Justice and Public Safety
April 14, 2015

Public Advisory: Spring Emergency Preparedness Information

Residents throughout Newfoundland and Labrador should be prepared for potential emergencies associated with spring runoff as temperatures gradually increase, and snow and ice continue to melt. Emergencies, such as flooding, can occur at any time. In an emergency, response agencies focus their efforts first where the need is greatest. That is why individual emergency preparedness is so important. It only takes three simple steps to become better prepared to face an emergency.

Know the Risks
By learning about the different types of emergencies that can occur in your community, you can better prepare for them. Find out what to do to protect you and your family if faced with any of these situations. These may include:

  • Floods
  • Severe weather
  • Wildland or forest fires

Make a Plan
In an emergency, your family may not be together, or you may be asked to evacuate your home quickly and without much notice. Thinking about what you would do in different situations and preparing a plan with every member of your family in mind is the first step to being prepared. Your plan should include the following components at a minimum:

  • Develop a family communications plan (i.e. determine how you will reach one another, such as via cell phone or text message)
  • Develop an evacuation plan (i.e. note a meeting place you will go to in the event you are not together when an emergency occurs)
  • Note emergency numbers (i.e. 911, police, fire department, family doctor, insurance contact)
  • Assemble important documents (i.e. birth and marriage certificates, insurance policies)
  • Plan for special needs (i.e. prepare extra medications, have copies of prescriptions, information for key health-care contacts)

When your plan is ready, discuss it with family and friends so they know what you would do in an emergency. Keep your plan in an easy to reach location. A good place is with your emergency kit. Make sure everyone in your family knows where to find it. Once a year, review your plan with the entire family. Update it to reflect any changes you want to make. At the same time, refresh your emergency kit with new food, water and other supplies.

Assemble or Purchase an Emergency Kit
Your emergency kit should have everything you and your family would need to be safe and take care of yourselves for at least three days (72 hours) immediately following an emergency.

Include essential items, such as:

  • Food (non-perishable and easy-to-prepare items, enough for three days) and a manual can opener
  • Bottled water (Four litres per person for each day)
  • Flashlight
  • Extra batteries
  • First-aid kit
  • Candles and matches/lighter
  • Extra car keys and cash

Consider specialized items, such as:

  • Items for babies and small children - diapers, formula, bottles, baby food, comfort items
  • Prescription medication
  • Medical supplies and equipment
  • Pet food and supplies
  • Any other items specific to your family’s needs

Be sure to pack the contents of your emergency kit in an easy-to-carry bag(s) or a case on wheels. Store your kit in a place that is easy to reach, and ensure that everyone in your family knows where it is.

In addition to the emergency preparedness advice outlined above, residents and communities throughout Newfoundland and Labrador should follow these suggested actions to prevent flooding:

  • Clear culverts, drains and catch basins, where present, to help water drain as snow and ice melt.
  • Shovel or remove snow from around your home and move it to a position where water will drain away from the foundation.
  • Clear channels in the ice/snow in your garden or around the community to allow water to drain away more effectively.
  • Check to make sure your sump pump is working. If you don’t have a sump pump consider installing one. Contact a plumber for assistance, if required.
  • Check your basement regularly for signs of water and consider installing a water-sensing alarm if your home or business is prone to flooding.
  • Ensure you have the appropriate insurance coverage in place to address the financial impact of flooding, where possible.

For more tips and ideas to help with emergency preparedness, or for a copy of the Family Emergency Preparedness Guide published by Public Safety Canada, visit www.getprepared.gc.ca.

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Media contact:

Bradley Power
Public Relations Specialist
Fire and Emergency Services-Newfoundland and Labrador
709-729-0857, 690-1810
bradleypower@gov.nl.ca

2015 04 14                                                                       11:40 a.m.