Winter
Storms – are you prepared?The
Canadian Red Cross advises
Winter
has finally arrived in many parts of Ontario and the Red Cross is
encouraging people to give some thought to their level of
preparedness. When winter storms strike, covering communities in snow
or ice, they can virtually paralyze a city. Being prepared for
unexpected or extreme winter weather can reduce the risk of serious
problems and discomfort.
“The
Red Cross encourages Canadians to take some important steps to ensure
the safety and comfort of their family when emergency strikes,”
said Deborah Spaar-Mueller, Co-ordinator, Disaster Management. “As
the leading humanitarian response agency in times of disaster in
Canada, the Red Cross knows that the best approach is to plan for the
worst and hope you never need to use that plan.”
Have a plan: Whether
it's an ice storm or blizzard, your family should have a planned
meeting location in the event you cannot reach home. Discuss your
plans as a family and identify friends or family you could connect
with in case of trouble. Make sure everyone knows the plan and
telephone numbers to use. If you must evacuate, leave a note showing
your route and destination in your home. Take along a copy of any
important documents (e.g., insurance policy) with you. Post emergency
numbers in your home. Learn where the main switches for the water,
gas and electricity are and how to turn them on/off. Get supplies ready: Severe
storms may leave people shivering in the cold without proper heat or
lighting. An emergency kit should include the following: flashlight
and batteries, radio and batteries, first aid kit, extra car keys and
cash, canned food and bottled water, a manual can opener, change of
clothing and shoes, blankets or sleeping bags, toilet paper and
personal supplies. Also remember medication, and to replace canned
food once a year. Prepare your car in case you get stuck in bad weather: You
might get stranded in your car for a while so make sure you have
these items on hand: ice scraper and brush, shovel, sand, blankets, a
candle in a deep can, waterproof matches, tow chain, warning light or
flares, flashlight, hat and warm clothes, food bars, booster cables,
first aid kit, road maps, methyl hydrate to de-ice the fuel line and
a fire extinguisher. When trouble hits, think before you act: If
the heat goes out, think about your alternative heat sources and
their risks. Using the fireplace and camp heater may work, but using
a barbecue can put you at risk of carbon monoxide poisoning and fire.
“During severe winter storms, serious harm can be caused by
improper use of alternative heat sources…Homes can be destroyed or
damaged by fire resulting from overheated fireplaces while the
improper use of generators can cause electrocution and they must
never be run in a garage or porch -- carbon monoxide poisoning will
be the result.” Have safe alternative heating and lighting
arrangements. Be aware of your hygiene and sanitary needs and plan
ahead in case a power blackout lasts more than a few hours. Know the
signs of hypothermia; it is a potential killer.
For
more information about disaster preparedness, visit www.redcross.ca
or call the Kingston and District branch, Deborah Spaar-Mueller,
Coordinator, Disaster Management at 613-548-4929, Ext. 22. |
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