Emergency Preparedness
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.)