by Samantha Trumbley for Saugeen Shores Hub
With recent snow storms, power outages and road closures, Hub staff has received inquiries from readers regarding emergency preparedness in Saugeen Shores.
Under the authority of the Province of Ontario’s Emergency Management Act, the Town of Saugeen Shores has created an Emergency Response Plan.
Whenever an emergency occurs or threatens to occur in Saugeen Shores, Town officials would activate the Emergency Control Group (ECG) which includes the Mayor, CAO, Police Chief, Fire Chief, a Bruce County Social Services staff member, Grey-Bruce Medical Officer of Health and a Bruce County Paramedic Services’ staff member.
The ECG is responsible for determining the status of an emergency and taking actions such as mobilizing emergency services, coordinating aid from local agencies and keeping the public informed through local radio stations and the town's website.
Community Emergency Management Coordinator for the Town Saugeen Shores, Fire Chief Phil Eagleson, said following the launch of the Town's new website, residents will be able to sign up to receive direct notifications for things such as flooding, boil water advisories and emergency situations.
In the case of long term extended emergency, such as a power outage, Eagleson said, "We need people to be self sufficient for the first 72 hours." If a situation extends beyond 72 hours, the Town would work with the Canadian Red Cross and Bruce County Social Services to open shelters and community reception centres.
There are a number of 72 hour survival guides available online. Your Emergency Preparedness Guide is prepared by the Government of Canada in partnership with the Canadian associations of police and fire chiefs, Canadian Red Cross, St. John Ambulance and The Salvation Army.
www.getprepared.gc.ca/cnt/rsrcs/pblctns/yprprdnssgd/yprprdnssgd-eng.pdf
Another is the County of Bruce 72 Hour Survival Kit.
Be Prepared Grey Bruce Huron is a guide prepared by Bruce Power in cooperation with Bruce, Grey and Huron counties.
Emergency Management Ontario offers a list of items families should include in an emergency survival kit in order to get through the initial 72 hours.
These items include three days' worth of non perishable and easy to prepare food items and a manual can opener, four litres of water per person per day for each of the three days (for drinking, hygiene and food preparation), a minimum three days' worth of medication(s), a flashlight, a crank or battery operated radio, extra batteries, a first aid kit, candles and matches or a lighter, hand sanitizer, important papers such as identification, a contact list that includes emergency services, a list of current prescriptions, an extra set of car keys, cash, a whistle in case you need to attract attention, zip lock bags and garbage bags.
Special considerations would be items for babies and small children such as formula, diapers, bottles, baby food, comfort items, medication and medical supplies. Families with pets should also have three days' worth of pet food on hand.
Extra supplies could include clothing, shoes, winter wear, sleeping bags or blankets, toiletries such as soap, toothpaste and shampoo; and playing cards, travel games or other activities for children.
Other special considerations need to be given to people with disabilities. Emergency Management Ontario has prepared a special Emergency Preparedness Guide for People with Disabilities.
Special considerations also need to be given to seniors. They can be found here.
Emergency Management Ontario suggests packing the contents of yours or your family's kit in easy-to-carry bags or in a case on wheels. Store the kit in an easy to reach location and ensure everyone in the household knows where it is.
Making a plan with family members including methods of contact such as text messaging or social media is also recommended. Making long distance calls may be easier due to local network damage or a jammed system. Discuss out of town contacts and keep communication devices charged.
There are many portable power banks and charging stations on the market today, many of which include USB ports for charging electronic devices.
A family evacuation plan should include two locations, one close to home such as a nearby library or community centre; and a second location farther away. Planning travel is recommended in case evacuation is needed. Plan to take your emergency survival kit with you. Having someone who can take your pets in case you have to leave your home is also recommended. Often only service animals are allowed at community reception centres.
Have an evacuation route planned and review safe exits in your home. Every adult and older child in your home should know how to turn off main utilities such as water, electricity and gas. In some situations, authorities may ask that utilities be turned off for safety reasons. Consider writing out instructions and posting them in a visible location.
Additional emergency management information and documents are available at brucecounty.on.ca/living/public-safety.
For a more comprehensive guide to survival gear, visit https://huntingmark.com/survival-gear-list/.
