May 3 to 9 is Emergency Preparedness Week across Canada and the Perth District Health Unit is reminding residents that it is important to be ready.
“Emergency preparedness is everyone’s responsibility” says Dale Lyttle, Senior Public Health Inspector. “Perth County residents need to be prepared to cope on their own for at least the first 72 hours of an emergency.” Here are three simple steps to help you better prepare:
Make a plan:
In an emergency, your family may not be together, or you may be asked to evacuate your home. Think about what you would do in different situations and prepare a plan with every member of your family. Don’t forget to practice and discuss the plan so everyone is aware of what to do. Include your family pets in the plan.
Build a Kit:
Your emergency survival kit should have everything you and your family would need to be safe in an emergency, such as: a three-day supply of water, food that won’t spoil (i.e. canned or dried food), a can opener, a flashlight, batteries, battery-powered or wind-up radio, first aid kit, pocket knife, prescription medications, an extra set of keys, and money.
Be informed:
Sign up for Ontario’s emergency alerts, and learn more about the specific hazards you face in your own community and prepare for them. During an emergency, listen to the local news channels or monitor the Health Unit website at www.pdhu.on.ca or Twitter feed @pdhealthunit if possible.
Lyttle reminds residents: “During an emergency, it’s important to reach out to neighbours, family members and friends who may be vulnerable or unable to support themselves during an emergency.”
For More Information
- Call Health Line at 519-271-7600 ext 267 or toll-free at 1-877-271-7348 ext 267
- Visit www.pdhu.on.ca
- Follow us on Twitter and Facebook @pdhealthunit
- Emergency Management Ontario: www.emergencymanagementontario.ca