Five days to emergency preparedness: Day 1 - Make a Plan

Family (man, woman and child) standing outside in front of their homePreparing for an emergency is important. By taking a few simple steps, you can become better prepared to face a range of emergencies and minimize the impact on yourself and your family.

Steps towards being prepared for an emergency:
 

Day 1: Make a PlanDay 2: Get Emergency SuppliesDay 3: Prepare for Unique NeedsDay 4: Be Informed, Sign up for AlertsDay 5: Create an emergency supply kit for your pet and car

Tasks

Learn what disasters can happen in your area

Research what emergencies could happen in Hamilton.
Check out www.hamilton.ca/emergency-services/emergency-preparedness/preparing-emer...

Discuss how to prepare and respond to emergencies that are most likely to happen where you live and work. Identify responsibilities for each member of your household.

Plan what to do if you have to evacuate

Identify two places for your family to meet. One right outside your home in case of a sudden emergency, such as a fire. The other outside of your neighborhood, in case you cannot return home.
 

 

 

 Make a family communication plan

Develop a plan so your family can stay in touch during an emergency. Include phone numbers for all family members, caregivers, and work, school, and daycare phone numbers, if applicable.

Often long distance phone calls are easier to make during an emergency. Identify a long-distant contact that everyone in your family can call during an emergency to leave messages for the others.

Make a plan for your pets

Identify sheltering options for your pet if you need to evacuate. Consider family, friends, pet-friendly hotels or pet boarding facilities.