You’re more prepared than you think
Make a plan, create an emergency kit and know the risks before an emergency strikes
Emergencies can happen anywhere and at any time – sometimes without warning. During Emergency Preparedness Week, on now until Saturday, May 13, the City of Vaughan is reminding you that you are more prepared for an emergency than you think.
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.
Be prepared
Prevention and preparation are essential. 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 – 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.
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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