Total Prepare Emergency Preparedness Guide User Guide
- June 13, 2024
- Total Prepare
Table of Contents
Emergency Preparedness Guide
Product Information: Emergency Preparedness Guide
The Emergency Preparedness Guide is a comprehensive manual
designed to help households create and implement a family emergency
plan. It provides essential information and guidance on preparing
for various emergencies, including winter storms, power outages,
house fires, floods, and other hazards commonly experienced in
Canada.
The guide emphasizes the importance of having a clear and
documented plan for emergencies, as it helps to provide structure
and organization during chaotic times. It includes worksheets that
allow users to customize their plans according to their family’s
specific needs. Additionally, the guide offers information on
emergency contacts, meeting places, and the locations of key
items.
Users are encouraged to review their emergency plans at least
once a year with their household members to ensure everyone is
familiar with the procedures. The guide also suggests printing
pocket emergency guides for family members who may struggle to
remember the plan during an actual emergency.
The guide advises users to store their emergency plans in a
central, easily accessible location. If a landline is available, it
is recommended to keep the plan close to the phone for quick
reference to emergency contact numbers. It is also suggested to
keep a copy of the plan with the emergency kit and ensure it is
regularly updated.
For additional assistance or guidance, users can reach out to
the friendly and helpful emergency preparedness professionals at
Total Prepare via email at hello@totalprepare.ca or by calling
1-888-832-1733.
Product Usage Instructions: Family Emergency Plan
-
Know the Hazards: Familiarize yourself with
the potential emergencies that could occur in your area. This may
include winter storms, power outages, house fires, floods, and
other hazards. Tailor your plan and emergency kit to address these
specific hazards. -
Make a Plan: Use the worksheets provided in
the guide to create a customized family emergency plan. Include
details such as emergency contacts, meeting places, and important
information like insurance policy numbers and health card
numbers. -
Get a Kit: Assemble an emergency kit with
essential supplies and items necessary for survival during an
emergency. Refer to the guide for a list of recommended items to
include in your kit. -
Review and Practice: Regularly review your
family emergency plan with all household members. Ensure everyone
understands their roles and responsibilities during each type of
emergency. Practice the actions outlined in the plan whenever
possible. -
Store and Update: Keep your emergency plan in
a central, easily accessible location. Consider placing it near a
landline phone for quick access to emergency contact numbers.
Additionally, make sure to include a copy of the plan in your
emergency kit and update it regularly.
Remember, if you have any questions or require further guidance,
do not hesitate to contact the Total Prepare team at
hello@totalprepare.ca or by calling
1-888-832-1733.
Emergency Preparedness Guide
48 Crease Ave Victoria, BC, V8Z 1S3
totalprepare.ca
1.888.832.1733 Local: 778.265.5331
Family Emergency Plan
Family Emergency Plan
(ie “The Smith Family”)
Emergency Plan
Welcome to your very own family emergency plan. Congratulations on taking one of the first, and most crucial, steps to getting prepared! Every household, no matter how large or small, should complete the three steps to preparing for an emergency:
-
Know the Hazards
-
Make a Plan
-
Get a Kit
In these pages, we will help you get well on your way to completing all these
steps. Be sure to have a pen handy! We have included worksheets so you can
make sure your plan is tailored for your family and their specific needs.
If at any point you have questions or would like guidance, please feel free to
reach out to our team of friendly, helpful emergency preparedness
professionals at hello@totalprepare.ca or
1-888-832-1733.
Family Emergency Plan
About Emergency Planning
Why emergency plans are important
No matter where you live, there will be emergencies. Winter storms, power
outages, house fires, floods, and other hazards are common in Canada and
effect thousands of people every year. Emergencies can be scary and
disorienting, putting lives and property at risk.
Having a clear, documented plan for emergencies helps to give structure to
what is otherwise a chaotic time. Emergency contacts, meeting places, and the
locations of key items are all to hand when you need them. Try to review your
emergency plan with your household at least once a year so everyone knows the
basics.
How and when to use your emergency plan
Use your emergency plan as your reference. Review it regularly so everyone
knows what to expect in an emergency (dad picks up the kids, mom is in charge
of checking on the neighbours, etc) and use it to store important information
you may need quickly in a disaster. Emergency contacts, insurance policy
numbers, and health card numbers are all great to have handy, even if you
can’t access your home.
If you are worried that some family members may not remember the plan in an
emergency, consider printing them a pocket emergency guide with the most vital
information.
Add copies of important documents, and any additional plans and pages to this
binder so all of your emergency information is in one easy place.
Where to keep your emergency plan
Store your emergency plan in a central, easy to access location. If your home
has a landline, consider keeping the plan within arm’s reach of the phone so
your emergency contact numbers are easy to find. Make sure everyone knows
where to find it, and that your plan includes grabbing the binder if you need
to evacuate. Keeping your plan (or a copy) with your emergency kit is good
practice, just be sure to keep it up to date.
Scan this QR code for your free pocket emergency guide.
Family Emergency Plan
Know The Hazards
You know you need to be prepared in this section, we’ll go over what to be
prepared for. If you’re not sure which types of emergencies apply to you,
check out your municipality or province’s website to see what hazards might be
common in your area.
Once you know what to prepare for, you can
tailor your plan and emergency kit to adapt to your hazards. Don’t forget to add disasterspecific how-to’s to your family’s emergency planning meetings. Make sure your loved ones understand what to do in each kind of emergency and practice those actions if possible.
Earthquake
Earthquakes can be one of the most powerful and destructive natural disasters.
Earthquakes are caused by the shifting of Earth’s tectonic plates, and can
damage roads, buildings, communications networks, and result in casualties.
Though most common on Canada’s west coast, earthquakes can occur anywhere in
the country. BC sits in the geographic zone known as the Ring of Fire,
characterized by active volcanoes and frequent earthquakes, making it more
likely to experience a major tremor.
Earthquakes in Canada occur mainly along three major fault lines. The first is
known as the Intermountain Seismic Belt, which runs along the British
Columbia-Alberta border in the Rocky Mountains. The second is the Queen
Charlotte Fault, which runs along the coast of British Columbia, and the third
is the New Madrid seismic zone, which runs through Ontario and Québec. In
addition to these major fault lines, there are several minor fault lines
located in Ontario, Québec, Alberta, and British Columbia.
What happens During an Earthquake?
Earthquakes can cause a wide range of different hazards. These hazards include
ground shaking, landslides, liquefaction, and tsunamis. On a smaller scale,
they can damage pipes and rupture gas lines, causing flooding and fire. The
most common injury in Canada during an earthquake is damage from toppling
furniture or falling debris. Ground shaking is the most common hazard
associated with earthquakes in Canada. This can cause damage to buildings,
bridges, and other structures. Landslides can occur in areas with steep
slopes, such as mountains and hills, and can cause significant damage to homes
and buildings. Strong earthquakes may result in liquefaction- where soil loses
its strength and stiffness and can cause buildings to sink or be undermined-
or in tsunamis. Tsunamis are large destructive waves caused by the
displacement of water and can reach heights of over 30 meters. Tsunamis are a
risk in areas near bodies of water and can cause extensive damage to coastal
communities.
Know The Hazards
What to do in an earthquake
If you find yourself in an earthquake, it’s important to stay calm and follow
the safety procedures outlined in your emergency plan. Make sure to stay away
from windows and outside walls and get under a sturdy table or desk if
possible. Make sure to also stay away from any heavy furniture or objects that
could fall on you.
If you’re outdoors, make sure to move away from any buildings, trees, or other
objects that could fall on you. Don’t try to run or drive during an
earthquake, as this could be dangerous. Instead, find a clear area and stay
there until the shaking stops.
During the shaking, follow the Drop, Cover, Hold on, model:
- Drop to the ground so you are as stable as possible.
- Get under a sturdy piece of furniture if
possible. Protect your head and neck with one hand, and with the other… 3)
Hold on! Grab hold of the furniture providing you cover, or whatever else
might be around that is secure and sturdy.
Once the shaking stops, it’s important to check yourself and others for any
injuries or signs of shock. Make sure to also check your home and the
surrounding area for any damage. It’s also important to stay away from any
downed power lines, gas leaks, and beware of broken glass.
Tune into your emergency radio, TV channel, or social media account wherever
you can get information from officials. They should let you know if you need
to take any precautions or evacuate.
If you feel a significant earthquake, and live in a tsunami zone, don’t wait
for officials, just get to high ground. Don’t forget to take your kit, family,
and pets with you if possible!
Know The Hazards
Tsunami
A tsunami is a powerful wave created by the displacement of water, rather than
by wind. Even small tsunamis can be dangerous, as they have more force behind
them than a regular surface wave. Tsunamis can wipe out entire communities.
Both Canada’s east and west coasts have experienced deadly tsunamis.
Warning Signs
big before reaching shore. 5-15 meter waves are much more likely, with the
wave growing as it rushes up rivers and inlets.
Check your local municipality website for tsunami maps to see where the danger
zones in your area are. In many cases, these zones are smaller than most
people think!
Tsunami Preparedness
Happily, tsunamis very rarely come unannounced. If you know what to look for
you can gain precious minutes to evacuate. On Canada’s west coast, we are
lucky enough to have one of the most advanced seismic warning systems in the
world. These systems should trigger an emergency alert to most smartphones,
letting you know of a tsunami risk.
More low-tech methods of detecting a tsunami exist as well. Before the main
wave arrives, the sea level in the area will suddenly drop. If you see this,
don’t wait for the emergency alert, head to high ground immediately. Likewise,
if you feel the shaking of an earthquake, and you know you are in a tsunami
zone, head to high ground right away.
Am I in a tsunami zone?
In Canada, we are unlikely to encounter the 40-meter waves that you see on TV.
We are too close to our fault line for them to grow that
If you are not in a tsunami zone, and there is no other emergency to evacuate
for, please shelter in place. Needless evacuations block
routes for evacuees and emergency personnel.
If you are in a tsunami zone and have reason to believe a tsunami is incoming,
quickly alert those around you and evacuate to higher ground. If your escape
route is blocked, try to flee vertically by getting to higher floors in a
building, climbing a tree, or grab onto an object that will float.
Tsunami waves can continue to roll in for up to 48 hours, so stay away from
tsunami zones until officials say it is safe to return. Tune into your local
radio stations or connect with emergency officials on social media.
If possible, take a grab-and-go kit with you when you evacuate to help keep
you safe and comfortable if you are kept away from home for an extended
period.
Know The Hazards
Wildfire
Hot dry summers create the perfect conditions for wildfires. Wildfires travel
quickly (up to 22 km/h) and destroy homes, communities, crops, and forests in
their path. Wildfires are most commonly caused by human activity and lightning
strikes.
Detecting Wildfires
When conditions are ripe for wildfires, it is good to check in with your local
news periodically. If a fire is a threat to your area, it will likely be
mentioned there. In some circumstances, however, you may receive a knock on
the door from an emergency responder and be given only moments to evacuate.
During a Wildfire
If an evacuation order is issued and you need to leave your home, be sure to
bring your emergency kit and other essential items. If a fire is in your area,
but you have yet to receive an evacuation order, this is a good time to pull
your kit out of storage and gather items to move at a moment’s notice.
When evacuating, if you are comfortable doing so, post a message in a window
that is clearly visible saying where you are going and leaving a contact
number. Do not try to drive through a wildfire.
If you discover a wildfire, call 911 and alert authorities.
If a fire is close to your home, and you have time to do so safely,
getprepared.gc.ca recommends you do the following:
· Close all windows and doors in the house. · Cover vents, windows, and other
openings
of the house with duct tape and/or precut pieces of plywood. · Park your car,
positioned forward out of the driveway. Keep car windows closed. · Pack your
emergency kit(s) and any valuables or items that cannot be replaced in the
car, should you need to evacuate. · Turn off propane or natural gas. Move any
propane barbeques into the open, away from structures.
· Turn on the lights in the house, porch, garage, and yard to aid visibility
in case smoke fills the house.
· Place a ladder to the roof in the front of the house to assist firefighters.
· Move all combustibles away from the house, including firewood and lawn
furniture.
· Follow local social media and/or stay tuned to your local radio station for
up-todate information on the fire and possible road closures.
Know The Hazards
House Fire
Residential fires are one of the most common emergencies in the world, with
over 300 fire related deaths in Canada every year. Prevention is key when it
comes to house fires. Some simple fire safety practices you can put into place
to reduce your risk are:
· Install a working fire alarm · Keep a fire extinguisher or blanket near
sources of flame · Identify escape routes from your home · Practice your
escape plan
· Educate children about fire risks · Keep open flames away from hanging
curtains or overhanging surfaces
· Never leave hot appliances or open flames unattended
· Keep your oven clean to avoid grease build ups
· Clean out your dryer lint regularly to avoid fire hazards
When moving through a smokey room, keep low to the ground and cover your nose
and mouth with a cloth (damp if possible.) Smoke rises so staying low will
help to keep you beneath the worst of the fumes.
If you aren’t sure where the fire has started, test each doorknob you come
across before opening the door. Use the back of your hand as the skin is more
sensitive. If the doorknob is hot, keep the door closed.
In the event that you become trapped, make yourself as visible as possible.
Wave towels or other fabrics from the window to attract attention. For rooms
with no windows, resist the instinct to hide firefighters need to be able to
find you. If possible, turn a speaker or radio up loud to act as a beacon for
rescuers. It will keep playing even if you lose your voice or fall
unconscious.
During a House Fire
Sometimes prevention just isn’t enough. If you find yourself in a home that is
on fire, stay calm and assess the situation. If the fire is small and
contained, use your best judgement on whether to try a fire extinguisher or
blanket to put it out.
If you are unable to reach someone who is trapped, leave the building and call 911. Let the operator know where the person is and never run back into the flames for anyone or anything.
If the fire is out of control, alert others in the building and evacuate as fast as possible. If it is easy to retrieve, grab your emergency kit as you are leaving. Call 911 as soon as you are out of immediate danger.
Know The Hazards
Flooding
Flooding happens all across Canada and can cause property damage, injury, and fatalities. To best protect your home from flooding, consider sealing basement windows with weatherproof sealant and investing in a sump pump. Make sure your gutters drain away from your home and see if there are any plants you can add to your garden to help with water retention and drainage.
Avoid moving through flood waters, whether on foot or in a vehicle. Flood water can hide dangerous or unexpected terrain or contain dangerous debris/substances. A current can sweep a person from their feet even in as little as 6 inches of water. If you are in a car, avoid flood water and underpasses. Should your car stall, abandon it and get yourself and your passengers to safety.
If you expect a flood, shut off your electricity. If the area around your fuse
box is already wet, do not go near it or any other electronics in the wet
area.
Listen to your local radio or news to find out if any evacuation orders have
been given for your area, and if so, what routes are recommended. Be sure to
take pets with you if you evacuate.
If no evacuation order is given, move valuables to an upper story when possible, or to the middle of a room, where flooding is least likely to reach. Do not use any electronics or turn on the electricity in a flooded home, until your home is inspected by a professional.
Know The Hazards
Blizzard
Blizzards are a common danger across Canada. They can last anywhere from a few
hours to several days. They can be accompanied by heavy snowfall and high
winds, as well as temperatures of -35°C or colder. The worst blizzard in
Canadian history has been the Ides of March blizzard of 1941 in Saskatchewan
and Manitoba with 76 deaths in just seven hours.
If a blizzard is expected, you may want to string a safety line between your
home and any nearby structures you need to reach (a livestock barn, for
example.) If a blizzard reduces visibility to zero, this line can guide you
safely to and from your destination. If you can help it, remain indoors during
a blizzard.
If you must venture outside, wear outer clothing with a tight weave and water-
repellent material. Wear mittens (they are warmer than gloves) and keep body
heat in with a warm hat. Dress in loose layers to allow airflow while trapping
heat.
If you have to travel in a winter storm, do so during daylight and make sure
someone knows where you are going and when you expect to be there. Do not
change your route (unless the original is unsafe) so people know where to look
for you if you do not make it to your destination.
If your car gets stuck in a blizzard, do not leave the vehicle. Open a window
slightly to allow fresh air into the car and exercise your hands and feet to
keep them warm. Be sure to open the window on the side of the car that is
sheltered from the wind to minimize how much snow might blow in.
Cars produce deadly carbon monoxide, which is undetectable to human senses. If you decide to run your car and use the heaters, limit use to 10 minutes in every 30 minute period. Check your exhaust pipe periodically for blockages.
Try to remain awake and if you decide to try and dig your vehicle out of the snow, do not overexert yourself. Sweat cools quickly and can cause hypothermia. Exertion under stress can also result in a heart attack.
Know The Hazards
Severe Storm
Wind and rain can make a potent combination add in lightening and hail and
you have a severe storm on your hands. The good news is, thanks to their slow-
moving nature, storms can usually be detected early and alerts sent out by
news and government agencies.
Happily, there are lots of things you can do to prepare for an incoming storm:
· Reduce the odds of falling debris by trimming dead branches and felling dead
trees on your property.
· Clean your gutters, downpipes, and drains to minimize the risk of flooding.
· Ensure your roof is in good condition. · Prepare an emergency kit.
· Secure items that could move with the wind. Patio umbrellas, garbage cans,
and even trampolines can be picked up by a gust and cause injury or property
damage.
During a Storm
If you are indoors during a storm, stay away from windows, doors, and
fireplaces. If you need to make a phone call, avoid using corded phones, and
minimize use of corded devices and appliances. When lightning strikes a house,
it can rush through cables and cause injury, rupturing in the ears, or cardiac
arrest.
If you are outdoors when a severe storm hits, stay away from powerlines or
trees in case they fall. Try to find shelter preferably indoors. Avoid steep
and unstable slopes, or low areas that might be prone to flooding. If you are
in a vehicle, don’t leave it unless you can see your destination clearly.
Know The Hazards
Power Outage
In most cases, power outages last a few hours at most. In extreme weather, or
rural locations, they can last days, or even weeks. This can be especially
challenging during the Canadian winters if your heating is reliant on
electricity.
To prepare for a power outage, consider installing/storing a secondary cooking
option that is not electric, or reliant on electric components. If you choose
a barbeque or other open-flame option, make sure it is used outdoors, or that
it is designed for indoor use. Many non-electric cooking methods release
carbon monoxide gas, which can be fatal.
If you plan to use a fireplace as your secondary heating method in an
emergency, make sure to have the chimney professionally serviced each fall.
This keeps dangerous build up from becoming an ignition risk and clears out
any animals that may have nested in your chimney.
During a Power Outage
When the power goes out, check other homes on your street to confirm if the
outage is isolated to your home. If you are the only ones without power, check
your breaker or fuse box. If everyone is without power, notify your power
provider.
Turn off or unplug your electronics and appliances to protect them from surges
when power returns. Turn off all lights except one inside, and one outside
light. Lowering the energy needs of your home will help work crews to get the
power grid working faster, and the lights allow you and them to know when they
have succeeded.
Use candle holders and never leave open flames unattended. Listen to a battery
or crank powered radio to keep up with outage news and to receive evacuation
orders if issued.
If you or a loved one have a disability or require assistance, be sure to plan: · Evacuation route if elevators are unavailable · Emergency power supply for necessary care equipment · A way to call for help without power · A connection to have a neighbour check in on you if there is an outage
Know The Hazards
Tornado
Tornados are rotating columns of high winds that occur in southwestern Ontario
and the southern Prairies. They can occur any time of year but are most common
between April and September. Tornados can move at up to 70km/h and leave a
path of destruction in their wake. Even small tornados can uproot trees, flip
cars, and demolish houses.
While Environment Canada will send out alerts if a tornado is expected, there
are some more subtle warning signs to look out for too. Intense thunderstorms
with lots of thunder and lightning will often (but not always) preclude a
tornado, as will an extremely dark sky, occasionally highlighted with green or
yellow clouds. Be on the lookout for a funnel cloud at the base of a
thundercloud and listen for a rumbling or whistling sound.
What to do during a tornado
During a tornado, get as low as you can ideally a basement or an interior
ground floor room like a closet, bathroom, or hallway. Stay away from windows,
and outside doors/walls. Avoid cars and mobile homes more than half of all
deaths from tornados occur in mobile homes. If no shelter is available, lay
down in a ditch away from your vehicle or mobile home. Beware of flooding and
be prepared to move if it occurs.
Large buildings with broad rooves can collapse in a tornado. Evacuate to
another building if you are caught in a church, gymnasium, or auditorium, if
it is safe to do so. Otherwise, take shelter under a sturdy piece of
furniture, like a table.
Do not travel towards a tornado for any reason. They can appear to be heading
away from you, while actually heading in your direction, and they can suddenly
change course without warning. No matter where you are during a tornado, get
as close to the ground as you can and protect your head from flying debris.
Know The Hazards
Landslide
Earthquakes, floods, general instability, and many other factors can cause
land to collapse into a landslide. Landslides can come in many sizes, most are
small, but the largest in Canadian history covered an area equivalent to 80
city blocks.
Avoid building or buying structures on or near steep slopes that may be
unstable. Avoid any actions that may make an area less stable (undercutting a
steep bank, increasing waterflow down a potentially hazardous slope, placing
fill on steep slopes.)
Some signs of potential landslides to be on the lookout for include:
· Cracks in the slope · Bulges in the slope
· Unusual water seepage · Small rock or sediment falls
If you notice these signs in your area, contact your local municipality.
During a landslide
If you are outdoors when a landslide begins, move away from its most likely
path, avoiding power lines/poles, trees, and embankments. Once away from the
danger, stay away. The slope may fail again.
If you are inside during a landslide, take cover in the part of the building
that is furthest from the approaching landslide. Take cover under a sturdy
piece of furniture and remain in place until everything is still.
Know The Hazards
Make A Plan
Your Plan
Communication
Making a plan is the second step to becoming prepared. In this section we will guide you through the most important parts of creating an emergency plan. In these pages you will find handy worksheets to help you personalize your plan so it’s just the right fit for you and your household. If needed, add extra pages for any special needs or unique situations.
Emergency plans are the best place to keep emergency contact information. This allows you to have these numbers at hand, even if you are borrowing a phone or using a landline. Communication is crucial to any emergency, allowing your household to coordinate locations, and to decide on a course of action with all the relevant information available.
Household Contact info
Full Name
Phone Number
Care Card Number
General Contacts
Contact Doctor Specialist Local Hospital Poison Control Vet Home care/attendant Church leader/counsellor Non-emergency Police Non-emergency Fire Animal Control Neighbour Tow Truck Locksmith
Name or Account #
Phone Number Making A Plan
School info
Ask your school what their emergency policy is. Find out what authorization
they need to release your children to a designated person if you can’t pick
them up. Fill out one of these pages for each child in your household.
Child’s Name
Designated Pickup Person 1 Designated Pickup Person 2
Name
School Name Phone Number
Role School Reception Principal Home Room Teacher Child’s Close Friend* Close Friend’s Parent
Name
Phone Number
*A friend might know a child’s whereabouts when the adults don’t. They may also be a refuge during stress.
Child’s Photo
If possible, please place a photo of your child in this space. It can make
things easier for reunification in an emergency.
Making A Plan
Workplace info
For all the members of your family.
Name Role Office Boss Colleague
Name Role Office Boss Colleague
Name Role Office Boss Colleague
Name Role Office Boss Colleague
Name Name Name Name
Phone Number Phone Number Phone Number Phone Number
Making A Plan
Pets
Whether you have feathered, furred, or scaley family members, it’s important
to prepare for them too. Your animal may need to move with you or might not be
able to stay in their usual enclosure. Be sure to create a pet kit to suit
their needs (recommended contents in the `build a kit’ section of this binder)
and keep these tips in mind: · Your pet will be stressed and may behave
erratically. Keep them on leash or in a carrier, even if they are usually fine
roaming loose.
· Keep extra pet food around and rotate through it. Pet food can be difficult
to find with a long shelf life and many pets will
react poorly to a sudden diet change. · If you need to leave your pet
somewhere
while you deal with the emergency, leave them with an article of your clothing
so they can gain comfort from your scent.
· If your pet runs away, don’t leave out food. Leave water and something that
smells strongly of them/you (a pet bed or unwashed clothes work well.) This
works best with dogs.
It can be useful to have the following information available for each of your
pets in case they escape, or you need to register them somewhere for care.
Consider adding a photo of your pet(s) to this binder to use if you need to
search for them.
Name
Species
Description
Registration #
Health Info
Making A Plan
Building and Utilities
Role Landlord Building Manager Mortgage Broker Municipality Electricity Provider Gas Provider
Name
Home Insurance Contents Insurance Car Insurance Health Insurance
Name
Phone
Water Shutoff Gas Shutoff Emergency Kit Fire Extinguisher
Location
Nearby Emergency Contacts
Name
Relationship
Phone Policy #
Phone
Making A Plan
Out of Town Emergency Contacts and Information Sources
In an emergency, it’s important to know multiple places to go where you might get updates and information. One of the most important source is an out of town emergency contact, who can help you and your loved ones coordinate. Make sure everyone in your household knows who this person is, and has their contact information. In the event of a large scale emergency, the out of town contact should be one of their first calls. Remember to ask for your contact’s permission too, so they aren’t taken by surprise.
Name
Relationship
Phone
You will also want to have a list of reliable local and emergency news sources at your fingertips so you can quickly and easily get instructions from authorities. Make note of multiple types of media in case one isn’t available.
Websites
Social Media
Radio
Meeting places
Establishing meeting places is an important step in preparing your household
for an emergency. Ensure everyone in your household understands where they are
meant to go. The meeting place should be specific enough that you can see
anyone there easily for example meet by the lion statue outside the library,’ rather thanmeet at the library.’ Choose three meeting places in
case you cannot reach one. If you need to leave a meeting place, be sure to
leave a note or signal for your loved ones so they will know where to find
you.
On your block In your neighbourhood Outside your neighbourhood
Meeting Place
Address
Making A Plan
Get A Kit
Having an emergency kit on hand is an important part of preparedness. You can
build your own, or purchase a pre-built kit and specialty supplies at
totalprepare.ca. In this section, we will cover where to store your kit, what
should be in an emergency kit, specialty items that can make preparing for an
emergency easier, and how to keep your kit up to date.
Where to Store your kit
There are multiple types of kits, but the most important kit to have is a
shelter-in-place kit. The location of your kit may vary based on what type of
kit it is, and what supplies it contains a car kit will contain different
supplies than a kit for your home. Some emergencies will require you to
shelter-in-place, while others will force an evacuation. Your local government
should have instructions at the time of the emergency.
Kits should be easily accessible, and near an exit.
At Home
Your family’s emergency kit should be easily accessible, and light enough to
carry. Make sure each family member knows where the emergency kits are stored
so they can grab their kit if you need to leave your home.
Think through your emergency plan and what routes you will use to leave your
house. Store your emergency kit near a main exit in your home, this will make
it easy to grab and go during an evacuation. Hall closets are popular choices,
but make sure that your kit remains accessible. If it is an option, storing
supplies by the front of a garage is also an ideal location. Storing your kit
in a garage allows for quick and easy car-loading if an evacuation is
necessary.
Basements, attics, and crawl spaces are not ideal for storing disaster
supplies. They can be awkward to get into at the best of times, are often the
first victims in floods, and are at the bottom of the heap if your house
becomes structurally unsound.
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Storing emergency kits in outdoor sheds and RVs is a great option. Be sure to
keep them in a waterproof, vermin-proof container, in a cool, dark place.
Vehicles
keeping it in the trunk where temperature fluctuations may be less severe. Whether you store your main emergency kit in your vehicle or not, it is a good idea to have an auto emergency kit in the car for flat tires, breakdowns, and accidents.
Your vehicle is one of the safest places you
can be in many disasters. It is also the #1 place where you are likely to need
an emergency kit. Vehicles are great options for storing emergency kits
protected from the elements, and ready to move. However, if doing so, make
sure that you have a spare key outdoors. Magnetic key boxes that attach to the
bottom of your vehicle are discreet and affordable (and perfect if you lock
yourself out of your car.)
In the Workplace
Disaster may strike at any time. If you work a 40-hour week then there is a
24% chance that you’ll be at work when an emergency occurs. In the event of a
major emergency getting home from work, school, or wherever you’ve been
stranded on the highway, could be difficult or even impossible. Depending on
how well your local infrastructure survives you could be stranded for up to a
few days.
If you are storing a kit in your car, consider
There are several different workplace kit options. The most basic is an under- desk kit, which is stored at every desk. The under-desk kit contains supplies designed to help a worker escape or signal for help if they are trapped.
If you need staff to remain on site in an emergency, you run a large company, or if you are remote and sending people home might become difficult, you will need a more comprehensive emergency kit. These may be stored in dedicated cabinets, spare closets, or outdoor containers. Consider accessibility when storing your supplies.
Shelter-in-place Kit Grab and Go Bag First Aid Kit Vehicle Kit (one for every vehicle)
Location
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What To Pack
These are some basic items that you should have in your emergency kits. We
will go into specialty options in the next section.
Shelter in Place Kit
After a disaster, it is best to remain in your home if it is safe to do so
refer to your local government’s instructions on sheltering-in-place or
evacuation. It is important to have an At-Home or a Shelter-in-Place kit, that
can support your family for at least 7 days. This kit does not have to be
easily portable and will usually be bulkier than a kit designed for
evacuation. These supplies should be stored in one unified place, usually
packed in plastic bins or duffel bags.
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Food – Aim for 2000 calories, per person, each day. Non-perishable food such
as canned foods, energy bar, and dried foods are ideal for a shelter-in-place
kit. Pack foods that you know your family will eat, and do not forget the
manual can opener! Water – Aim to have 4L of water per person per day 2L for
drinking and 2L for other uses. Children, people who are nursing, or people
who are sick or on certain medications may need more. Storing ready-to-drink
water is best, but purification and filtration options are available too.
Small battery-powered or hand crank radio
Battery-powered or hand-crank flashlight Extra Batteries – Store these laying
parallel to prevent accidental sparking or other issues. First Aid Kit and
personal medications – If you take any prescription medications, pack at least
72 hours’ worth and be sure to rotate regularly. Also consider adding Advil or
Tylenol to your kit. If you have a severe allergy in your household, pack an
EpiPen. Blankets
Toilet paper, garbage bags, and moist towelettes for personal sanitation
Personal toiletries and items such as an extra pair of glasses or contact
lenses
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Copy of your emergency plan Copies of important documents – such as insurance papers and identification, extra house keys Cash in small bills Local map with family meeting places identified Seasonal clothing, extra socks, and underwear – Include a rain jacket or ponchos Pen and notepad An extra charger or battery pack for your mobile phone Whistle Masks and sanitizer Pet food, water, medications, carrier, leashes etc, if necessary Help/Okay signs for main building windows Sleeping bags Safety/work gloves Basic tools such as a hammer, pliers, wrench, screwdrivers, and fasteners 4-in-1 Emergency Tool – To turn off gas and water, pry open doors, and dig through debris if necessary Small fuel-driven stove and fuel – Even though you are sheltering-in-place at home, your stove may not be working/accessible. Candles and matches or a lighter
Grab and Go Bag
A grab-and-go bag is a small emergency kit that is compact, and easy to take
with you if you need to evacuate. It’s a good idea to have one in your home,
workplace, and vehicle. Aim to have at least 72 hours of portable supplies in
each kit.
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Easily Carried, Durable Bag – A backpack or a duffel bag are best. Suitcases
may also be used; however, it is easiest to have a bag you can wear on your
back for portability. Food – Ready to eat foods are ideal, such as calorie
bars or MREs (both have 5 yr shelf lives.) Water – Aim to have 4L of water per
person per day- 2L for drinking and 2L for other uses. Children, people who
are nursing, or people who are sick or on certain medications may need more.
To lighten your load consider packing items for water purification and
filtration. Small battery-powered or hand crank radio Battery-powered or hand-
crank Flashlight Extra Batteries – Store these in the same direction to
prevent accidental sparking or other issues. Small First Aid Kit and personal
medications – If you take any prescription medications, pack at least 72
hours’ worth and be sure to rotate regularly. Also consider adding Advil or
Tylenol to your kit. An emergency blanket – Mylar blankets are great for a go-
bag as they are compact and lightweight. Toilet paper, garbage bags, and moist
towelettes for personal sanitation 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, extra house
keys Cash in small bills Local map with family meeting place identified
Seasonal clothing, extra socks, and underwear – Pack a rain jacket or poncho
Pen and notepad Cell phone with extra charger or battery pack Whistle Masks
and sanitizer Pet food and water, leashes, carriers, etc if necessary
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Specialty Items
The amount of work that goes into a Grab and Go or Stay-at-home kit may seem
like a lot, but you likely already have many of these items around the house!
If you are looking at minimizing the amount of maintenance these kits will
need, consider looking at freeze-dried foods and Blue Can Water. Freeze-dried
food has a 25-year shelf life, and Blue Can Water has an incredible 50-year
shelf life! Set it and forget it!
Freeze-dried Foods
Most freeze-dried food options have a 25-year shelf-life and come in easily
stored, stackable buckets. There are non-GMO, gluten free, and vegetarian
options available. You can add meats, fruits, vegetables, and even sweets to
your kit, without needing to restock every 6 months to a year. Freeze dried
food is ideal for shelter in place kits and people who are looking for long
term storage options.
MREs
MREs, or Meals Ready to Eat, were initially created for the military however
they are an easy solution for emergency preparedness. They offer the fastest,
easiest, hot meal in any situation. When an emergency happens you often have
little or no cooking abilities, and these only require a bit of water to
activate the ration heater the water doesn’t even need to be potable. They
can also be eaten cold.
MREs feature a 5-year shelf-life and require no refrigeration. They are great
for hunting, camping, emergency response, in disaster zones and for use in
corporate command cen-
ters. As they do not require a stove for heating, these are perfect for both
the grab and go and shelter-in-place kits.
Mylar Bags and Oxygen Absorbers
If you wanted full control over your emergency food, mylar bags and oxygen
absorbers are fantastic. Mylar bags are non-porous, puncture-resistant bags
used for long-term food storage. Oxygen absorbers create a chemical reaction
that removes the oxygen from their immediate surroundings. By using both, you
can store dry foods for years without needing to rotate them. For more
information on using mylar bags and oxygen absorbers, visit totalprepare.ca or
call 778-265-5331.
Blue Can Water
Over time, plastic bottles will leech chemicals into your emergency water.
Because of this, they need to be changed out every 6 months to a year. Blue
Can Water aims to solve this problem.
Packaged in lined aluminium cans, Blue Can Water has a 50 year shelf life. It
is used by hospitals, schools, and government to prepare for emergencies
without the need to pay for replenishments.
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Water Filters
If you are seeking to reduce the weight or space that water takes up in your
emergency kit, consider packing a water filter instead. Water filters remove
harmful bacteria from fresh water sources and are designed to provide you with
safe, clean drinking water in any situation. They are ideal for hiking,
camping, travel, and emergency preparedness. One of our favourite filters, the
LifeStraw Personal Straw will filter up to 4,000 liters of water. The
mechanical filter removes 99.9999% of waterborne bacteria, including E-Coli,
and 99.9% of waterborne protozoan parasites, including Giardia &
Cryptosporidium. These filters have no after-taste, use no batteries, and have
no moving parts. They are easy to clean and can be used indefinitely until
their filter has reached capacity.
Hybrid Light
Solar light options that can also charge your devices are ideal in an
emergency. The flashlight and lantern from Hybrid Light are versatile,
multifunctional, and rugged and can charge by USB or solar. Their internal
batteries will last for 7 years before needing a topup, making them perfect
for long term storage. They are also completely waterproof, making them
natural options for floods or other wet emergencies.
Keeping your kit up to date
Go through your emergency kit at least once a year to ensure that everything
is in good shape. As you go through your kit, remind yourself what each item
is for and how it works. This way you will know how to use it if necessary,
and you will have more confidence in times of emergency.
Perishable items will have their Best Before Date stamped on their packaging
replace items as needed to keep your kit up to date.
Food and Water
Calorie bars and water pouches usually have a shelf-life of about five years.
After that their packaging will start to break down, making them unsafe for
consumption. Expired food should be composted or otherwise discarded and
replaced with fresh items. If possible, donate your food before expiry to a
local food bank where it can be used. Expired water is still useful for
purposes such as washing up, so consider keeping some on hand to preserve your
drinkable water supply.
If you have a water storage solution that has been stabilized with H2O ResQ
drops, drain, and thoroughly wash the container every 5 years. Refill with
potable water and re-add stabilizer drops.
Freeze-dried foods have a longer shelf-life than food bars, however it is
still a good idea to check that everything is still sealed and safe from
pests. If any of your consumables have broken seals and you do not know how
long they have been broken, do not consume.
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First Aid
Check your first aid kit at the same time as your emergency kit, and more
frequently if you have added medications or ointments. First aid products sold
in Canada are considered good for five years unless marked otherwise.
Pay special attention to the dates on medications and ointments. Some
medications become less effective with time, and others become dangerous to
consume when past their expiration date. Have a chat with your pharmacist
about safe storage for medications. First aid kits stored in cars will likely
need replacing more frequently due to larger fluctuations in temperature and
higher moisture levels.
Look for tears, leaks, or breaks in any of the kit’s contents. Replace damaged
items as necessary. If you are not sure if something is still good to use or
not, it’s better to replace it.
Other Items
Other items in your emergency kit may also have expiry dates, these will also
be marked on their packaging.
Light sticks will lose brightness and longevity after 2-4 years.
Batteries have a shelf-life of 5-7 years on average. Check their charge
annually. Do not store alkaline batteries inside electronics as they may leak
or rupture causing damage. Batteries should also be stored parallel to prevent
possible fire risk.
For solar-powered or other devices without removable batteries or with
lithium-ion batteries, give them a top-up charge every 6 months to a year.
Some solar-powered devices will hold their charge for years, but regular top
ups are good practice.
Food Water First Aid Supplies Light Sticks Batteries
Expiry
Checked (date and by whom) Updated (date and by whom)
Questions?
If you have any questions about this emergency plan, or if you would like to
learn more about the amazing emergency preparedness products offered by Total
Prepare, visit us online at totalprepare.ca or call our friendly team at
1-888-832-1733, toll-free!
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