What is an emergency?
Why do I need an emergency preparedness kit?
How do I turn off my utilities in an emergency?
What is the history of disasters in Canada?
What is the difference between the terms used in weather bulletins?
What legislation governs emergency preparedness?
Scroll down for answers.
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Q. What is an emergency?
A. According to the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act of 2006 an emergency is defined as:
"A situation or impending situation that constitutes a danger of major proportions that could result in serious harm to persons or substantial damage to property and that is caused by forces of nature, a disease or other health risk, an accident or an act whether intentional or otherwise."
There are three main categories of emergencies.
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1. Natural |
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| 2. Human caused | |
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3. Technological |
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Q. Why do I need an emergency preparedness kit?
A. Individuals are responsible for their own safety and the safety of their families. You should be prepared to be self-sufficient for a minimum of 72 hours. Supplies may not be available to purchase in an emergency situation, so it is important to have provisions on hand. Prepare an emergency kit and store it safely in your home. These supplies should be checked at least once each year. Even better, make it a habit to check your kit in the spring and the fall when you replace batteries in smoke detectors. It is a good idea to replace the water, food, and batteries, and any other time-limited items in your kit at this time.
Q. How do I turn off my utilities in an emergency?
A. Turn off your utilities if you are directed to do so by the authorities. Each capable family member should familiarize themselves with the incoming utilities and electrical panels in your home. Click here to access information from the Canadian Red Cross about turning off utilities. If you have any specific questions about your services contact your local hydro, water, or natural gas supplier.
Q. What is the history of disasters in Canada?
A. Public Safety Canada has developed an on-line, searchable database of disasters that have occurred in Canada between 1900 and 2005. Notable international disasters can also be included in the search. Click here to access the Canadian Disaster Database.
Q. What is the difference between the terms used in weather bulletins?
A. There are three types of weather alerts.
- Weather Statements are issued for weather events that are unusual, cause general inconvenience or public concern, and cannot be adequately described in a weather forecast.
- Weather Watches are issued when conditions exist that are favourable for a possible summer or winter storm. The storm could affect safety, or at the very least cause an inconvenience. In the summer a watch is issued up to 6 hours before a storm. In the winter, a watch can be issued up to 12-24 hours in advance. A weather watch is sometimes upgraded to a weather warning.
- Weather Warnings are issued when severe weather is occurring or will occur within 6 to 24 hours. For example, a severe summer storm warning for a thunderstorm could be issued less than 1 hour in advance. Updates are issued as needed. When a warning is issued, you should prepare to use your emergency plan.
Q. Is there legislation to govern emergency preparedness?
A. In Ontario, the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act (EMCPA), enacted June 2006, exists to guide the development of Emergency Management Programs by municipalities.
Click here to view the EMCPA.
