Important!
This section is for information purposes only. During an evacuation, emergency personnel will contact you and supply further instructions (what to do, where to go, etc.)Authorities may alert you by several methods including:
- Personal Contact (emergency personnel door-to-door)
- Public Address System (PAs)
- Local TV, Radio and News Media
- Broadcasts and On-Line
- Outdoor Alerting Systems (siren, horn, etc.)
- Cable TV Interrupts
- Telephone Systems (manual or automatic dialing systems)
Get Ready to Leave
- Stay Calm.
- Gather your family, take a neighbour or someone who needs help.
- If evacuation is mandatory: take critical items (medicine, purse, wallet, keys, etc.) if they are immediately available. Take pets in pet kennels or on a leash.
- If evacuation is precautionary: take essential items (diapers, baby food, clothes, money, etc.).
- Leave a radio on, preferably a “talk radio” station. This gives the impression of an occupied home and is a good deterrent to criminals.
- Turn off all appliances (stove, washing machine, etc.).
- Do not turn off your utilities (gas, water, electricity) unless instructed to do so. If you do, do not turn them on again unless you consult the proper utility authority.
- Lock your house.
- Do not use more vehicles than you have to.
- If there are problems with air quality, keep windows and vents in the vehicle closed.
From local police, you can get detailed information on burglar-proofing your house.
Important!
Start now (before the disaster) to make a list of important and irreplaceable items that you want to protect or take with you should you have to evacuate. Planning ahead saves valuable time and ensures that you have taken care of the things that really matter to you.Evacuation Information and Procedures
Evacuations can be chaotic, nerve-wracking and a time of worry and strain. Make yourself aware and be prepared. Firefighters and other emergency personnel cannot work on the fire or other problems until life and safety issues are under control – that means YOU! Resisting evacuation consumes the rescuers’ precious time. Once you receive the information of the Evacuation Order, evacuate immediately. Delay can result in roadways being blocked by smoke, other materials or rescue equipment. Listen to emergency broadcasts and follow the directions of emergency personnel.
Be Prepared, Informed, And Organized. Be Safe.
Whether you need to leave your home due to a quickly approaching fire, or because of rising flood waters, you should be aware of Evacuation Alerts and Orders, what they mean, and how to prepare yourself and your family. Depending on the nature of the emergency, Ontario has several legal Acts which authorize evacuations.
Evacuations are an incremental process that can be implemented more efficiently if people are informed and keep tuned to local media for information releases. (See Emergency Information at the beginning of each workbook section for the radio stations in your area.)