Did you know that 25% of businesses close after experiencing a disaster? This year, resolve to keep your people safe and business running by getting prepared.
Natural disasters may be beyond our control, but there are ways to reduce the risk and the impact of whatever emergency we might face – whether natural or human-induced.
Emergency Preparedness Week (May 7-13, 2017) encourages Canadians to be prepared to cope on their own for at least the first 72 hours of an emergency while rescue workers help those in urgent need. This special week is a national effort of provincial and territorial emergency management organizations, and Public Safety Canada.
At Black Gold Emergency Planners, we can help prepare your business with your specialized needs. But it’s also important for each of us to prepare individually—and as families. Experience has shown that individual preparedness goes a long way to help people cope better—both during and after a major disaster.
Read on for tips on how you can improve you and your family’s resiliency in face of emergencies.*
1. Know the risks
Although the consequences of disasters can be similar, knowing the risks specific to your community and region can help you better prepare.
2. Make a plan
It will help you and your family know what to do in case of disaster.
3. Get an emergency kit
During an emergency, we will all need some basic supplies. We may need to get by without power or tap water. Be prepared to be self-sufficient for at least 72 hours in an emergency.
Visit www.GetPrepared.ca for more resources to help you and your family prepare for all types of emergencies.
1. A family emergency plan should NOT include which of the following?
A Information about your children’s school(s)
B The name and phone number of an out-of-town contact person
C A list of important phone numbers, including those of doctors and emergency services
D Arrangements for each person in the family to be at a specific land line telephone at a specific time
E A meeting spot outside your home and one outside your neighbourhood in case you need to leave the area
The answer is D. The arrangements for each family member to be at a specific land line telephone at a specific time may not be possible or useful under many conditions, as people may have to relocate or evacuate entirely during a disaster. Families should create an emergency plan and carry important information with them so they know how to get in touch and get back together during an emergency. Finally, both telephone land lines and cellular phones may be overloaded or out of service during or after an emergency, so knowing in advance where to meet is important.
2. How many litres of water per day per person should you have in your basic emergency kit?
A 1 litre per day per person
B 3 litres per day per person
C 2 litres per day per person
D 4 litres per day per person
The answer is C. At least two litres of water are recommended per person per day. (Include small bottles that can be carried easily in case of an evacuation order.)
3. Which tool allows you to learn about historical information on disasters which have directly affected Canadians, at home and abroad, over the past century?
A Weatheradio
B Canadian Disaster Database
C Natural Hazards and Emergency Response
D Disaster Management Canada
The answer is B. The Canadian Disaster Database contains references to all types of Canadian disasters, including those triggered by natural hazards, technological hazards or conflict (not including war). The database describes where and when a disaster occurred, who was affected, and provides a rough estimate of the direct costs.
5. Which of the following items should NOT be included in a basic emergency supply kit?
A Water (two litres of water per person per day)
B Food
C Manual can opener
D Cash
E Comfortable shoes
The answer is E. While sturdy protective shoes are important during and after a disaster, they are not necessary for survival. You can learn more about the basics of survival by visiting GetPrepared.ca.
Water can be purified with soap.
False – Boil water for 10 minutes or disinfect water by adding unscented bleach. Add 3-4 drops of bleach per litre of water with an eyedropper (do not reuse eyedropper for any other purpose). Mix well and let stand for 30 minutes. The water should smell faintly of chlorine. If it does not, repeat the steps and leave for another 30 minutes.
You can walk through moving flood waters as long as the water level is no higher than your waist.
False – One of the worst floods in Canada’s history occurred in July 1996 in the Saguenay River Valley, in Quebec. Ten people died and 15,825 others were evacuated when flood waters swept through thousands of homes, businesses, roads and bridges. The flood was caused by 36 straight hours of heavy rainfall, for a total accumulation of 290 mm (approximately to the knees). Estimated damages: $1.5 billion.
Tape prevents window glass from shattering during a hurricane.
False – Storm shutters can be put into windows and exposed panes. This is the simplest and most economical way to protect your house.
Roughly 5,000 earthquakes are recorded in Canada every year.
True – Although the most powerful earthquakes occur near the Pacific Rim, there are a number of Canadian cities that are vulnerable to earthquakes, particularly Vancouver, Montreal, Ottawa, Victoria and Quebec City. Most of the injuries resulting from an earthquake are caused by falling objects. Use screw eyes and iron wire to hang frames and mirrors on walls.
Tornadoes occur only in the spring.
False – Tornadoes occur most often in the spring and during the summer, but they may form any time of the year.
Destructive hail storms occur most often in late spring and in the summer.
True – In June, most hail storms occur in southern Canada and the north central United States. Violent storms may deposit enough hail to completely cover the ground, damage crops or block storm sewers. Up to 2% of the value of crops is destroyed by hail every year.
At Black Gold Emergency Planners we are also well equipped to help with all of your business continuity planning, employee training, mapping and rapid mass notification services to help your team manage emergencies quickly and more effectively.
Contact us to learn more.
*Content from Government of Canada, Get Prepared
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