Emergency Preparedness
[ACCORDION_ITEM] [ACCORDION_TITLE]Make A Plan[/ACCORDION_TITLE] [ACCORDION_CONTENT]
- Take time to consider what you will do if you or a family/household member becomes sick and needs care.
- If you are responsible for dependents, including young children or elderly relatives, consider putting in place alternative care plans should you become ill.
- If you have pets and do not have private property (e.g. live in an apartment or condo), consider making alternative arrangements for care.
- Talk to your employer about working from home if you are needed to care for a family member at home.
- Discuss your plans with your family, friends and/or neighbours, and set up a system to check in on each other by phone, email or text during times of need.
[/ACCORDION_CONTENT] [/ACCORDION_ITEM][ACCORDION_ITEM] [ACCORDION_TITLE]Supplies to Have[/ACCORDION_TITLE] [ACCORDION_CONTENT]
- Food and household items (e.g. pet food, diapers, etc.)
- Medical prescriptions
- Medical grade masks
- Thermometer
- Over the counter medication to reduce fever (e.g. acetaminophen)
- Cleaning supplies: disposable paper towels and tissues, waste container with extra plastic liners/bags, running water and hand soap, alcohol-based hand sanitizer (minimum 60% alcohol), regular dish soap and laundry soap, and hard-surface disinfectant, such as disinfectant products with a DIN or diluted bleach (mix 1 part bleach to 50 parts water (e.g. 5 mL (1 tsp) bleach to 250 mL (1 cup) water) for general environmental cleaning and 1 part bleach to 9 parts water (e.g. 30 mL (2 tablespoons) bleach to 250 mL (1 cup) water) for environmental cleaning when there is an individual diagnosed with COVID-19).
[/ACCORDION_CONTENT] [/ACCORDION_ITEM][ACCORDION_ITEM] [ACCORDION_TITLE]If you need something from the store while you are self-isolating, you can:[/ACCORDION_TITLE] [ACCORDION_CONTENT]
- Use food delivery services or online shopping.
- Arrange to have groceries and supplies dropped off at your door by a friend or family member who is not self-isolating.
- Call 211 or visit 211north.ca if you need help with arranging food delivery.
[/ACCORDION_CONTENT] [/ACCORDION_ITEM]
Are you prepared?
In the event of an emergency, it may take up to 72 hours for emergency workers to reach you. By doing a few simple things, you can help take care of yourself and your family during that time until help arrives.
Emergency preparedness is an important part of public health. The role of the Thunder Bay District Health Unit is to:
- Raise awareness about the importance of emergency preparedness
- Provide information on how to be prepared
- Provide resources to other trusted sources about emergency preparedness
Emergency Preparedness and You
The District of Thunder Bay is at risk of a number of disasters that could lead to a community-wide or region-wide emergency. These include:
- Flooding
- Blizzards or long periods of snow
- Extreme cold
- Forest fires
- Extended power outages due to weather or other factors
- Epidemics
- Industrial or transportation accidents involving hazardous materials
It only takes about 20 minutes for you and your family to make a plan. This plan can include what emergency supplies to have at your house (food, water, medical), where to meet if separated, and what to do if some or all of you are not at home when an emergency occurs.
Learn how to create your own emergency plan. Get Prepared! (Government of Canada)
Phone Service and Communications During a Power Outage
Cordless phones will not work during a power outage (unless you have a backup generator) and even cell phone service may be affected. Corded landlines are the most reliable form of communication during a power outage.
The other method of getting information during a power outage is radio. Have a battery-operated or crank radio on hand in case of emergencies. (Keep batteries close by or even taped to the radio, but do not keep batteries in the radio unless you use it regularly as the batteries could corrode over time and damage the unit.)