Emergencies can happen at any time and being prepared can help protect yourself and your family. As we recognize Emergency Preparedness Week from May 1 to 7, I would like to thank first responders and all those working to keep Halton safe. I also encourage everyone to prepare emergencies by following three easy steps:
Step one: Know the risks
Be aware of potential hazards that can cause or contribute to an emergency in your community. With summer approaching, many common risks relate to severe weather, such as thunderstorms, flooding and high winds. You can check the Emergency Alerts and Public Information page to stay informed about potential emergencies in Halton and sign up for heat warnings to help prepare for extreme temperatures in the months to come.
Step two: Make a plan
It is important to know how to respond and what to do during an emergency. When making your plan, consider where exits are located in your home or apartment building, where you keep essential supplies, who to contact and how you will shelter in place if left without power or water. In case you need to leave your home, you should also make a list of friends and family you can contact and note the closest evacuation centre.
Step three: Get a kit
Assemble an emergency kit that contains everything you need to keep yourself, your family and your pets safe during an emergency. Your kit should contain food, water and other necessities required to last your household for at least 72 hours if you lose access to running water or power. An emergency kit should also include items like a first-aid kit, prescription medication, a flashlight and a crank/battery-powered radio. Be sure to prepare a separate kit for your car as well, containing items that can help you stay safe during emergencies on the road. To learn more about what to include in your emergency kit, visit the Get a Kit section on halton.ca.
In an emergency, please remember to check in on friends, family and neighbours who may require assistance (if you are able to do so).
By completing these three steps, you and your family will be prepared for an emergency. That way, first responders can focus on the emergency and assisting those in critical need. To learn more about how you can prepare for emergencies, visit the Preparing for Emergencies page on halton.ca.
Emergency preparedness starts with you! We all have a role to play – by planning ahead to protect ourselves and our community, we help keep Halton a great place to live, work, raise a family and retire.