Emergency Preparedness Week 2024

During an emergency, everyone has a role to play. Emergency Preparedness Week, which takes place from May 5 to 11, 2024, is the perfect opportunity to review the important things you need to know in the event of an emergency. Have the right tools on hand to be ready for any eventuality.

Family emergency plan

Emergencies are unpredictable and can arise when the family is dispersed. That's why it's essential to be well organized. Since help may be delayed, you are primarily responsible for your own safety. The best way to be prepared is to make a family emergency plan.

Download your emergency plan here: https://www.getprepared.gc.ca/cnt/plns/mk-pln-en.aspx

 

List of persons requiring special attention during an emergency

People living with some form of disability (physical, visual, hearing or other) or requiring special needs in emergency situations (fire, evacuation, etc.) are strongly encouraged to register on the list. This enables the fire department and public safety staff to plan and adapt their interventions.

72 hour emergency kit

In an emergency situation, you will need some essential items. You may have to get through the situation without running water or electricity. Be prepared to be self-sufficient for 72 hours. It is important to organize these items, so they are easy to find. Print out your emergency kit checklist now.

You can also purchase an emergency kit from a local retailer.

Preparing for a car emergency

Be sure to leave a first-aid kit in your car, as it could save your life in the event of a breakdown or accident.

If an emergency situation requires you to remain in your vehicle:

• Report your situation by calling 911.
• Remain calm and stay in your car.
• Turn on your hazard lights.
• Conserve your car's battery by alternating the use of lights, heating and radio.
• If it's dark, turn on your car's interior light so that you are visible to rescuers.
• Keep moving to activate your circulation and avoid falling asleep.
• Watch out for symptoms of hypothermia.

 

Outdoor fires

Following the numerous forest fires that raged last year, it is vital to review the information and advice that can reduce the risk of a fire destroying your property, or of a fire on your property spreading to neighboring homes or even the forest.

Here's some advice from SOPFEU (Société de protection des forêts contre le feu):

• For outdoor fireplaces, choose one with a spark arrestor.
• Clean up leaves, branches, softwood needles and other flammable materials accumulated in gutters and on the roof of your home.
• Dispose of cigarette butts, matches and other smoking materials responsibly. Never use flower pots as ashtrays!
• Electronic cigarettes should be stored in their protective case, to avoid friction that could create sparks.
• Improper storage of hot ashes can cause a fire.

SOPFEU regularly issues status reports on fire danger, the presence of fires in the forest and the resources it deploys. Restrictions in force include no access to the forest, no fires and no traffic. Follow the current restrictions by clicking here.

Using technology during a disaster

We increasingly rely on technology to keep in touch with family, friends and colleagues.

These tools can become essential, helping you and your family to communicate with each other and stay on top of the situation. Here are some tips on using technology in an emergency:

• Whenever possible, use non-voice channels such as text messages, e-mail or social media. These use less bandwidth than voice communications and can work even when telephone service is down.
• If you must use a phone, keep it short and only pass on important information to emergency personnel or your family. That way, your cell phone battery will last longer.
• Can't make a call? Wait 10 seconds before dialing again, to help reduce network congestion.
• If you have a smartphone, save the safe meeting places you have agreed on the mapping application.
• Conserve your smartphone's battery longer by reducing screen brightness, putting your phone in “flight” mode and closing applications you are not using.

 

Emergency generator

In the event of a prolonged power failure, the use of a standby generator is extremely practical. However, it must be used safely and in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions, otherwise it could become dangerous. To ensure safe use of your generator, consult the advice issued by the Government of Canada at the following link https://www.getprepared.gc.ca/cnt/hzd/pwrtgs-drng-en.aspx

You can never be too prepared, so get informed!

What to do before, during and after an emergency or a disaster

Sources :
Government of Quebec
Government of Canada
SOPFEU