Emergency Preparation
Emergency Preparedness Week will take place from May 5 to 11. And this year's exercise will be on May 7, 8 and 9, and focus on being prepared for an extreme heatwave. Materials from the provincial government will be published in due course and will then be uploaded here for your reading.
It is of extreme importance to be prepared for all emergencies, at least to some degree. And this is the government's effort to prepare residents of Gordon/Barrie Island for this eventuality. By taking simple, easy steps one can survive a heatwave relatively painlessly in contrast to not being prepared.
Be Prepared
Emergency Response Plan
All municipal governments in Ontario are legally required to have an up-to-date Emergency Response Plan. This plan outlines steps and procedures and emergency protocols in the event of a crisis. Find out what the protocols are by dropping by and requesting to read the Gordon/Barrie Island Emergency Response Plan at the Municipal Office on Noble Sideroad.
Personal Emergency Kit
Please take the time to put together an emergency kit for yourself and your loved ones just in case there is an emergency. This kit can include the basics that might make a big difference if things turn sour. Best to be prepared.
Take Action to Prepare
Measures such as stocking up on fuel and canned goods can make a difference during these dangerous and unpredictable times. If you have a dug well, buy a hand pump. Little things can make a big difference. Be wise. Think of what you might need to endure another lockdown.
Winter is Here
Extreme cold can bring extreme weather events such as ice storms and power outages. Please be aware of the things you can do to protect yourself from being caught out. Please click the link below to read the suggestions from the provincial government during the winter season.
There are several links that can help anyone prepare themselves for a wide array of possible emergencies. The government has put together several pages that will be helpful for anyone trying to prepare from emergencies ranging from wildland fires to flooding to extreme weather events. Here are some links to check out:
- Get Prepared: Home
- Be prepared for an emergency | ontario.ca
- Public Safety Canada - Home
- Ontario - Canadian Red Cross
Within these pages of these links lies a treasure of information relating to emergency preparedness for all. We encourage you to peruse these links and bookmark and cut-and-paste info that you want to reference. It pays to be prepared because there will be another emergency coming.
More from the government
The provincial government website has quite a bit of pertinent information available for those wanting to know what they can do to protect themselves from an emergency situation. This page has a comprehensive overview that could be helpful to our Gordon/Barrie Island residents: Be prepared for an emergency | ontario.ca
For tips on winter preparation and mitigation, this link will take you to a page specifically aimed at those who want to protect themselves against extreme weather events during the cold season: Winter storms | ontario.ca
To read the provincial government's emergency response plan, click here: Provincial Emergency Response Plan | Ontario.ca
More websites to visit for more information related to emergencies, well-being and local health services:
For those in need of information on a wide range of things, please call 211. You can speak to a human being who is always ready to pick up the telephone 24 hours a day, seven days a week, all year long. Whether during an emergency or just wondering where to go when looking for resources in Ontario, this is the telephone number to call. Or visit the website at: www.211ontario.ca Or you can download and read the pdf below to learn all about 211. There is also a live chat service on the website.
Dial 2-1-1
Toll-Free: 1-877-330-3213
TTY: 855-405-7446
Our helpline is answered by real people 24/7. Service is available in 150+ languages.
With cold weather being a fact of life for northerners, Public Health Sudbury & Districts would like to remind everyone to take appropriate precautions against the cold. Injuries related to the cold can happen at a wide range of temperatures but occur more quickly when it’s colder. Frostbite and hypothermia are the most common and preventable injuries.
Suffering frostbite means the skin has actually frozen. In addition to feeling cold, the skin can feel numb and appear white. In more severe cases the area becomes hard, waxy, and can turn white or dark. Body extremities are often the first to be frozen/frostbitten. Additionally, there is a condition called frostnip where a person’s skin may appear shiny and rosy. This is a sign that frostbite may occur shortly. If you see these signs, move to a warmer environment, or protect the skin with layers of clothing.
Hypothermia is a life-threatening condition. It occurs when the body is exposed to the cold for a long time and loses more heat than it can generate. The individual could be shivering, drowsy, confused, and have problems speaking, loss of coordination, and pale and bluish lips. People showing signs and symptoms of hypothermia will begin shivering, but this sign can decrease and disappear in later stages.
To prevent cold-related injuries:
· Check the weather forecast and plan accordingly.
· Limit the amount of time you spend in the cold.
· Dress in layers, with wind-resistant outer layer. Wear a hat and mittens or insulated gloves. Keep your face warm by wearing a scarf, neck tube, or face mask.
· Wear warm, waterproof footwear.
· Seek shelter from the wind.
· Stay active. Walking or running will help warm you by generating body heat but try to avoid sweating.
· Stay dry. Remove wet clothing if possible and remove or ventilate outer layers of clothing if you are sweating.
· Speak to your doctor or pharmacist as certain medications can make you more susceptible to the cold.
On very cold days, check on your neighbours who may be vulnerable to cold due to old age, living conditions, health conditions, reduced mobility or isolation.
For more information on preventing cold weather injuries, please visit www.phsd.ca or call 705-522-9200 ext. 464, or toll-free: 1-866-522-9200.
Be Prepared for the Next Emergency
