10 emergencies to be prepared for in Brampton

Do you know what to do in case of an emergency in the City of Brampton?

As a leader in the field of emergency management, the City of Brampton’s Emergency Management Office (BEMO) develops emergency response plans for the City of Brampton and offers the community resources and tips on how to prepare for potential emergencies through this comprehensive Emergency Preparedness Guide.

While certain situations are unpredictable such as extreme cold, heat, power outages and floods – BEMO’s helpful resources guide Brampton residents on how to ensure they’re taking the necessary precautions in the case of an emergency which include knowing the risks, making a plan, and having an emergency kit ready for you and your family.

Make a Plan

It’s important to plan your family’s response to emergencies which will help everyone know what to do before, during and after, such as a communication plan and evacuation plan.

Every member of the family should participate in the planning and revisions to their emergency plan such as knowing the location of a fire extinguisher, how to shut off gas and water valves, instructions for children on how and when to call 9-1-1, and how to reach their designated contact person.

Have a Kit

Emergency kits prepare families to be self-sufficient for at least 72 hours.

Kits should be in an easy-to-carry bag, like a backpack or duffle bag and updated on a seasonal basis.

There are two purposes to this kit; to be prepared for evacuation or to be prepared to shelter in place.

The kit should be kept in an accessible place, such as the hall closet and all members of the household should be able to locate the emergency kit containing necessities for families and their pets.

Here are 10 emergencies you need to be prepared for:

Severe Weather

Severe weather can occur during any season and may include heavy wind, heavy snowfall, extreme heat and cold, freezing rain, severe thunderstorms and floods.

Winter weather conditions in the City of Brampton may include snow, hail, freezing rain and extreme cold, which can be very dangerous. It’s important to take extra precautions with children and pets as they can become colder much faster.

Floods

Flooding is most common in the spring and summer months. This is a result of snow melting which can cause large amounts of water to accumulate. Major rainstorms can also result in flooding, causing streams and rivers to overflow without warning.

In terms of electrical safety during a flood, it’s important never to step into a room where water may have been in contact with electrical outlets. Residents should never attempt to turn off power if they must walk through water to do so. Hydro One Brampton can be reached at (905) 840-6300 to shut the power off.

Storms and Tornados

Before a storm, prepare your emergency kit, choose your shelter area and ensure you have access to a battery-powered radio and flashlight.

To reduce hazards, residents may trim branches and trees, check and clear the drainage system around the house and plan a meeting place and a system of communication among their family members to ensure safety.

After a storm, call 9-1-1 if family or neighbours are injured or trapped and stay away from damaged areas. It’s also important to report conditions such as broken sewers and water mains to 3-1-1. Residents should avoid driving after a storm as debris, broken power lines and washed-out roads and bridges make driving dangerous.

Tornados are high-speed winds that can cause damage, injury or in worst-case scenarios, even death. They often first appear as dark clouds which are then followed by severe thunderstorms and rain.

Power Failure

Power failures can happen in extreme weather or with disruptions in hydro services. Sometimes, they can last minutes and other times days, so it’s important to be prepared.

Earthquakes

Earthquakes can be violent and come on as a sudden emergency that can impact people, buildings and road safety.

Fires

The best way to beat a fire is through prevention and being prepared with smoke alarms and a home escape plan. A carbon monoxide detector should also be located on each floor and should be tested every month and batteries changed on an annual basis.

Epidemic

It’s easy for sickness and disease to travel quickly, especially in a large city.

Peel Public Health closely monitors incidents that may develop into outbreaks. To stay protected, ensure that you and your family are up to date with immunization and inform any doctors about suspected diseases.

Hazardous Waste

Hazardous chemicals are present in industrial areas, homes, cars, places of work and pipelines.

While accidents are more likely to occur in areas where chemicals are stored and transported, these materials can be harmful to people and the environment when not properly contained.

Transportation

Severe weather conditions also pose a risk for transportation accidents. Rail carriers in the Brampton area include GO Transit and VIA Passenger Rail.

Gas Pipelines

Gas pipelines, electrical services, telephone and cable TV and water and sewer pipes are all services that are buried underground.

Accidental damage can be caused by excavation, construction, farming activities or homeowner construction and maintenance which is why it’s important to be prepared.

Residents should report suspicious activity or unauthorized construction near pipelines to authorities immediately.

Additionally, Ontario One Call is a call centre that will help to make arrangements to locate all the underground utilities on a property. Call before you dig: Call 1.800.400.2255 or visit www.on1call.com.

Check out BEMO online for more details on all of these emergencies, do’s and don’ts, and valuable tips on how to be prepared for them, including their emergency preparedness guide to discover what you can do to keep your family safe. View the guide online or request a copy.

For more information on BEMO’s customized emergency preparedness training for both community groups and residents, contact BEMO at (905) 874-2911.

BEMO can be accessed via Twitter at @BEMOprepared, by email at [email protected] or by dialling 3-1-1, all of which can provide residents with more information.