How to Prepare for Emergencies Important Information for Seniors

Today’s Agenda 1.Anytime, Anywhere 2.York Region’s Top 5 3.Two Scenarios 4.Staying Put 5.Time to Go 6.Research Findings 7.For Further Information

Emergencies can happen anytime, anywhere Pine Lake, AB tornado 2000 Okanagan, BC Forest Fire 2003 Hurricane Juan, NS 2003 Peterborough, ON Quebec/Ontario Ice Storm 1998Flood, 2004

What is an Emergency? “A situation or an impending situation that constitutes a danger of major proportions that could result in: serious harm to persons or serious harm to persons or substantial damage to property… substantial damage to property…

Definition (cont.) …and that is caused by: The force of nature, The force of nature, A disease or other health risk, A disease or other health risk, An accident, or An accident, or An act, either intentional or otherwise.” An act, either intentional or otherwise.” Ontario Emergency Management & Civil Protection Act

Forces of Nature

Disease or health risk

An accident

An act, either intentional or otherwise

York Region’s Top 5 Threats 1. Widespread, epidemic disease in humans

York Region’s Top 5 Threats (cont.) 2. Widespread, multi-day power outages from severe winter storms

York Region’s Top 5 Threats (cont.) 3. Slow onset floods from heavy sustained rainfall

York Region’s Top 5 Threats (cont.) 4. Widespread property damage from severe summer storms

York Region’s Top 5 Threats (cont.) 5. Transportation-Hazardous materials incidents

2 Possible Emergency Scenarios You may be instructed to: Stay (shelter in place) Stay (shelter in place) Leave (evacuate) Leave (evacuate) Prepare for both!

Staying Put (Shelter in Place) Prepare to shelter in place by storing: 1. Water 2. Food 3. First aid supplies 4. Medications 5. Tools and supplies

1. Three days worth of water 4 litres per person per day X 3 days Shelter in Place

Shelter in Place (cont.) 2. Three days worth of food per person Don’t forget your pets!

Shelter in Place (cont.) 3. First aid supplies

Shelter in Place (cont.) 4. Medications Keep extra prescription & non-prescription medications on hand

Shelter in Place (cont.) Shelter in Place (cont.) 5. Tools and supplies

Time to go! (Evacuate) a) Prepare to evacuate by assembling a “Go bag” in advance

What you will need Your Go Bag contents: 1. Water (2 litres/person/day x 3 days) 2. Food – nutritious snacks 3. Health care items

Go Bag (cont.) 4. Photocopies of important family documents 5. Other supplies

Want to Buy a Go Bag? Canadian Red Cross Canadian Red Cross ( Also available at Region of York Red Cross branch St. John Ambulance St. John Ambulance ( Also available at Zeller’s, Canadian Tire

Time to go! (Evacuate) 2. Think through your communication plan Who will you call if you need help? Who will you call if you need help? Who will be your out-of-area contact? Who will be your out-of-area contact? Where is your pre-arranged meeting place? Where is your pre-arranged meeting place? What other important numbers would you need? What other important numbers would you need?

Time to go! (Evacuate) 3. Plan for your pets If you have If you have to evacuate bring pets with you

Plan for Your Pets (cont.) Pets, other than service animals, are not allowed in public reception centres or some hotels Some Options: 1. Pre-arrange with family or friends 2. Identify “pet-friendly” hotels, boarding facilities

Plan for Your Pets (cont.) Assemble a Pet Emergency Kit Medications Medications Medical & vaccine records Medical & vaccine records Vet contact information Vet contact information Leash/harness Leash/harness Carrier Carrier Photo of pet Photo of pet Food for 3 days Food for 3 days Water Water Bowls Bowls Cat litter & pan Cat litter & pan Pet bed Pet bed

Seniors & Emergencies: Key Research Findings 1. Seniors have many strengths, abilities & experiences to draw upon to help themselves and others in disasters.

Seniors & Emergencies: Key Research Findings (cont.) 2. Physical challenges associated with aging can put seniors at higher risk during emergencies Mobility challenges Mobility challenges Chronic illnesses Chronic illnesses Sensory decline Sensory decline

Seniors & Emergencies: Key Research Findings (cont.) 3. Support networks with neighbours, community groups, friends and family are vital for your safety in an emergency 2003 European heat wave 2003 European heat wave Isolation, communication Isolation, communication

Seniors & Emergencies: Key Research Findings (cont.) 4. If you need prescription medications: a) List of medications, conditions, & doctors’ contact information in wallet (with a copy in Grab & Go bag) b) Extra medication on hand. Bring your meds if you have to evacuate (monitor expiry dates)

In Summary… Emergencies will happen. By planning ahead & taking time to prepare seniors can significantly increase our resilience to emergencies & disasters

Where to Get Further Information 1. York Region Emergency Preparedness Guide www.york.ca

Where to Get Further Information 2. Public Safety Canada Your Emergency Preparedness Guide O-CANADA ( )

Where to Get Further Information 3. Emergency Management Ontario Emergency Preparedness Guide www.ontario.ca/emo