Emergency Preparedness

Emergency preparedness is everyone's responsibility. Residents should know the potential risks and hazards, and plan ahead.

Follow these steps to protect your family and household.

Step 1: Know the risks

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

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.

Comfort stations

In the event of extreme cold or extreme heat, we remind community members to limit exposure to the elements. If needed, community members are welcome at Township facilities (community centres, libraries, and the municipal office) during operating hours. People who are experiencing homelessness or who are at risk of homelessness are encouraged to contact the County of Simcoe at 705-726-9300 for resources.