We all hope it won’t happen to us…but what if it does?  Are you ready in the event of an emergency?

Weather patterns have become increasingly unpredictable.  The news is filled with stories of tsunamis, mudslides, and earthquakes.  Closer to home, a small earthquake was felt by southern Ontarioresidents in early fall.  A tornado ravaged through homes in the town of Goderich this summer, and ice storms/hurricanes/heavy snow storms are a regular winter reality.  While we cannot control the weather, we certainly can be prepared when disaster strikes.  Of course, not all disasters are natural ones – including fires, gas leaks, and power outages.

Create your own emergency plan

Taking a few moments to discuss an emergency strategy with your family can do wonders for your preparation.  Consider all family members and what special needs may be required, such as elderly or young children.  Ensure that you all agree on a plan and understand it.

Emergency Phone Numbers

Keep a list and make copies for everyone of emergency numbers.  Do not rely on your cell phone or your memory to store important numbers.  This should include:

• Work and cell numbers of all adults in the home
• Ambulance/emergency medical services/fire department/police
• Children’s schools and daycare facilities
• Doctors, dentists, and specialist numbers
• Hospital or health clinic
• Insurance provider/broker, including travel insurance provider
• Provincial telehealth number
• Utility providers – natural gas and electricity

Basic Emergency Kit

It is recommended that you keep enough supplies to sustain you and your family for at least 72 hours.  Your emergency kit should include:

• Batteries
• Bottled water (about 4 litres per person)
• Manual can opener
• Candles
• Cash
• Clothing (extra shirt, pants, socks, underwear, and shoes)
• Duct tape
• Copy of your Emergency Phone Numbers
• Flashlight
• Food (canned items, crackers, protein bars)
• Multi-tool
• Sleeping bags or blankets
• Spare keys to your car and house
• Toiletries (toothpaste, toothbrushes, toilet paper, feminine hygiene products, soap and sanitizer)
• Waterproof matches

You may also consider putting together a vehicle emergency kit, which includes all of the above, as well as a shovel, whistle, jumper cables, warning light/road flares, and a road map.

A crucial part of emergency preparation is making sure you have adequate coverage for your home.  Take time to review your policy, and if you have any questions, contact your insurance provider, who will walk you through what’s included in your policy and what is not.  For example, many insurance policies do not cover damage caused by earthquakes, but you can always purchase additional coverage if you feel it’s necessary.  A qualified insurance broker will be able to answer all questions you may have, and get you ready for a tumultuous weather season.