• If you are advised by officials to evacuate, do so.  Delay may make later evacuation difficult or impossible.  Take your emergency kit with you.
• If you are in a vehicle, stop the vehicle away from trees and power lines that might fall on you.  Avoid unstable slopes and low areas prone to flooding and stay inside your vehicle.
• Before a severe thunderstorm, unplug appliances and listen for weather updates on a battery powered radio.  Take shelter immediately and do not go out until 30 minutes have passed since the last lightning strike.  If you are outdoors and are not able to get inside, look for low lying areas but stay away from streams, etc.  Make yourself a small target by crouching down with your feet close together and your head down.

 Your kit should include:

• Food and water (enough for everyone)
• Bedding and clothing
• Light and fuel.
• Dishes, utensils, can opener, shovel, axe, pen, paper, knife, rope, cell phone and charger.
• Personal supplies and personal documents.