Emergencies can happen at any time, and planning ahead can help make sure you're prepared. Here's how you stay safe during emergencies caused by some of the potential hazards in Halton. Before a winter storm or cold warning, keep an eye on the weather and check if your emergency kit has everything you need if you lose access to power or running water.
You should also keep a kit in your car to assist you during an emergency on the road. If you need to go outside, cover exposed skin in multiple layers of warm clothing and let someone know where you're going. If you have pets or livestock, make sure they're safe and warm, and check in on family, friends and neighbours who may be at risk.
If you notice a dark funnel cloud nearby, go to the basement or take shelter in a small room away from windows. Avoid elevators and large open rooms, cars or mobile homes. If you're outdoors, lay as low as you can in a dry ditch and protect your head from debris. If your home floods during heavy rain, make sure the windows are closed and move your belongings to higher levels.
Flood water in and around your home can be dangerous. Keep children and pets away. If your basement is affected by flooding, call 3-1-1 to report the damage to Halton Region and call your insurance company as soon as possible. If you hear thunder, lightning may strike nearby. Take shelter in a nearby building, car or low area and stay away from metal objects that may conduct electricity.
If you're in a pool or on the water, return to dry land. And if you're indoors, keep away from windows and any electronics that are plugged in. If your power goes out, keep refrigerators and freezers closed to help your food stay cold and fresh. If you need to cook, go outside and use a barbecue, charcoal grill or camp stove.
In the winter or during severe weather, you can heat food indoors using a candle warmer or chafing dish. During a heat warning, drink plenty of cool liquids, especially water, and avoid strenuous outdoor activities. Seek shade and spend time in air-conditioned places such as shopping malls and community centres. Visit friends and neighbours who may be at risk and never leave people or pets unattended in a car.
Stay informed and stay safe. You can keep up to date about nearby hazards and emergencies by monitoring local media, listening for alerts to your smartphone or landline phone, and checking police, fire and government websites and Twitter feeds. Always follow instructions from first responders, and know the regional evacuation centre nearest to you in case you're told to leave your home.
If you live in a high-rise building, you can also stay informed by reading its fire safety plan. And if you have a disability, make sure you're on the list of residents that may need extra help in an emergency. We all have a role to play, so plan ahead and be prepared. For more information, plans, checklists, and resources, visit halton.ca.
