Personal Preparedness Workshop

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Anytime. Anywhere. Red Cross

THE CANADIAN RED CROSSTHE RED CROSS MISSION:

To improve the lives of vulnerable people by mobilizing the power of humanity in Canada

and around the world.

Fundamental PrinciplesHumanity

Impartiality

Neutrality

Independence

Voluntary Service

Unity

Universality

GOAL OF PRESENTATION

To prepare individuals, families and communities to be self-

sufficient for at least 72 hours

following a disaster

DEFINITION OF A ‘DISASTER’A disaster is a sudden event that occurs unexpectedly and threatens the life, health and living conditions of a community. Environmental disasters are divided into two categories: Human Origin and NaturalHuman Origin disasters include:

Biological Disaster: chemical spills or explosions, Hazardous MaterialsIndustrial or environmental: oil spill which was a result of a train derailment or truck rolloverArmed conflicts: war, terrorism

Natural Disasters include:Weather or climate related disasters: flood, mud slide, snow storms, tornado, hurricaneGeological Disasters: earthquake, tsunami

RESPONSIBILITY

It is YOUR RESPONSIBILITY to be prepared to look after yourself during a disaster.

Your Municipality and Emergency Services will be busy responding to the immediate situation therefore

it will be your responsibility to be prepared after a disaster for at least 72 hours

BE PREPARED

 

“Again and again, studies have shown that people perform better under stress if they think they can handle it...Self-confidence, in other words, can save your life.” Amanda Ripley, The Unthinkable: Who Survives when Disaster Strikes and Why

 “We are almost always our own first responders because official help cannot arrive quickly enough.” Amanda Ripley, The Unthinkable – Who Survives when Disaster Strikes and why

PREPAREDNESS: A SIMPLE CHECK LIST

Know your risksMake a planPrepare emergency kits

KNOW YOUR RISKS

Environmental: What disasters are likely to occur in your area?

Physical: Know the physical and mental abilities of yourself, family and community. How are they prepared?

Family: Consider family unit, age, size of your family and other special considerations such as language

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EarthquakesFires FloodsHazardous Material IncidentsNuclearSevere Weather

Tornado Winter storm

MAJOR RISKS IN THE GREATER TORONTO AREA (GTA)

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TOP CANADIAN DISASTERS IN RECENT YEARS

Also Notable2001 International 9-11 Tragedy1998 Ontario-Quebec-New Brunswick

Ice stormPeggy’s Cove, NS Swissair Flight 111

1977 Mississauga Train Derailment

2013 Southern Ontario Ice Storm and Power Outage2013 Region of Peel and Toronto Floods and Power Outage2013 Southern Alberta Floods2011 Slave Lake AB Wild Fires

Northern Ontario Forest Fires Goderich ON Tornado

2010 PEI Hurricane IgorToronto ON Wellesley Apart. Fire

2008 Toronto ON Propane Explosion2006 Pearson Airport - Lebanon Evacuees

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What is the number of members in your family?What are the age groups in your family?Are you a single parent?What are the physical and mental abilities of your family members?Does a family member require special equipment?Do you have a family skills inventory?How well are you prepared at this moment?Do you practice your plan annually?

KNOW YOUR RISKS

AS A FAMILY....

MAKE A PLAN

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Work together as a familyKnow your family needsPrepare for the seasonHave a list of contactsPrepare for the risks in your areaKnow how to escape from house quicklyHave a meeting place away from the houseMake copies of your important documentsReview, update and practice plan annually

THINGS TO THINK ABOUT

Necessities: medication, glasses, cash, keys mobility aids

Pets: number and type of pets, food, medication, equipment

Utilities: shut off water and electricity in your house

Contacts: pre-plan emergency numbers Emergency Kits: location and accessibility of kits for everyone

When you are not there: discuss your plan with others such as babysitters

• Involve network in making emergency plan

• Ask network to practice moving special needs equipment

• Place emergency wheelchair near evacuation exit

• Check if local evacuation shelters are wheelchair accessible

Additional items for emergency kits

• Tire repair kit

• Pair of heavy gloves

• Extra deep-cycle battery

• Spare walking aid

PLANNING FOR THE MOBILITY IMPAIRED

• Include braille and/or large print on all emergency supplies & plans

• Provide pencil and paper for written communication

• Equip smoke alarms with alternative alerting

• Familiarize in advance with all escape routes locations of doors/exits

Additional items for emergency kits

• Extra vision aids

• Extra hearing aids

• Communicard (CHS)

PLANNING FOR THE HEARING AND VISUALLY IMPAIRED

EVACUATEListen to your radio and/or TV for instructionsReady items as requiredEnsure everyone is ready to goWhen announcement is made... GO!Follow instructions along the routeWatch for hazards along the wayOnce out, report you are safe and register with yourMunicipality or Red Cross

If you are asked to evacuate follow the

directions

Offer to help and allow the person to identify how best to assist them

Ask permission to touch a person’s assistive device or service animal

Ask if any areas of the body have reduced sensation and if those areas need to be checked for injuries

Never administer food or liquids to an unconscious or unresponsive person

ASSISTING PEOPLE WITH SPECIAL NEEDS

SHELTER IN PLACE

Get indoors and stay thereLock all windows and outside doorsDepending on the emergency, seek the correct shelter location

Turn off all fans, heating and cooling systemsBring your pets and supplies with youTry to select a room with a hard-wired phone

SHELTER IN PLACE

Place wet towels at the base of the doorUsing duct tape seal windows / doorsStay put until you are told it is safe

EMERGENCY KITS

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72 Hours Evacuation Kit*Grab and Go Kit

72 Hours Shelter in Place KitCar KitFirst Aid KitPet Kit

Shelter In Place kitPicture

Pet Kit Picture

AFTER A DISASTER

Contact your insurance companyContact family members, advise you are safeListen or read messages from Municipality concerning after disaster services availableWait for the “all clear” before returning homeConsult professional and reputable experts for repairs

SUMMARY OF EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS

Know your risksMake a planPrepare emergency kits

CONTACT YOURLOCAL RED CROSS OFFICE

Get more information and get involved Purchase a First Aid Kit or Disaster Preparedness Kit Become a volunteer

See www.redcross.ca for Branch locations and contact information

THANK YOUFor questions on Red Cross service-delivery in Peel Region during a disaster contact: sarah.oberholzer@redcross.ca

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