Emergency Preparedness

How to Be Prepared

If an emergency happens in your community, it may take emergency workers some time to get to you. You should be prepared to take care of yourself and your family for a minimum of 72 hours. By taking 3 simple steps today, you can become better prepared to face a range of emergencies - anytime, anywhere.

Emergency Preparedness Week Supplement

Perth County partnered with the Stratford Beacon-Herald to produce a full colour 24 page emergency preparedness supplement. This supplement is a great start to helping you ensure you and your loved ones are prepared for emergencies. It is also available in hard copy at:

• Municipal offices in West Perth, Perth South, North Perth, and Perth East
• County Courthouse main floor (1 Huron Street, Stratford)
• Paramedic Headquarters main floor (480 Douro Street. Stratford)

# 1: KNOW the Risks

Knowing the risks in your region can help you better prepare. Across Canada, we face a number of hazards, such as earthquakes in British Columbia, blizzards in Nunavut and tornadoes in Ontario. In addition to natural disasters, there are other types of risks, such as power outages and industrial or transportation accidents.

What are the risks in Perth County?

Consider risks that might be around you. Are you on the flood plain? Is there an arena or food processor with ammonia close by? Is the railroad or highway nearby that dangerous goods travel on?

Potential risks include:

• Severe weather and other meteorological events
• Major accidents
• Infrastructure failures
• Disease outbreaks
• Intentional acts

# 2: Make a PLAN

An emergency plan will help you and your family know what to do in case of an emergency.

It only takes 20 minutes to complete a personalized plan online. You can then print it out. Most of this information can be filled out on your own. You may need to get some information from your municipality.

To fill out your home emergency plan, you will need to think about:

• Safe exits from home and neighbourhood
• Meeting places to reunite with family or roommates
• Designated person to pick up children should you be unavailable
• Contact persons close-by and out-of-town
• Special health needs
• Place for your pet to stay
• Risks in your region
• Location of your fire extinguisher, water valve, electrical box, gas valve and floor drain
• Keep this document in an easy to find, easy to remember place (for example, with your emergency kit). Photocopy this plan and keep it in your car and/or at work. 

Complete your emergency plan online today! 

# 3: PREPARE an Emergency Kit

In an emergency you will need some basic supplies. Make sure your kit is easy to carry and everyone knows where it is. Keep it in a backpack, duffle bag or suitcase with wheels, in an easy-to-reach, accessible place, such as your front-hall closet. In addition to the 72 hour kit, consider other kits for seniors/special needs, your pets, your vehicle and having a grab and go bag in case you have to leave your home on short notice.

Download a full list of what to include in your emergency kit to help you prepare yours.