Having a plan in place to deal with emergencies will help provide piece of mind for you and your family. Your plan will provide you with direction on what to do when an emergency strikes. Some things you will need to consider in developing your plan include risks in your region and special health and/or mobility needs.

Your Plan Should Include:

• The location of your fire extinguisher, water valve, electrical box, gas valve and floor drain.
• The location of your household emergency kit and evacuation go kit.
• Emergency and family contacts.
• A place to meet or instructions on how to contact one another should your family not be together when the emergency strikes.
• A designated person to pick up your children should you be unavailable.

Your Plan Should Also Address What To Do in the Event that You Have to Evacuate:

• If instructed to do so, know how to turn off your gas and water and ensure that your home is securely locked.

• Identify safe exits from your home and neighbourhood.

• Plan for alternate travel routes in the event of flooding or blocked roads.

• Identify a place for the family to stay, such as an evacuation centre or a friend’s or family’s home.

• In the event that you must evacuate be sure to register at the designated evacuation centre to maintain contact with local family or loved ones.

• If planning to stay at an evacuation centre be sure to indentify an alternate place for your pet to stay. Many evacuation centres don’t accommodate pets.

• Have contact numbers for your out-of-town relatives to let them know your whereabouts.

Keep a copy of your plan in your emergency kits, in your car and/or at work. TIP: Cordless phones and VoIP phones will not work during a power outage and you may not be able to rely on cellular phone service. It is a good idea to keep a traditional corded telephone in the house or with your household emergency kit. In planning ahead it is also important to make sure you have adequate insurance for your property. For more information on property insurance visit the Insurance Bureau of Canada. It is also a good idea to keep an inventory of your personal belongings. Visit Knowyourstuff for tips on creating and updating your home inventory.