Emergency Preparedness At Home

This week is Emergency Preparedness Week and Ontario’s theme is “Prepared Together”. Being prepared isn’t just about having the right supplies. It’s about working together – individuals, organizations, and governments – so we can all respond and recover better.

Emergency Preparedness at Home

By taking a few simple steps, you can become better prepared to face a range of emergencies – anytime, anywhere. It is important to:

  • Plan Ahead – In an emergency, it’s important to know where to meet and who to contact. Sit down with your family and close neighbours to make an emergency plan. When planning, think about what each person is responsible for and any medical needs. This includes the needs of children and pets.
  • Pack Smart – Prepare an emergency kit with items you may need. Many of these items may already be in your home. Your emergency kit should reflect the essentials that matter most to your household. This can include:
    • Documents (passports, birth certificates, marriage certificates, pet records, social insurance numbers, financial information)
    • Emergency contact numbers (family, friends, family doctor, insurance providers, utility companies)
    • Medical items (glasses, medications, glucose monitors, walkers)
    • You can also add useful items like a flashlight, power bank, first-aid kit or battery operated radio. Keep these items together in a bag or backpack in one place, so you can find them quickly.
  • Stay Connected – Strong community ties help us prepare for emergencies. When neighbours know and trust each other, it’s easier to share information, offer help, and make sure no one is left behind. People can check in and support those who may need extra help. These connections make our community stronger and help recover faster. Stay involved with our community by:
    • Getting to know your neighbours
    • Checking in on those who may need extra help
    • Sharing helpful resources and information with others
    • Volunteering with local organizations
    • Joining community events

Visit the main lobby booth for Emergency Management Ontario and the Canadian Red Cross this Thursday or attend the personal preparedness presentation on Friday afternoon for a chance to win one of two $20 giftcards!

Know the risks – Learn about risks specific to our community and our region by using some of the following resources:

If you have questions, please reach out to Mēsha Richard, Lead, Emergency Preparedness (ext. 6552 or mesha.richard@tbh.net).

Click here for the schedule of Emergency Preparedness events happening this week at our Hospital.