City of Hamilton Emergency Preparedness Guide

Disclaimer: The information contained in this publication
has been developed from many sources and intended to be a
guide only. The City of Hamilton is not responsible for any
errors or omissions.
Table of Contents
EMERGENCIES: ARE YOU READY? ...........................................3
KNOW THE RISKS ...................................................................4
MAKE A PLAN ........................................................................5
Household Plan ........................................................................ 5
Workplace Plan ........................................................................ 6
Children .................................................................................... 6
Plan for pets ............................................................................. 6
Safe Home Instructions ............................................................ 6
Copy and protect important documents ................................. 7
Take an inventory of household possessions .......................... 7
GET AN EMERGENCY KIT ........................................................8
Basic Kit .................................................................................... 9
Recommended additional items .............................................. 9
For Individuals with Disabilities/Special Needs ..................... 10
Emergency Vehicle Kit............................................................ 11
Pet Emergency Kit .................................................................. 12
DURING AN EMERGENCY ..................................................... 13
Do Call 9-1-1 when ................................................................. 13
Getting information during an emergency ............................ 13
What to do during an emergency .......................................... 14
Evacuation .............................................................................. 14
What to do during specific emergencies ............................... 15
Winter Storms .................................................................... 15
Lightning – follow the 30/30 rule ....................................... 15
Basement Flooding ............................................................ 16
Power Outages ................................................................... 17
Tornadoes .......................................................................... 18
Earthquakes ....................................................................... 19
Hazardous Spills ................................................................. 19
Shelter in Place................................................................... 20
On the road ........................................................................ 20
AFTER AN EMERGENCY ........................................................ 23
Upon re-entering your home: ................................................ 23
Re-entering your home after a flood: .................................... 23
Children & Emergencies ......................................................... 24
Coping With A Disaster .......................................................... 24
Insurance ................................................................................ 25
YOUR FAMILY EMERGENCY PLAN ......................................... 27
Note: Special accessibility accommodations and materials in alternate
formats can be arranged by contacting the City of Hamilton Emergency
Management Coordinators.
EMERGENCIES: ARE YOU READY?
Disasters and emergencies are unpredictable. They can strike anytime and
anywhere, sometimes with very little warning. Every year communities such
as ours experience events which pose a significant risk to the lives, health and
property of the people in them.
In an emergency, the City of Hamilton will be working to ensure the safety of
residents and to reduce the damage caused by the event. We will work closely
with utilities, businesses, provincial ministries and community partners to
mount a coordinated response to the emergency.
When an emergency occurs, emergency workers will focus their initial efforts
on helping people who need immediate assistance.
As a result, if your neighbourhood is not in immediate danger, it may take time
for workers to clear roads and restore utilities in your area. Therefore, it is
important to be prepared to cope without regular services and assistance for a
period of time. In an emergency you may need to take shelter in your home or
workplace. You could be without electricity, heat, or water for hours or a few
days. In some circumstances you might even need to leave your home and
evacuate to a safer area.
This guide is designed to help you build an emergency plan for you and your
family. Develop, discuss and practice your plan together.
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Emergencies: Are you Ready?
3
KNOW THE RISKS
Although the consequences of various disasters can be similar, knowing the
risks in your region can help you better prepare. In Hamilton, we face a number
of hazards, such as floods, tornadoes, and earthquakes. In addition to natural
disasters, there are other types of risks, such as power outages and industrial
or transportation accidents.
Top risks in Hamilton include:
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Hazardous Materials Incidents and Explosions
Energy Supply Emergencies
Epidemics/Pandemics
Terrorism
Flooding
Major Structure Fires
Tornadoes, Windstorms, and Microbursts
Transportation Accidents
Ice Storms
Earthquakes
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4
Know the Risks
MAKE A PLAN
Preparing for an emergency is important and something the whole family can
do. By taking a few simple steps, you can become better prepared to face a
range of emergencies and minimize the impact on yourself and your family.
Make sure everyone in your family knows what to do before, during and after
an emergency. Meet as a family to develop your plan. If you live alone, develop
a plan and talk with neighbours and friends about your plan.
Household Plan
Keep emergency numbers handy
Your family may not be together when an emergency occurs. Gather a list of
important contact numbers and have each family member carry these numbers
with them. At home keep a list of key telephone numbers and addresses near
the phone.
Choose an out of town contact
Select someone that lives out of town to be your family’s contact point during
an emergency. Plan to contact this person if you are separated from your
family during the emergency.
Home Escape Plan
Draw up a floor plan of your home that shows all possible exits from each
room. Plan a main exit route and an alternate exit route from each room.
If you live in an apartment, show everyone in your family where the emergency
exit is. Show them where the fire alarm is, and explain when and how to use it.
During a fire or other emergency, never use the elevators as they may not work
if the power goes out.
Practice emergency evacuation drills with all household members at least twice
per year.
Keep your home escape plan visible where babysitters or children can see it.
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Make a Plan
5
Workplace Plan
Learn about the emergency evacuation plans in place and what you will need
to do. You may want to have some basic supplies at work, such as water and
food that won’t spoil, in case you need to stay put for a while.
Check with your employer about workplace emergency plans, including fire
alarms, emergency exits, meeting points, and designated safety personnel or
floor wardens.
Children
Ask your children’s school or daycare about their emergency policies. Find out
how they will contact families during an emergency.
Find out what type of authorization the school or daycare requires to release
your children to a designated person if you can’t pick them up.
Make sure the school or daycare has updated contact information for parents,
caregivers and designated persons.
Plan for pets
In case of an evacuation, remember that pets may not be allowed in some
hotels. In case of an evacuation, prepare to take your pets with you to the
home of a relative or friend, or take steps to identify pet-friendly hotels or pet
boarding facilities in your area and further away from home.
Safe Home Instructions
Make sure you have a working carbon monoxide
detector, smoke alarm, fire extinguisher and well-stocked
first aid kit. If you live in an apartment, or if you are
staying in a hotel, know where the fire alarms and at least
two emergency exits are located. Make sure you have a
fire extinguisher on every level of your home, including
one in your kitchen. Everyone in your home should know
where to find the fire extinguishers.
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6
Make a Plan
All capable adults and older children should know how to use it. See
instructions regarding the lifetime of your fire extinguisher and check with the
fire department for more information.
Older children and adults should know how to turn off your home’s water,
electricity and gas. Make large, easy-to-see signs for water and gas shut-offs as
well as for the electrical panel.
Teach children how and when to dial 9-1-1 as well as how to call the designated
out-of-town contact.
Copy and protect important documents
Make copies of all important documents such as:
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birth and marriage certificates
health cards and prescriptions
driver’s licenses
vehicle registration
banking and investment
information
passports
wills
land deeds
Keep one set of copies in your emergency kit and another set in a safe place
away from home such as a safety deposit box or trusted family members or
friends. You may also want to include recent photographs of each family
member with your documents. Make backup copies of important electronic
files and scanned documents as well. Store them on a CD, DVD, or USB drive.
Take an inventory of household possessions
Compile an inventory of household possessions. For each item include a
description, serial numbers, approximate value and original purchase receipts if
possible. When your inventory is complete, it is a good idea to make sure you
have adequate insurance for your property and possessions. Check that you are
covered for the types of emergencies that may occur in your area.
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Make a Plan
7
GET AN EMERGENCY KIT
Prepare now. Don’t wait for an emergency to happen. Make your plan and
create your kit to prepare yourself and your loved ones. Remember to check
it regularly for expiration dates.
In an emergency you will need some basic supplies. You may need to get by
without power or tap water. Be prepared to be self-sufficient for at least 72
hours.
Although you may have some of the items already, such as a flashlight, battery
operated radio, food, water and blankets, the key is to make sure they are
organized and easy to find should you need to evacuate.
Keep your kit in a backpack or suitcase with wheels in an easy-to-reach,
accessible location such as a front hall closet. Ensure that everyone in the
household knows where the emergency kit is.
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8
Get an Emergency Kit
Basic Kit
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Water – at least two litres of water per person per day; include small
bottles that can be carried easily in case of an evacuation order.
Change your stored water supply every six months to ensure it stays
fresh.
Food that won’t spoil, such as
o Ready-to-eat canned meats, fruits and vegetables
o Canned/tetra packed juices, milk and soup
o Staples such as sugar, salt, pepper, spices
o High energy foods (peanut butter, jelly, crackers, granola bars,
trail mix)
o Foods for infants, elderly people or people on special diets
o Comfort/stress foods – cookies, hard candy, sweetened cereals,
instant coffee, tea bags, hot chocolate.
Manual can-opener
Crank or battery-powered flashlight (and extra batteries). Replace
batteries once a year.
Crank, battery-powered radio (and extra batteries) or weather radio
First aid kit
Extra keys for your car and house
Some cash in smaller bills, such as
$10 bills and change for
payphones
A copy of your emergency plan
and contact information
Keep photocopies of important family records and documents in a
waterproof, portable container
If applicable, other items such as prescription medication, infant
formula, equipment for people with disabilities, or food, water and
medication for your pets or service animal (personalize according to
your needs).
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Get an Emergency Kit
9
Recommended additional items
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Two additional litres of water per person per day for cooking and
cleaning
Candles and matches or lighter (place candles in deep, sturdy
containers and do not burn unattended)
Change of clothing and footwear for each household member
Sleeping bag or warm blanket for each household member
Toiletries such as toothpaste, toothbrushes & soap
Hand sanitizer
Utensils
Garbage bags
Toilet paper
Water purifying tablets
Basic tools (hammer, pliers, wrench, screwdrivers, work gloves, dust
mask, pocket knife)
A whistle (in case you need to attract attention)
Duct tape (to tape up windows, doors, air vents, etc.)
For Individuals with Disabilities/Special Needs
Considerations
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If you use a mobility device, include a
tire patch kit, can of seal-in-air
product, supply of inner tubes, pair of
heavy gloves and a spare deep-cycle
battery for motorized wheelchair or
scooter
If you have a visual impairment, include an extra cane, talking or Braille
clock and any reading devices/assistive technology to access information
If you have a hearing impairment include extra writing pads and pencils for
communication, pre-printed key phrases you would use during an
emergency, and extra batteries for assistive devices
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10
Get an Emergency Kit
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Assistive devices and any other contingency supplies unique to your special
needs
If you have a service animal ensure you create a pet emergency kit for
them
Create a Personal Support Network
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Ask people you trust if they are
willing to help you in case of an
emergency. Identify contacts for
important locations such as
home, work, or school
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Tell these people where your
emergency kit is stored. Give one
member a key to your home
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Work with your support network
to develop a plan that meets your needs
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Practice your emergency plan with your network. If applicable, show
them how your special needs equipment works
Additional information for Emergency Preparedness for People with
Disabilities/Special Needs is available at www.ontario.ca/emo .
Emergency Vehicle Kit
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Blanket
Radio (crank or battery-powered). Replace batteries once a year.
Small shovel, scraper and snowbrush
Warning light or road flares
Antifreeze, windshield washer fluid
Fire extinguisher
Road maps
Water
Whistle
Road maps
Candle in a deep can and matches
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Get an Emergency Kit
11
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Extra clothing and shoes
First aid kit with seatbelt cutter
Flashlight (crank or battery-powered). Replace batteries once a
year.
Food that won’t spoil (such as energy bars)
List of contact numbers
Fire extinguisher
Sand, salt or cat litter (nonclumping)
Tow rope and jumper
cables
Pet Emergency Kit
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Food and bowls
Can opener
Water
Blanket
Toys
Current photos
Medications and medical records
Leashes, harnesses or carriers
Litter pan, bags and scoop
Information on feeding schedules and behavioural problems
A list of potential boarding facilities and pet-friendly hotels
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12
Get an Emergency Kit
DURING AN EMERGENCY
Do Call 9-1-1 when:
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You require the immediate response of police, fire and/or an
ambulance
You have a life threatening situation
You need to report a fire or other dangerous situation
A crime is in progress
Getting information during an emergency
Through established partnerships with local media, the City will provide regular
bulletins and updates to the public on the status of the emergency, action the
City is taking in responding to the emergency, and any safety information or
directives to the public. The City will also post updates on its website at and
provide information through the City’s Customer Contact Center.
Radio:
Television:
Internet:
900 AM
CHCH News
www.hamilton.ca
820 AM
Cable 14
www.thespec.com
1150 AM
www.cbc.ca/hamilton
102.9 FM
Twitter:
City Customer Contact Center:
Y108 FM
@CityofHamilton
905-546-CITY (2489)
95.3 FM
94.7 FM
93.3 FM
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During an Emergency
13
What to do during an emergency
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Follow your emergency plan.
Get your emergency kit.
Make sure you are safe before assisting others.
Listen to the radio or television for information from authorities. Local
officials may advise you to stay where you are. Follow their
instructions.
Stay put until all is safe or until you are ordered to evacuate.
Evacuation
For your protection, it may become necessary to evacuate an area impacted by
an emergency.
If you are asked to evacuate, take your emergency kit, your wallet, personal
identification for each family member and copies of essential family documents
with you. Bring a cellular phone and spare battery or charger with you, if you
have one. Use travel routes specified by local authorities. Take pets with you.
Lock your home.
If you have time, call or e-mail your out-of-town contact. Tell them where you
are going and when you expect to arrive. Once you are safe, let them know.
Tell them if any family members have become separated. If possible, leave a
note telling others when you left and where you are.
Shut off water and electricity if officials tell you to do so. Leave natural gas
service on unless officials tell you to turn it off. If you turn off the gas, the gas
company has to reconnect it. In a major emergency, it could take weeks for a
professional to respond.
If you go to an evacuation centre, register your personal information at the
registration desk. Do not return home until authorities advise that it is safe to
do so. If you are going somewhere other than the reception centre, advise the
centre of your whereabouts.
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14
During an Emergency
What to do during specific emergencies
Winter Storms
When a winter storm watch is in effect, listen to the radio or television for
information or instructions.
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When a winter storm hits, stay indoors.
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If you must go outside, dress for the weather.
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If you must travel during a snowstorm, do so during the day and
let someone know your route and arrival time.
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Make sure you have your emergency car kit.
Lightning – follow the 30/30 rule
To estimate how far away the lightning is, count the seconds between the flash
of lightning and the thunderclap. If you count less than thirty seconds between
the flash and the bang, take shelter immediately and remain there for 30
minutes after the last rumble.
If you are outside:
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If caught in the open, do not lie flat but crouch in the leap frog
position and lower your head; you do not want to be the tallest
object in the area.
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During an Emergency
15
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Take shelter in a building or depressed area such as a dry ditch or
a culvert but never under a tree.
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Do not ride bicycles, motorcycles or golf carts, or use metal
shovels or golf clubs as they conduct electricity.
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If swimming or in a boat, get back to shore immediately.
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If you are in a car, stay there but pull away from trees which could
fall on you.
If you are inside:
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If indoors, stay there but away from windows, doors, fireplaces,
radiators, stoves, sinks, bathtubs, appliances, metal pipes,
telephones (you can use a cell phone) and other materials which
conduct electricity.
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Unplug radios, televisions and computers and use battery or crank
powered radio instead.
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Do not go out to rescue the laundry as the clothesline conducts
electricity.
Basement Flooding
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Move pets, as well as furniture, electrical appliances, equipment
and other belongings to higher levels.
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Make sure basement windows are closed. Remove or seal
hazardous products like weed killers or insecticides.
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Plug basement sewer drains and toilet connection.
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16
During an Emergency
Power Outages
Do not call 9-1-1. If a power outage leaves you without heat for some time,
prevent pipes from freezing and bursting by draining them and shutting off the
main water supply. Before you drain your pipes, you may first want to collect
water in clean containers for emergency drinking and cleaning purposes.
During a power failure:
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Remember that meat, dairy and frozen foods can be hazardous if
not stored properly.
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Use up perishables and foods from the refrigerator first, then use
foods from the freezer, then non-perishables.
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A full freezer keeps food frozen for about two days; covering with
blankets will provide extra insulation.
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The refrigerator will keep food cool for four to six hours,
depending on the kitchen temperature.
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For emergency cooking, use a barbeque, charcoal grill or camp
stove, outside only; heat food indoors using candle warmers,
chafing dishes and fondue pots.
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During an Emergency
17
Tornadoes
Hot, humid weather combined with a cold front could be a sign that a tornado
is brewing and may be accompanied by lightning, high winds and hail. Boiling
green-tinged clouds overhead are an indicator of possible tornado activity
nearby. A funnel cloud hanging from a dark cloud may be visible before the
tornado actually occurs.
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If you are at home, go to the basement or take shelter in a small
interior ground floor room such as a bathroom, closet or hallway
or protect yourself by taking shelter under a heavy table or desk.
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Stay away from windows and outside walls and doors.
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At the office or in an apartment building, take shelter in an inner
hallway or room, ideally in the basement or the ground floor.
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Do not use the elevator.
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Avoid buildings such as gymnasiums, churches and auditoriums
with free-span roofs.
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Do not get caught in a car or mobile home. If you are driving and
spot a tornado in the distance, take shelter elsewhere, such as a
building with a strong foundation. If no shelter is available, lie
down in a dry ditch, away from cars or mobile homes. Get as close
to the ground as possible, protect your head and watch out for
flying debris.
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18
During an Emergency
Earthquakes
Knowing what to do during an earthquake will help you remain calm and be
better prepared to protect yourself and help others.
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If you are indoors, stay there, take cover under a heavy table,
desk or any solid furniture and hold on. In a hallway, crouch
down against an inside wall.
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Avoid doorways. Doors may slam shut and cause injuries.
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Protect your head and face. Move away from windows, glass
partitions, mirrors, fireplaces, bookcases, all furniture and light
fixtures.
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If in a wheelchair, lock the wheels and protect the back of your
neck and head.
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Do not use elevators. If you are in an elevator during an
earthquake, hit the button for every floor and get out as soon as
you can.
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Take cover immediately wherever you are when an earthquake
starts and stay there until the shaking stops.
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Expect aftershocks – they may occur for some time after the initial
quake.
Hazardous Spills
Your response to an emergency involving a hazardous spill or fire resulting from
the spill should be the same as in all other emergencies but you may be
evacuated. Listen for instructions from local emergency response officials and
be prepared to “Shelter in Place”.
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During an Emergency
19
Shelter in Place
Local authorities will advise you to stay in your home until the emergency
passes when the air outside is not safe to breathe. They will ask you to shelterin-place.
When asked to shelter-in-place:
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Close all windows and doors.
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Place wet towels under doors to help prevent smoke or fumes
from entering.
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Turn off fans, heating and air conditioning systems.
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Close the fireplace damper and do not use clothes dryer.
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Locate your emergency kit.
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Move to an interior room above ground level.
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Tape around windows, air ducts, and vents.
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Listen to the radio for updates and do not go outside until
authorities say it is safe to do so.
On the road
In an emergency situation where you must pull off the road:
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Pull your vehicle completely off the road.
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Turn your emergency flashers on.
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Place a ‘Call Police’ sign in your window.
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Lock all doors and remain in the vehicle.
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Open a window 1 cm for ventilation.
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If someone other than a police officer approaches your vehicle,
DO NOT open the windows further or unlock the doors.
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20
During an Emergency
If you see a “CALL POLICE” highway help sign:
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Note the location of the vehicle. DO NOT stop.
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Use your cellular telephone to call 9-1-1.
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If you do not have a cellular phone, stop at the nearest gas station
or store to use a pay phone.
Always pull to the right for emergency vehicles when you hear the siren or see
their lights flashing!
If you are driving in emergency conditions:
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Keep the radio on to hear important information and have a
cellular phone with you.
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Follow the routes specified by officials.
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Don’t take short cuts; they could lead you to a blocked or
dangerous area.
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Watch for fallen power lines, debris, damaged bridges/roads and
dangling wires.
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If your car gets stuck, remain calm and stay in your car.
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Keep fresh air in your car by opening the window slightly on the
sheltered side, away from the wind.
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During an Emergency
21
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You can run the car engine about 10 minutes every half-hour if
the exhaust system is working well.
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Beware of exhaust fumes and check the exhaust pipe periodically
to make sure it is not blocked with snow (Remember, you cannot
smell potentially fatal carbon monoxide fumes.).
In a flooding emergency:
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If you must walk or drive in a flooded area, make sure you are on
firm ground.
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Travel very carefully, and only if absolutely necessary through
flooded areas.
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Roads may be washed away or covered with water.
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If you come across a barricade or a flooded road, take a different
route.
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If you are caught in fast rising waters and your car stalls, leave it
and save yourself and your passengers.
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22
During an Emergency
AFTER AN EMERGENCY
Do not re-enter your home unless authorities advise you it is safe to do so.
Leave your home if you suspect/smell a natural gas leak when you arrive. From
another location, call 9-1-1 and request the fire department which will notify
the gas company.
Upon re-entering your home
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Check for blown fuses and look for short-circuits in your home
wiring and equipment – if you suspect a problem, call your utility
company.
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Report any emergency situation to the police or fire department.
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Notify your insurance agent or broker if your property is
damaged.
Re-entering your home after a flood
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If children must be present during the clean-up operations,
supervise them closely.
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Before entering a flooded building, check for foundation damage
and make sure all porch roofs and overhangs are supported.
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If your basement is full of water, drain it in stages, about a third of
the volume of water per day (draining too quickly can cause
structural damage).
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Using a dry piece of wood, turn off the electricity at the main
breaker or fuse box.
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Wear rubber gloves/boots and protective eyewear when cleaning.
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After an Emergency
23
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Do not use wet appliances or motors unless a qualified electrician
has serviced them.
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Contact your local heating repair company to inspect your furnace
and chimney.
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Do not use your regular water supply or septic system until it has
been inspected and declared safe to use.
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Check to see that sewage lines are intact before flushing toilets.
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Report damaged water, sewage and gas lines to the proper
authorities.
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Dispose of all contaminated food.
Children & Emergencies
Children may experience fear and anxiety after an emergency. Parents can help
by:
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Encouraging children to express themselves through play or
drawing.
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Talking about what happened, and what’s being done.
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Comforting young children with physical care, holding and
hugging.
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Keeping the family together as much as possible.
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Giving children information they can understand.
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24
After an Emergency
Coping With A Disaster: What you and Your Family
Might Experience
During, or following a traumatic event, it is not unusual to have physical and
emotional reactions. To help you cope:
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Recognize that the way you react to the event is not unusual.
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Try not to make big life changes.
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Talk to family members and friends.
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Listen to one another and help each other with daily tasks.
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Try to achieve a balance between rest and activity.
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Seek counseling to help cope with the emotional trauma
associated with disasters.
Insurance
You should check your insurance
policy before an emergency to
determine if you have enough
coverage and exactly what types of
damage will be covered.
For insurance purposes make sure
you have an accurate description
of your home and an inventory of
your belongings. Take photographs, record serial numbers, and keep copies of
receipts to show the value of items. If an emergency damages your home or
possessions take immediate steps to protect your property from further
damage and contact your insurance company as soon as possible.
For free information on car and home insurance, call the Insurance Bureau of
Canada’s consumer information line at 1-800-387-2880 or visit their website at
www.ibc.ca.
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After an Emergency
25
YOUR FAMILY EMERGENCY PLAN
Family work numbers
1.
____________________________________________________
2.
____________________________________________________
Family cell phone/pager numbers
1.
____________________________________________________
2. ________________________________________________
Family out-of-area contact
Name: _________________________________________________
Address: ________________________________________________
Phone: Day _______________
Evening: ___________________
Cell ______________
Children’s School(s)/Day Care Provider
________________________________________________________
Designated persons to pick up children from daycare:
Designated person 1: ___________ Phone: ___________
Designated person 2: ___________ Phone: ___________
Family Physician name and number
________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________
Your Family Emergency Plan
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Our Insurance Company is: ______________________________
Policy #_________________
Agent: ______________________
Phone: __________________
Emergency Reunion Locations
1. Outside your home: _______________________________
2. Away from the neighbourhood in case you cannot return
home, meet at ___________________________________
Address: ________________________________
Telephone: ______________________________
Our emergency kit and pet kit are located:
________________________________________________________
Utilities
Shut off switches for heating & ventilating equipment and utilities are
marked with a ______________________ and are located:
Gas:
Switch location: _____________________________
Provider: ___________________________________
Electricity:
Switch Location: _____________________________
Provider: ___________________________________
Water:
Valve Location: _____________________________
Provider:___________________________________
Caution: if you turn off the gas, it should only be turned back on by a
professional from the gas company.
___________________________________________________
Your Family Emergency Plan
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