The Township of Wilmot will rally its forces in the face of a community wide disaster or emergency, but residents need to be ready too.
Make an Emergency Plan
When emergencies happen, having a plan in place is the best way to respond quickly to protect your family, your community and your property. Make a plan now, before you need one.
Everyone should keep an emergency kit of crucial supplies in case and emergency happens and utilities are out, roads are closed or you can't leave your home. Prepare to take care of yourself and your family for up to three days.
Pack supplies in one or two containers, such as plastic bins, easy-to-carry duffel bags or a suitcase/hockey bag on wheels. Store them in an area of your home that is easy to get at, such as hall closet, spare room or garage. Make sure everyone in your family knows where your emergency kit is stored. Check and refresh your kit twice a year - when clocks shift to/from daylight saving time is a good time. Check all expiry dates and replace food and water with a fresh supply. Check batteries and replace as needed. Keep your cell phone or mobile device fully charged.
Essentials
Your emergency kit should include:
Food (non-perishable and easy-to-prepare items, enough for three days) and a manual can opener.
Bottled water - four litres per person for each day (Your water supply is meant to cover what you would drink as well as what you might need for food preparation, hygiene and dishwashing.)
Medication(s)
Flashlight and batteries
Radio (crank or battery-run)
Extra batteries
First-aid kit
Cell phone charger
Hand sanitizer or moist towelettes
Important papers (identification, contact lists, copies of prescriptions, etc.)
Extra car keys
Cash
Whistle (to attract attention, if needed)
Zip-lock bag (to keep things dry)
Garbage bags
Contact list
Special Consideration
Your emergency kit should include:
Items for babies and small children - diapers, formula, bottles, baby food, comfort items
Prescription medication
Medical supplies and equipment
Pet food and supplies
Any other items specific to your family's needs
Extra Supplies for Evacuation
Clothes, shoes
Sleeping bags or blankets
Personal items (soap, toothpaste, toothbrush, shampoo. comb, other toiletries)
Playing cards, travel games, other activities for children
Pet Kit
Pets are members of the family too. Make sure to include your pets when developing your family emergency plan. Making arrangements before an emergency will increase your pet's chances for survival and ability to cope. Assemble a pet emergency kit and be ready to take your pet and their kit with you in the event you have to evacuate.
As a pet owner, you’re also encouraged to post an emergency decal on your front door to alert first responders that there are pets inside your home. Visit ontariospca.ca/ep to request your FREE emergency decal.
Car Kit
It is also a good idea to have the following items in your car:
shovel
sand, salt or kitty litter
traction mats
tow chain
compass
cloth or roll of paper towels
warning light or road flares
extra clothing and footwear
emergency food pack
axe or hatchet
booster cables
ice scraper and brush
road maps
matches and a "survival" candle in a deep can (to warm hands, heat a drink or use as an emergency light)
fire extinguisher
methyl hydrate (for fuel line and windshield de-icing_
flashlight
first-aid kit with seatbelt cutter
blanket (special "survival" blankets are best)
Emergency Directives
Local authorities may issue directives to protect the public.
Shelter-in-Place
Sheltering is appropriate when conditions require that you seek protection in your home, place of employment or other location when there is a threat to personal safety (i.e., hazardous spills, dangerous predators).
Local authorities will advise you to stay in your home or shelter-in-place until the emergency if over.
If the emergency is related to an environmental hazard:
Close and lock all windows and exterior doors.
Turn off all fans, heating and air-conditioning systems to avoid drawing in air from the outside.
Close the fireplace damper.
Get your emergency kit and make sure the radio is working.
Go to an interior room that's above ground level (if possible, one without windows). In the case of a chemical threat, an above-ground location is preferable because some chemicals are heavier than air and may seep into basements even if the windows are closed.
Use duct or other wide tape to seal all cracks around the door and any vents into the room.
Continue to monitor your radio or television until you are told all is safe or are advised to evacuate.
Evacuation
Authorities will not ask you to leave your home unless they have reason to believe you are in danger.
If you are directed to evacuate, take:
your emergency kit
your emergency plan
essential medications and copies of prescriptions
a cell phone
your pets
Pets are not allowed in some emergency shelters, so plan in advance for a pet-friendly location.
Protect your home:
Shut off water and electricity if directed by officials.
Leave natural gas service on, unless officials tell you to turn it off. (If you turn off the gas, the gas company has to reconnect it. In a major emergency, it could take weeks for a professional to respond.)
Lock your home.
Call, text or email your out-of-town contact. Tell them where you are going and when you expect to arrive. (Once you are safe, let them know. Tell them if any family members have become separated.)
Leave a note telling others when you left and where you are going.
If you are driving in emergency conditions:
Keep the radio on to hear important information and have a cell phone with you.
Follow the routes specified by officials.
Don't take short cuts; they could lead you to a blocked or dangerous area.
Watch for fallen power lines, debris, damaged bridges or roads and dangling wires.
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