Emergencies

Emergencies can happen anytime, anywhere. Severe weather such as floods, tornadoes, ice storms, and accidents such as chemical spills can strike any community.

The City of Oshawa and regional, provincial, and federal governments are prepared to respond during emergencies. Still, only you can prepare yourself and your household. As a household, take the time to discuss:

the types of emergencies that can occur;
what you need to prepare;
what to do during an emergency and evacuation; and
outline the roles and responsibilities of each person.

Take the time to practise the plan to avoid any confusion.

Be 72 hours prepared

Preparing in advance for an emergency, will save time and reduce stress. Plan to have food, water and other essentials such as medications for at least 72 hours (three days) for your household.

Household emergency kit

Include essential items your household may need for at least 72 hours, such as:

First aid kit
Personal hygiene supplies
Flashlights
Radio, either battery-powered or a wind-up radio
Extra batteries, including a backup battery for your smartphone
Special need items, such as baby supplies, equipment for individuals with disabilities and prescription medications
Water, two litres per person, per day - pack small bottles
Food that will not spoil (e.g. canned foods, energy bars)
Food preparation equipment, including knives, forms, spoons, disposable cups and plates, paper towels, and a can opener
Blankets
Seasonal items (e.g. sunscreen, sunglasses, hats)
A copy of your emergency plan and personal documents
Money in small bills and coins
Extra keys for your car and house

Accessibility considerations

For community members living with a physical, visual, auditory and/or other non-visible disability, unique accommodations and considerations may be required, including:

Create a network to assist you in an emergency and ask them to be part of your household emergency plan. Demonstrate how to operate medical equipment and practise emergency procedures, including how to broadcast emergency information or warning if you are hearing impaired or deaf
Maintain a list of essential items, store it with your emergency kit, and share a copy with your network. Items may include:
- special equipment and supplies (e.g. batteries for medical equipment or items like hearing aids, assistive devices, catheters, inner tubes for wheelchair tires)
- prescription names (strengths and dosages, and any special storage requirements)
- contact information for physicians and pharmacists
Wear a medical alert tag or bracelet to identify your illness
Keep a whistle and flashlight near you, as this will help others find you in an emergency; the international signal for help is three short blasts
Keep walking aids close by, and if possible, an extra cane or walking aid in different rooms and at work
if you have a service guide dog, keep a cane handy in case the dog becomes injured or is too frightened to help

For community members who are deaf, deafened, hard of hearing or speech impaired:

during an emergency, Text with 9-1-1 provides 9-1-1 call centres with the ability to talk with you using text messaging. To use this service:
- register for Text with 9-1-1 with your wireless service provider
- have a compatible cell phone

Learn more and register at textwith911.ca.