Emergency Preparedness

Emergency Preparedness Week takes place May 2-8 and is a federal-provincial-territorial initiative to promote emergency preparedness across Canada. This year, the theme is "Emergency Preparedness: Be Ready for Anything." Springwater Fire & Emergency Services would like all residents to ask themselves this very important question: 'Are you ready?'

Emergencies can happen at any time. Make sure you are prepared for unexpected emergencies by knowing the risks, making a plan and building a kit. 

During an emergency, residents are reminded to tune in to local news channels. Be sure to have a portable, battery-operated or crank radio in your survival kit in case of power outages. Additionally, residents are encouraged to sign up for Alert Ready. Alert Ready is Canada’s emergency alerting system. Alert Ready delivers critical and potentially life-saving alerts to Canadians through television, radio and LTE-connected and compatible wireless devices to help ensure Ontarians have the critical information they need in emergencies to take the necessary precautions to protect themselves and their families.

Step 1: Know the risks

Risks and hazards can be natural, human-made or technological. Know the potential risks in your area:

• Extreme heat
• Tornadoes and high winds
• Winter storms and power outages
• Flooding
• Earthquakes

Step 2: Make a plan

Creating an emergency plan for your family will help you prepare for what to do, how to find each other, and how to communicate with each other in an emergency. Include in your plan:

• Information related to the special needs you or your family may have (people with disabilities, seniors, young children or pets)
• Meeting place where your family will reunite after a disaster
• All exit routes from your home and neighbourhood
• Out-of-province friend or relative that your family can call if separated during a disaster

Practice your plan with all household members.

Step 3: Get a kit

Your emergency kit should have items for your family to remain safe and taken care of for least three days. Pack the contents of your kit in something you can carry with ease and store it somewhere dry and easy to access. Include in your kit:

• Two litres of water per person per day
• Non-perishable food and manual can opener
• Wind-up or battery powered flashlight and radio
• First aid kit
• Cash and extra keys
• Important family documents such as identification, insurance and bank records
• A copy of your emergency plan

Also consider including things related to your household's unique needs, such as prescription medication, medical equipment, pet food and infant formula.