Be prepared – 365 days a year!
It’s Emergency Preparedness Week – a great time to review safety tips
Emergencies can happen anywhere and at any time – sometimes without warning. This is Emergency Preparedness Week and the City of Vaughan is taking this opportunity to remind you to be prepared every day of the year through every season.
So, whether you’re planting a garden in the spring, playing outside in the summer, going on a hike in the fall or making a snowman in the winter, be sure to follow these tips and wear the right gear:
In the warmer months, put on a hat and sunglasses to protect yourself from the sun – and remember, drink lots of water to stay hydrated!
Throughout the cooler seasons, wear a jacket, scarf, boots and mittens to protect yourself from the cold.
During extreme weather, like snowstorms, ice storms or thunderstorms, stay indoors as much as possible.
And check the weather forecast daily to help you plan your activities, what to wear and what to bring when you leave home.
Check out the City’s videos on the importance of dressing for all seasons and being safe in the sun.
Know what to do!
This week, take some time to educate yourself and members of your household on what to do in the event of an emergency. Knowing what actions to take before, during and after an emergency can help minimize stress and prevent injuries or damages if one occurs.
A significant emergency can force evacuation or confinement in one place without basic services such as water, gas, electricity or a working telephone. Vaughan's Emergency Planning division wants to help you prepare for emergencies before they happen. There are three steps you can take:
Make a plan. Create an emergency plan (PDF) with everyone living in your household.
Prepare an emergency kit. Gather enough supplies to last everyone – including pets – for at least 72 hours.
Be informed by knowing the risks. While emergencies can happen anywhere, there are some that are more common in our community, like power outages, thunderstorms and winter storms. The City’s Emergency Planning division develops strategies to address potential hazards and threats specific to Vaughan. Visit vaughan.ca/EmergencyPlanning to learn about local risks and find out how to prepare for them.
Stay informed
Do you know where to turn for accurate and timely information in the event of an emergency? Safety alerts and updates can be issued in many ways, including through emails, text messages, websites, social media, radio, television and Alert Ready broadcasts. During an emergency, the City will post timely information and updates on vaughan.ca and our official social media channels. Only rely on trusted sources, like the City, to get up-to-the-minute information. Staying in the know can help keep you and your family safe.
In an emergency, the City is responsible for assessing the impact on the community, protecting the health, safety and well-being of all residents, determining re-entry procedures if an evacuation occurs and implementing recovery strategies. Vaughan’s Emergency Plan was established to ensure the City is as ready as possible for an emergency.
To learn more, visit vaughan.ca/EmergencyPlanning. You can also test your knowledge by taking our daily quiz on Instagram.
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