Do you know what to do in case of Emergency?

Many of us are not as prepared for an emergency as we think we are. Recent natural events (power failures, ice storms and forest fires) have brought to the forefront the need to prepare for emergency situations in both our personal and professional lives.

The DTSSAB is working in partnership with local municipalities and agencies to assist in the development of plans to enhance the safety and security of Timiskaming residents.

Through this website you will find links to useful information to help you better plan for the safety of yourself and your family in the event of an emergency.

How to plan for emergencies at home

• At least once a year, have a meeting with family members or housemates to design and/or update a plan for how each person will respond during an emergency.
• Draw a floor plan of your home, showing the location of exits (windows and doors), utility cutoffs, first aid kits, emergency supplies, tools, clothing etc. Make sure that each person is familiar with the plan.
• Put together an emergency kit, first aid kit, automobile kit and ensure copies of important family documents are available.
• Discuss alternate reunion locations and strategies if a disaster strikes when you are not home.
• Make/update a list of key addresses and contact numbers. Ensure that each family member has a copy.

Download the following resource materials from the Government of Canada:

How to plan for emergencies at work

As an employer to an employee you should be aware of your company's emergency response plan.

The following are actions that you could take to prepare for possible fire, building explosions or shootings.

• Learn about your emergency plan.
• Learn where emergency exits are located.
• Think ahead about how to evacuate a building or a congested work area.
• Keep fire extinguishers in working order. Know where they are located and how to use them.
• Learn first aid or CPR.
• Keep the following items in a designated place on each floor of the building.
• Portable, battery-operated radio and extra batteries.
• Several flashlights and extra batteries.
• First aid kit and manual.

Download the following resource materials from the Government of Canada:

Who to call in case of an Emergency

Municipal Emergency Preparedness

An Emergency has been defined (under the Emergency Readiness Act) as a situation or impending situation caused by forces of nature, an accident or an intentional act; or otherwise that constitutes a danger of major proportions to life or property. These situations could threaten public safety; public health; the environment; property; critical infrastructure and economic stability.

To be considered an "emergency" under the Emergency Plans Act, the situation must go beyond the response capabilities of a municipality's emergency response organizations including police, fire, ambulance and hospitals.

Emergencies adversely affect a significant number of people, properties and areas annually.

The Emergencies Readiness Act was proclaimed in 2003 and was designed to better enable various levels of government and agencies to react quickly in an emergency.

Under the authority of that Act, the DTSSAB is working on a formal Community Emergency Management Program to provide assistance to municipalities in the event of an emergency.

Emergency Supplies

• Bottled Water (two to four litres per person per day - 2 litres for drinking, 2 litres for food preparation/sanitation)
• Food (canned or dehydrated, with current expiration dates)
• Supplies for infants, children and pets (formula, bottles, powdered milk, baby food, diapers , pet food etc.)
• Utensils (knives and forks, can opener, pots etc.)
• Paper plates and towels
• Small camp stove or "Canned Heat" like Sterno
• Paper and pencil
• First aid kit
• Blankets or sleeping bags
• Portable radio (with spare batteries)
• Critical medication (7-10 days of any prescription medications)
• Spare eye glasses
• Denture needs
• Spare batteries for hearing aid
• Flashlight (with spare batteries and bulb)
• Watch or clock (battery or spring wound)
• Re-sealable plastic bags
• Plastic garbage bags to store waste
• Sanitation supplies (soap, paper towels, tissues, pre-moistened towelettes, waste containers, feminine hygiene products etc.)
• Crescent wrench (for turning off gas)
• Other tools (multi-purpose tool)
• Rope and plastic tape
• Candles and matches
• Duct tape
• Whistle
• Large tarp/tent
• Pet food (if required)
• Games, books, other entertainment
• One complete change of clothing (for each member of the family)
• Home and car keys

Home First Aid Kit

• Sterile adhesive bandages in assorted sizes
• 2-inch sterile gauze pads (4-6)
• 4-inch sterile gauze pads (4-6)
• Adhesive tape triangular bandages
• Scissors and tweezers
• Moistened towelettes
• Antiseptics
• Thermometer
• Tongue depressor
• Cold pack
• Petroleum jelly tube
• Safety pins
• Soap
• Latex gloves (2 pair)
• Sunscreen/mosquito repellent
• First aid manual
• Non-prescription drugs (pain reliever, anti-diarrhea medication)

Store your first aid kit in an area that is easy to access by all members of the household.

Important Family Documents

Keep a hard copy of the following records in a waterproof, portable container

• Policies, contracts and deeds
• Passports
• Social security cards
• Immunization Records
• Bank account numbers, bank and credit card numbers
• Insurance information
• Inventory of valuable household goods
• Family records (births, marriage, death certificates)
• Photos of family members in case you are separated

Your Automobile

It is also recommended that your automobile be equipped with a small amount of supplies and equipment, as follows:

• Bottled water
• Non-perishable food
• First aid kit (with instructions)
• Flares
• Blankets
• Flashlight (with spare batteries and bulb)
• Re-sealable plastic bags
• Plastic garbage bags to store waste
• Sanitation supplies (plastic bags, tissues, moistened towelettes, etc.)
• Tools (screw driver, pliers, knife)
• Rope and plastic tape
• Clothing (appropriate time of year)
• Candle and matches
• Whistle
• Small shovel
• Large tarp/plastic sheet