Emergency Preparedness Guide

If you would like to receive a copy of the Emergency Preparedness Guide in PDF format, please email Leanne Latter, Emergency Planning Coordinator, at LatterL@hastingscounty.com.

Message from Warden Phillips:

Thank you for taking the time to review the important information enclosed in this Emergency Preparedness Guide. This has been a challenging and difficult year for everyone, and Hastings County is here to help you plan and remain safe throughout an emergency situation. The Hastings County Municipal Emergency Control Group is a team of professionals who will assist the emergency response services of our 14 municipalities and two separated cities during a large-scale emergency. The team can assist by coordinating emergency services, providing emergency social services, and coordinating any other agencies that may respond to assist municipalities in an emergency.

Every individual is responsible for preparing in advance of an emergency so that you and your family can be self-sufficient during an emergency. This will allow time for emergency services to prioritize response. Not only are you responsible for preparing your own kits, but you are also encouraged to meet your neighbors to see how you can help each other be prepared.

If each of us participates in emergency readiness, a tragedy or disaster may interrupt, but not destroy the quality of life we enjoy in Hastings County.

Yours truly,

Warden Rick Philips
Hastings County

Know the Risks, Reduce them Together!!!

EVERYONE has a role to play in being prepared for an emergency. Individuals and families should have an emergency kit with enough supplies for at least 72 hours. They are responsible for having a plan in place in the event they are required to evacuate their home – a plan that includes a safe place for all family members (including pets!) to go. They are responsible for knowing their hazards and ensuring their homes and cottages are prepared and protected.

Municipalities are required to have an emergency plan and program in place to respond to large-scale emergencies. These programs include ensuring the public is aware of their hazards and has the information they need to prepare for them. During an emergency, available municipal resources will be directed to protect critical infrastructure (roads, water, hydro, etc) and to respond to those with immediate life safety issues.

The pages of this Emergency Preparedness Guide will assist individuals with fulfilling their responsibilities in an emergency. Remember – EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS STARTS WITH YOU!

PROTECTING YOUR SAFETY BEGINS AT HOME

EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT 15 A BOTTOM-UP RESPONSIBILITY….. it starts with YOU!!

How You Can Plan for Emergencies

Be Prepared!

Make sure everyone in your family knows what to do before, during, and after an emergency. As a family, make a plan and discuss how you can best prepare for the most likely hazards that will affect your home. If you live alone, make a plan for yourself and make sure you talk about it with your neighbors and friends. This Guide will provide you with information, lists, and templates to use to make sure you are prepared for any emergency.

Make a Plan

Keep a list of emergency phone numbers handy. Put a copy of important phone numbers in your “Ready to Go” bag (Page 17). Select a friend or family member who lives a distance away from you to be the contact person in the event you are separated from your family.

Make sure everyone in the family has this person’s phone number – put a copy in purses, briefcases, school backpacks, etc, or make sure it is stored in electronic devices such as iPods, cellphones, or laptops. You can also include floor plans that include where exits and escape routes from each room. There is also a spot to include the location of your “Ready to Go” kit.

Don’t forget your pets!! Make sure you have Pet Emergency Kit (pg 9) and have a list of pet-friendly hotels, kennels, veterinarians, or friends who can take your animal or who you can stay with if you need to evacuate your home.

Prepare your Kit

Make sure you have supplies in your home to be self-sufficient for AT LEAST 72 hours. You should also prepare a “Ready to Go” (pg 17) kit that has all the supplies and information you will need if you have to evacuate quickly, a Pet Emergency Kit (pg 9), and a make sure your car has a Car Survival Kit (pg 8) in case you are stranded or need to travel a long distance.

Know your Hazards

Make a list of all the hazards that may affect you and your home. Contact your local Community Emergency Management Coordinator for information on the top local hazards in your community. Find out how you can prevent, mitigate or prepare for these hazards to make sure your family can remain safe and calm during an emergency.

72-Hour Survival Kit

Food and Water

3-5 gallons of water (4 litres per adult, per day)
Canned or freeze-dried foods
One manual can opener
Instant drink and juices
Water purifying tablets

Warmth and Shelter

Tent/Trailer or other shelter
Wool-blend blanket or sleeping bags
Emergency reflective blanket
Lightweight stove & fuel / camp stove (to be used OUTDOORS ONLY)

Hand and body warm packs
Poncho (a large garbage bag can make a great rain poncho)

Tools and Equipment

Pocket knife
Flashlight, lantern or candles including windproof/ waterproof matches
Shovel, hatchet or axe
Sewing kit
Nylon rope and duct tape
Cooking utensils
Radio and batteries or crank radio
First aid kit
Pen / pencil and writing pad
Whistle to make noise with
Hand sanitizer
Water resistant duffel bag or tote to store everything in

Special Items

Keep copies of important family records and documents in a waterproof and fireproof, portable container.
Passports
Health cards
Drivers’ licences
Birth certificates
Bank account and credit card numbers
A small amount of cash
Photos of family members in case you are separated in an emergency
Games and toys for children
Extra keys for house and car(s)
Cell phone, battery charger and car adaptor (keep battery charged!)

Don’t put your life at risk by waiting and trying to gather items when the emergency requires you to leave your home immediately!

Car Survival Kit

Shovel
Sand or kitty litter
Traction mats
Tow chain
Compass
Cloth or roll of toilet paper
Warning light or road flares
Extra clothing and footwear
Emergency food pack
Booster cables
Ice scraper and brush
Matches and a “survival” candle in a deep can (to warm hands, heat drink, or use as emergency light)
Fire extinguisher
Extra windshield washer fluid
Fuel-line antifreeze
Road maps
Flashlight
First-Aid kit
Blanket (special “survival” blankets are best)
Duct tape

Pet Emergency Survival Kit

72-hour supply of food, bowls and can opener
72-hour supply of bottled water
Blankets/towels (more than one in case they get soiled)
Small toy
Leash, muzzle, harness
Litter pan, litter, plastic bags and scooper
Pet carrier for transportation
Medical records, especially proof of vaccinations (most boarding facilities will not accept pets without proof of current vaccination records)
Medications and pet first aid kit
Current photo of pet in case they get lost
Information on your pet’s feeding schedule, behavioural/medical concerns and special boarding instructions
List of boarding facilities in your area, hotels/motels that accept pets, and friends and relatives that you and your pet can stay with (pets are generally not allowed inside emergency shelters designated for people, with the exception of service animals such as guide dogs)
I.D. tag (microchipping also recommended)

January
Make a Plan

Understand what puts you at risk from disasters and take steps to lower your risk.

February
Water

Have 72 hours (3 days) worth of water stored for your household.

March
Sheltering

Know how to respond safely when instructions are given to evacuate or take shelter.

April
Food

Have an emergency food supply that will meet the needs of your household for three days without outside help.

May
Work, School and Community

Make sure the people who count on you are prepared for a disaster.

June
Unique Family Needs

Be aware of and prepare for your family’s unique needs.

July
Family Communications Plan

Have the ability to communicate with family members during a disaster.

August
Get Involved

Make your community stronger by getting trained and getting involved.

September
Be Informed

Make sure everyone in your household can receive, understand, and act on information received in an emergency.

October
Power

Be able to safely meet your basic needs during an electrical outage.

November
Emergency Supplies

Remember important items that may be overlooked when leaving your home in a disaster.

December
First Aid

Be prepared to give first aid while waiting for an ambulance.

STOP. LISTEN. RESPOND.

Wireless

In addition to TV and radio, Alert Ready will be sending emergency alerts to cell phones and wireless devices that are compatible with Wireless Public Alerting (WPA).

To check if your phone is compatible, go to: http://www.alertready.ca/wireless/#carriers

If your phone is not compatible, you can subscribe to receive emergency alerts by email, SMS texts, and social media. To find out how visit: https://www.emergencymanagementontario.ca/english/stayconnected/stayconnected.h

Alert Ready in Ontario

Alert Ready in Ontario is part of a national service designed to deliver critical and potentially life-saving emergency alert messages to Canadians. Emergency alerts are distributed on radio, TV, and compatible wireless devices (as of April 6th) to help ensure that Ontarians have the critical information they need in emergencies to take necessary precautions to protect themselves and their families.

Follow us on Twitter and Facebook to get the latest emergency information and tips on how you can prepare for an emergency. For more information about Alert Ready including frequently asked questions, visit www.alertready.ca.

Using Technology During a Disaster

We rely on technology more and more to keep in touch with our family, friends, and colleagues with a click of a button. But what happens in the event of a major emergency? Suddenly these tools can become vital in helping you and your family deal get in touch and stay informed. So here are some tips on the use of technology in an emergency:

If possible, use non-voice channels like text messaging, email or social media.
These use less bandwidth than voice communications and may work even when phone service doesn’t.
If you must use a phone, keep your conversation brief and convey only vital information to emergency personnel and/or family. This will also conserve your phone’s battery.
Unable to complete a call? Wait 10 seconds before redialing to help reduce network congestion. Note, cordless phones rely on electricity and will not work during a power outage. If you have a landline, keep at least one corded phone in your home.
Keep extra batteries or a charger for your mobile device in your emergency kit. Consider getting a solar-powered, crank, or vehicle phone charger. If you don’t have a cell phone, keep a prepaid phone card in your emergency kit.
Keep your contacts up to date on your phone, email and other channels. This will make it easier to reach important contacts, such as friends, family, neighbours, child’s school, or insurance agent.
If you have a smartphone, save your safe meeting location(s) on its mapping application.
Conserve your smartphone’s battery by reducing the screen’s brightness, placing your phone in airplane mode, and closing apps you are not using. You never know how long a power outage will last!

Remember, in an emergency or to save a life, call 9-1-1 for help. You cannot currently text 9-1-1. If you are not experiencing an emergency, do not call 9- 1-1. If your area offers 2-1-1 service or another information system, call that number for non-emergencies.

KNOW YOUR HAZARDS

The following are some common hazards that are experienced throughout Hastings County.

Power Outage

If prolonged, prevent pipes from bursting by draining them and turning off main water supply
Turn off appliances that automatically come back on when power is restored
Keep a phone that does not require electricity
Open fridge and freezer doors as little as possible to preserve food.
Never camp stoves, burners or barbecues indoors. They can produce dangerous levels of carbon monoxide.
If using candles, never leave them unattended.

Extreme Cold

Dress warmly in layers and stay dry
Cover face and mouth to protect lungs from cold air
Avoid overexertion when shoveling snow. Take breaks
Always let people know when are travelling in inclement weather.
Give them your route and expected arrival time. Keep an emergency car kit in your vehicle and the gas tank half full at all times
Inside, only use heating equipment approved for indoor use
Keep combustible materials away from portable heater
Be careful not to overload electrical circuits.

Extreme Heat

Stay in the shade. When in the sun, use minimum SPF 15 sunscreen
Wear light coloured, lightweight and loose fitting clothes
Drink plenty of water and avoid alcohol and caffeine
Avoid strenuous activity
NEVER leave children or pets in a car unattended for any length of time.
Listen to the radio for locations for cooling centres in your neighbourhood.
Be sure and check on your neighbours or those who may be at risk to extreme heat:
- Children and seniors
- People with chronic health issues
- Outdoor workers

Thunderstorms

If outdoors, get inside. If that’s not possible, squat low to the ground. Do not lie down
Take shelter in a ditch or low depression if unable to shelter in a building
If in a boat or in the water, get back to shore immediately
Avoid handling electrical equipment, faucets, telephones, etc.
Lightning can follow wires and pipes
If you are in a car, stay there.

Tornados

Go to the basement or interior room on the ground floor such as a washroom or closet.
Stay away from windows and exterior walls
If outdoors, get inside if possible. If not, take cover in a ditch or recessed area

Floods

Move furniture and valuables from lower levels to higher ones
Make sure basement windows are closed
Seek higher ground if water is rising rapidly
For more information about conditions throughout the province, check www.ontario.ca/flooding

Health Emergencies

The Hastings and Prince Edward County Health Unit is a valuable resource during many types of health related emergencies, as well and food and water safety issues.
Public Health works in concert with local emergency planning groups, hospitals and paramedic services to manage any health related issue that may arise.
For more information, you can contact HPECHU at (613)-966-5500 ext 677 Belleville and 613-332-4555 Bancroft or http://www.hpechu.on.ca

REMEMBER: Listen to local radio for information during an emergency regarding evacuations, safety tips, and where to get more information. You can also subscribe to various types of emergency alerts.

Weather Alerts – www.theweathernetwork.com. You can follow them on Twitter, download a desktop program or an app that delivers weather information right to your mobile device.

Other Emergency Information in Ontario – You can subscribe toe mail alerts to emergencies happening in the Province of Ontario at: www.ontario.ca/emo. You can also follow them on Twitter.

Evacuations

What should you do if ordered to evacuate?

Offer to assist neighbours who may not be able to evacuate on their own. If possible, make these arrangements in advance
Take your family Ready-to-Go kit. (see details on next page)
Evacuate the area affected by the emergency exactly as directed.
Remain calm, do not speed and obey official directions as some oads may be closed or rerouted
Don’t take shortcuts. Doing so might lead you to a blocked or dangerous area
During some evacuations, you may be asked to report to a reception centre. These may be set up to check people and vehicles for contamination, record evacuee contact information or arrange for temporary housing. Even if you have somewhere else to go in long term evacuations, consider attending the shelter for registration and inquiry purposes
Listen to media reports to stay informed about further announcements from your local emergency officials

When arriving at a reception centre operated by Hastings County Community and Human Services, staff greeting you will be clearly identified as someone who can help you. If you require medical assistance, notify staff immediately.

You and your family will be required to register with your full name and contact information. This will assist in reuniting you with any family members you may have been separated from. You will be issued a photo ID and will be asked to sign in and out if you leave the centre for any reason.

Evacuation and reception centres typically provide food, shelter, clothing, emergency financial assistance, and other personal supports. It also acts as an agent for family reunification and as a location to obtain information about the emergency. If the emergency requires an overnight stay, cots, blankets, and comfort kits may be provided by the Canadian Red Cross.

Hastings County Community and Human Services also work closely with agencies and volunteer groups throughout the County to provide these services. Hastings-Prince Edward Public Health, Canadian Red Cross, Salvation Army, and many other community groups will also be available to provide valuable support during an emergency.

READY TO GO KIT

Change of clothes
Copies of ID, insurance papers and important documents
Toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, hairbrush, deodorant, etc)
Cash
Spare keys
Extra medication and copies of prescriptions
Copy of important phone numbers (family, work, daycare, vet, etc)
First Aid kit
Flashlight with batteries
Non-perishable snacks and a some bottled water or water purification kit

Get To Know Your Paramedics

Hastings County has been the provider of all paramedic services since January 1st, 2003. There are 5 separate bases located in Bancroft, Madoc, Quinte West, and 2 in Belleville as well as a post in Tweed. Since January 1st, 2004, they also provide all paramedic services for Prince Edward County and have a station in Picton.

Hastings-Quinte Paramedic Services is comprised of a team of well-qualified paramedics committed to achieving and delivering the highest medical standards. By responding to emergencies in a coordinated and efficient manner, the people of Hastings and Prince Edward County can be confident in the quality of patient care provided.

Hastings-Quinte Paramedic Services has two levels of paramedics – Primary Care Paramedics (PCP) and Advanced Care Paramedics (ACP). The Primary Care Paramedic is a community college graduate of a two-year Paramedic Program and has obtained provincial certification. The Advanced Care Paramedic (ACP) must successfully complete approximately one full year of post-graduate education in addition to the two-year PCP Program. In addition to Provincial certifications, both levels of paramedics must be certified by the regional paramedic program of eastern Ontario to perform delegated medical acts. Both Primary and Advanced care paramedics are trained in critical thinking under emergent conditions to provide emergency patient care. All paramedics carry emergency medical equipment and medication.

Preparing for the arrival of paramedics

Remain calm and get organized
Unlock and open the front door – paramedics look for easy access into the home. Preferable to use entrance ways without multiple stairs or narrow passages
Turn on the lights, inside and outside of the home
Ensure your house number is clearly displayed
Whenever possible, vehicles should be removed from the driveway
Clear a path to the patient
Secure any pets
Extinguish any smoking materials
Gather all patient medications and/or lists of medications
Have the patients Ontario Health Card ready
Gather all pertinent medical info – i.e DNR orders, recent prescriptions
Be ready to leave the home – in some cases paramedics may require a family member to accompany them during transport: i.e. a child or baby

The Role of Hastings County in an Emergency

Non-Emergency Support and Activities

Hastings County supports its member municipalities and the separated cities prior to an emergency by participating with them and supporting them in exercises, training, and public education and awareness initiatives. The County is also required to conduct its own training and exercise for the County Control Group as well as developing and delivering public education and awareness information.

Emergency Support and Activities

In the event of a single municipality activating their emergency plan, Hastings County provides support by sending representation from Hastings-Quinte Paramedic Service and Community and Human Services as part of municipal emergency plans.

In the event of a large scale, multiple municipal emergency situations, Hastings County will activate its County Control Group to provide assistance and support by coordinating resources, liaising with provincial and federal partners through the Provincial Emergency Operations Centre (PEOC), non-governmental stakeholders, and providing County services to the municipalities as requested, such as paramedic services and emergency social services.

If you would like to request a presentation on personal preparedness or emergency management in Hastings County, or you have any questions regarding emergency planning in Hastings County, contact Leanne Latter, Emergency Planning Coordinator at:613-966-1311 x2500 or latterl@hastingscounty.com.

For more information, visit these websites:

www.hastingscounty.com

http://www. hydroone.com/stormcenter3/

www.getprepared.ca

www.emergencymanagementontario.ca

www.theweathernetwork.com

http://weather.gc.ca/warnings/index e.html?prov=son

www.ontario.ca/flooding

http://forms.hpechu.on.ca/web/

Municipal Emergency Contact Information

Town of Bancroft: Pat Hoover, 613-332-2442, 33 Chemaushgon St., Bancroft
phoover@bancroftfire.ca

Township of Carlow-Mayo: Arlene Cox, 613-332-1760, 3987 Boulter Road, Boulter
clerk@carlowmayo.ca

Municipality of Centre Hastings: Cathie Lahey-Francis, 613-473-4030, 7 Furnace St., Madoc
cemc@centrehastings.com
Information: www.centrehastings.com/emergency_preparedness.htm

Town of Deseronto: Kris Brunton, 613-396-2440, 331 Main Street, Deseronto
kbrunton@deseronto.ca

Township of Faraday: Dawn Switzer, 613-332-3638, 29860 Hwy 28 South, Bancroft
clerk@faraday.ca

Municipality of Hastings Highlands: Dave Stewart, 613-338-2811, 33011 Hwy. 62 N.
dstewart@hastingshighlands.ca

Township of Limerick: Victoria Tisdale, 613-474-2863, 89 Limerick Lake Road, Gilmour
admin@township.limerick.on.ca

Township of Madoc: Lynn Reid, 613-473-2677, 15651 Hwy 62, Madoc
facility@madoc.ca

Municipality of Marmora and Lake: Tony Brownson, 613-472-2748, 7 Matthew Street, Marmora
tbrownson@marmoraandlake.ca

Township of Stirling-Rawdon: Derrick Little, 613-395-0214, 98 East Front Street, Stirling
firechief@strling-rawdon.com
Information: www.stirling-rawdon.com

Township of Tudor and Cashel: Nancy Caroll, 613-474-2583, 371 Weslemkoon Lake Road, Gilmour
clerk@tudorandcashel.com
Information: www.tudorandcashel.com

Municipality of Tweed: Sean Porter, 613-478-2535, 255 Metcalf Street, Tweed
fpo@stirling-rawdon.com

Township of Tyendinaga: James Oliver, 613-396-1660, 859 Melrose Road, Shannonville firechief@tyendinagatownship.com
Information: www.tyendinagatownship.com/ems.php

Township of Wollaston: Greg Maxwell, 613-337-5731, 90 Wollaston Lake Rd, Coe Hill

City of Quinte West: John Whelan, 613-392-2841 ext. 7464, 65 Dundas Street West, Trenton
johnw@quintewest.ca
Information: www.quintewest.ca

City of Belleville: 613-962-2010, 169 Front Street, Belleville
Information: www.city.belleville.on.ca (search under City Hall, Fire Dept.)

Hastings County Community Emergency Management Coordinator:
Doug Socha
613-771-9366 x224 (Office) or sochad@hastingscounty.com
http://www.hastingscounty.com/emergency-services/emergency-preparednes.shtml