Disaster Preparedness Guide

As we’ve seen in the tragedy of Fort McMurray, as well as throughout Canadian history, wildfires are a common occurrence, and research has shown this trend is not about to slow down. Harvard University researchers from the John A. Paulson School of Engineering published a paper predicting that wildfires could become much more common by 2050. The wildfire risk isn’t just growing in small areas, it is growing all across Canada. Natural Resources Canada just released a study outlining the increased danger that Saskatchewan now faces for fire risk. If you think your area might be at risk of wildfires, there are resources online to help. The Government of Canada maintains a database of the most recent fires and the most dangerous fires currently raging. If you live in an area where the wildfire risk is high, this map will keep you up to date on the latest developments.

The earthquake risk in Canada is most prevalent in British Columbia, but they have occurred in every province. Earthquakes Canada details the damage potential in various regions across the country and which regions are most susceptible to experience an earthquake.
Seismic Hazard Map
If you live on the west coast, having a robust earthquake plan is a realistic goal. The Government of British Columbia is greatly enough concerned about an earthquake of 9.0 magnitude occurring in the next 50 years, and have spent $1.2 million on tsunami disaster drills¹. It’s not a scare tactic, but a testament to the serious need for preparation before these types of events happen. You can take a step in the right direction by getting familiar with the Earthquakes Canada website and warning system.

If you live on the plains, flooding is a very real danger. There have been a few times in Canadian history that floods have forced the evacuation of tens of thousands of people. The worst floods in Canada’s history occurred in the prairie provinces of Manitoba and Calgary, but they have also occurred in other provinces such as Ontario.

No matter which emergency situation, there are resources present that can help you stay up-to-date and aware of what’s happening in your area. Weather warnings are your first and best defense. Listen to weather warnings. They can mean the difference between acting on time and too late. Two resources are invaluable when emergencies happen: The Weather Network Alert System, and the Public Weather Alerts for Canada. Use these sites to their full potential to keep aware. If you think there may be other types of disaster risks in your area, the Government of Canada has an  interactive section of their site that outlines the various natural hazards that may be in your part of the country.

If Inside:

• Stay inside.
• Get underneath heavy furniture (beds, desks, etc.).
• Cover your head and torso to protect yourself from falling objects.
• Hold on to the object to keep it covering you. Be ready to move with the object if the shaking is strong enough.
• Stay away from windows, shelves and unsecured heavy objects.

If Outside:

• Stay outside.
• Get away from buildings. Get to an open area.
• If in a crowd, get to an area you won’t be trampled.

If in a Vehicle:

• Pull over to a safe area not blocking the road.
• Stay away from any bridges, overpasses, underpasses or buildings.
• Listen to the radio for instructions.
• Look for downed power lines. Don’t exit the car if there are any.
• If you have a HELP sign, put it in your window.
• Wait for emergency vehicles to assist.

• Listen to local radio and watch local television.
• Be ready to heed evacuation orders at any time.
• Close all doors and windows.
• Turn on lights to help with visibility.
• Use sprinklers to wet your roof and other valuables.
• Remove flammable drapes, curtains or other window coverings.

• Get to higher ground and avoid areas that work are prone to flooding.
• If water rises in your home, use upper floors, the attic or your roof to stay safe.
• Listen to the radio for instructions from authorities.
• Do not walk across streams or drive through floods.
• Turn utilities off if advised to do so.
• If you come into contact with flood waters, wash your hands with soap in clean water.

Some people call it an emergency kit, some call it a bug-out bag, but whatever its name, be sure you have one handy. There will likely be specific needs that you or your family require in your kit, so think of these items as a guideline rather than a hard and fast rule. Most will tell you to think about survival for at least 72 hours.

Essential Items:

• First aid kit.
• Cash, traveler’s cheques and change.
• Family documents (birth certificate, passports).
• Manual can opener.
• Food that will keep (canned, dried meat, etc.)
• Water (enough for two liters per person per day).
• Flashlight.
• Radio.
• Extra keys.
• Special health/medical items (prescriptions, etc.)
• Written copy of your emergency plan.

Additional Items:

• Change of clothing.
• Hygiene items.
• Tools (knife, wrench, hammer, etc.)
• Duct tape.
• Whistle.
• Sanitizer.
• Toilet paper.
• Scissors.
• Plastic sheeting.
• Pre-paid phone card.
• Pet foods and supplies.
• Utensils, plates and cups.
• Infant supplies.
• Vehicle Items.
• Blankets.
• Road maps.
• Road flares.
• Tire chains (if required in your area).
• Work gloves.
• Tools (ratchet set).
• Extra oil and other car fluids.
• Sand, salt or kitty litter.
• Shovel/ice scraper.
• Windshield washer fluid.
• Jumper cables.
• Battery pack.

Spend some time thinking about your family’s needs and add to this kit over time. Keep it in an accessible area, so if a disaster hits, you won’t be looking for it.