Emergency Preparedness

Build a 72-Hour Emergency Kit

In case of an emergency, it is important you and your household are self-sufficient for at least 72 hours. Your Kit should be easy to carry and stored in a location known by all members of your household. Already have a Kit? Make sure to check it at least twice a year to replace items which may have expired, such as food, water, and batteries, or to reflect any life changes, such as adding or removing medications and baby or pet supplies.

Make a Plan

Research and Learn

Emergencies can and do happen without warning. The Town of Prescott has a community Emergency Plan in place for the coordination and implementation of all required services in the event of a natural or man-made emergency.

What is an emergency?

A declared emergency or impending situation constitutes a danger of major proportions that could result in serious harm to persons or substantial damage to property that can be:

caused by the forces of nature
disease or other health risk
an accident
an act whether intentional or otherwise

Being Prepared for an Emergency

Before an emergency happens, it’s important to make sure you have a plan in place for your household. Use the following three steps to ensure your family is prepared for an emergency:

Step 1 – Make a Plan

Step 2 – Build a 72-hour Kit

Step 3 – Be Informed

Create your personal emergency plan: Emergency Preparedness Guide

Survival Kits and Checklists

The 72-Hour Survival Kit

Emergency Management Ontario suggests that you have on hand a kit containing the items below. You should have one kit for each member of your household.

Your kit should contain:

flashlight and batteries
radio and batteries or crank radio
spare batteries (for radio or flashlight)
first aid kit
candles and matches/lighter
extra car keys and cash
important papers (identification)
food and bottled water
clothing and footwear
blankets or sleeping bags
toilet paper and other personal items
medication
backpack/duffle bag (to hold all of the emergency survival items)
whistle (to attract attention, if needed)
playing cards, games

For more information on the 72-Hour Survival Kit, visit the website of Emergency Management Ontario

Survival Kit for Your Car

Survival Kit for Your Pet

What to Do in an Emergency

Emergency Management Ontario (EMO) has outlined some basic procedures for various types of disasters/emergencies.

What to do during an earthquake depends largely on where you are during the quake.

If You Are Inside

EMO advises you to stay inside, away from windows. If possible move yourself under a heavy desk or table and hang on. If this isn’t possible, they advise you to flatten yourself against an interior wall and protect your head and neck.

If You Are Outside

The EMO suggests you are to move away from buildings or structures and into an open area. Stay away from power lines and downed electrical wires.

If You Are In A Car

Stop the car and stay in it. During an earthquake avoid bridges, overpasses, underpasses, buildings or anything that can fall onto your car.

When your power is out, you may be introducing potential hazards to your home. Please review the following tips and take extra precautions to ensure that everyone stays safe. If you have any questions, contact your Fire Department at 613-925-2206.

Candle Caution

Use flashlights whenever possible. If you must use candles, take extreme care.

Candles should be placed in secure candleholders, protected by a glass chimney.
Keep candles away from any combustible materials.
Place candles out of reach of children or pets.
Extinguish all candles when you leave the room or go to bed.
Avoid using candles in bedrooms and never leave candles unattended.

Matches and Lighters

Keep all matches and lighters out of sight and reach of children, preferably in a locked cabinet.

Shut your Stove Off

Ensure that all elements and ovens are OFF and that nothing has been left on top of the stove.

Electrical Generators

Portable generators should be carefully placed outside to ensure that fumes do not enter the home. Install a battery powered CO detector in your home.
Generators and hot exhaust gases should be kept away from combustibles.
Store fuel for the generator outside the home. Keep the fuel in an approved container a safe distance away from your home and generator.
Refuel the generator only after shutting it down and letting it cool. Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations regarding use.

Smoke Alarms

Smoke alarms electrically connected to your home’s AC power supply will not work when the power is out unless they have battery back-ups. Find out what type of alarms you have in your home and ensure you are protected by battery operated smoke alarms in the event of a power failure. Test all smoke alarms now. Plan Your Escape

Ensure everyone in the home knows what to do in the event of fire. Who is going to look after the children or older adults? Where do you want everyone to meet outside the home? Call the fire department from a neighbor’s home. Everyone should have at least one phone (not cordless) that works during a power failure.