As a parent, your child looks to you for guidance and comfort, especially during emergencies. By taking precautionary steps, you can help make an emergency situation less traumatic for your child. It is important to prioritize their safety and well-being by being prepared and proactive. 

Remember:

• Children will mirror the reaction of his or her parents, so stay calm and your child will as well.
• Be open and honest about what is happening. Try and explain the problem and what is being done to solve it in a way they will understand.
• Never ignore their fears and anxieties.
• Monitor what they watch on television. News coverage of certain situations can be upsetting for children.
• Reassure them by explaining that everything is under control and they will be safe.
• If you must evacuate, bring a toy along; this may help to keep them occupied and provide them with some comfort.

An emergency situation or an evacuation can be a frightening and confusing time. It is important to be educated about the steps you can take to be prepared in the event of an emergency.

Fill out this document and have at the ready in the event of an emergency. ​​

Senior citizens being evacuated during emergencies should take with them any other equipment or devices they may need immediately. As a senior, basic items you should keep in an easy-to-reach place may include:

• Assistive devices such as canes, walkers, hearing aids (extra hearing aid batteries), breathing apparatus, etc.
• Prescription eyewear and footwear
• Extra medications and vitamin supplements
• Copies of prescriptions
• Extra dentures (if required) and cleaner
• Personal papers, identification; and
• List of names and telephone numbers (such as family members, doctor, case worker, seniors group contact person, etc.).

Seniors in high-rise buildings

High-rise buildings present different challenges in an emergency. Residents should make themselves aware of:

• All escape routes and location of emergency doors/exits on each floor
• Location of emergency buttons
• The building’s evacuation plan
• The building superintendent’s phone number
• Who sits on the Building Safety Committee
• Who are the floor monitors in the event of an emergency
• The names and phone numbers of onsite doctors and social workers

Older and Wiser, Fire Safety Tips for Older Adults

For more information, visit www.emergencymanagementontario.ca

Seconds count in an emergency... 

It is critical that emergency responders be able to find your home or business in times of emergency.

• Can you clearly see your address from the street?
• Can you see it at night?
• Do the letters contrast with the background? 

Sometimes what looks nice for decorative purposes may make it difficult to read at night or when there is poor visibility.

Make your address visible

Be Seen and Be Found-  Emergency Services staff need to be able to quickly and easily read the address of any property from the road. Help us help you by making sure your municipal number can be clearly read from the street frontage. Green Signs can be purchased online or by contacting the municipal office at 905-833-5321.​

 Visit the Municipal Addressing Page for more information about ordering a Green Sign.​

Winter Safety Tips

Home Heating:

During colder weather, we can generate the possibility of a fire in our home if we're not careful with our home heating units. With proper precautions you'll be safe and warm this season.

• Install smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms near sleeping areas
• Know the signs and symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning: headache, fatigue, nausea, dizziness and shortness of breath
• Have your heating system tuned up each year. If you heat your home with a wood stove, have the chimney and flue checked each year. Make sure the stove is placed on an approved stove board and remember to burn only untreated wood
• Never burn paper or pine branches: pieces can float out the chimney and ignite your roof or your neighbour's roof as well as nearby trees
• If you use a kerosene heater never refuel inside

Snow Blowers:

It's important to remember that although these machines may be very handy during the snowy months, they also cause thousands of emergency room visits each year.

• Make sure you understand your owner's manual safety procedures
• Be sure you have good visibility or light
• Clear the area of anything that can clog the chute
• Never put your hand in the snow blower to remove snow or debris
• Turn it off, wait a few seconds then use a stick or broom handle
• Never leave the snow blower unattended and don't let kids operate it
• Dress properly for the job. Wear boots that give you good footing on slippery surfaces and avoid loose fitting clothes that can get caught

Snow Shoveling:

While snow shoveling can be good exercise, it can also be dangerous for optimists who take on more than they can handle.

• Dress warmly, paying special attention to feet, hands, nose and ear
• Avoid shoveling snow if you have a history of heart trouble (Do not shovel snow unless your doctor approves)
• Pace yourself and take frequent breaks
• If possible, push snow in front of you. If you have to lift it, pick up small amounts and lift with your back. Do not toss snow over your shoulder or to the side

Winter Driving:

Snow, ice, and extreme cold can make driving treacherous. Make sure your car is ready for the season with a tune up, snow tires or tires with a good tread, a charged battery and sufficient anti-freeze.

• Keep emergency gear in your car, including a cell phone, flashlight, jumper cables, sand or kitty litter, ice scraper/snow brush, small shovel, blankets, and warning devices. For longer trips take food, water, extra blankets and required medication

Carbon monoxide kills. Don't warm up your car in the garage! If your car is outside, make sure the exhaust pipe and area around it are free of snow.

Pedestrian Safety:

Ice and snow-covered roads and walkways can be a serious safety hazard.

• Walk on sidewalks, if possible. If they are icy and you must take to the streets, walk against the flow of traffic and as close to the curb as you can
• Wear a bright piece of outer clothing if you have to walk in the street or road. Don't wear a hat or scarf that blocks your vision or makes it hard for you to hear traffic
• Ice and snow can alter road conditions making it hard for vehicles to stop or slow down. Before you step off the curb, even at a stop sign or traffic light, make sure approaching vehicles have come to a complete stop. When walking on ice, take shorter steps to decrease risk of falling