How to prepare for an emergency in your community: Health Unit
Emergencies can happen at any time and without warning.
The Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit is hosting Emergency Preparedness Week to encourage the public to prepare themselves and their families for emergencies.
"Preparedness goes a long way to help people cope better during and after a minor emergency or a major disaster. It can also help you reduce the impact on your family and property," stated the health unit.
- Download the CTV News app to get local alerts on your device
- Get the latest local updates sent to your email inbox
Emergencies can take many forms, from natural disasters like fires and extreme weather to infrastructure and social crises.
The health unit is providing guidelines to help the community prepare for different situations.
- Knowing the risks specific to your community and region helps you prepare for emergencies. The local municipality's website has information to help you further understand the risks in your area.
- Creating an emergency plan for your family is a vital step in preparedness. This plan should include identifying a safe meeting place for household members, providing emergency contact information for neighbours and friends, and creating designated evacuation routes for your home and neighbourhood.
- Preparing an emergency kit that includes basic supplies to sustain you for at least 72 hours in case of a power outage or tap water unavailability. Your emergency kit should comprise of a flashlight, radio with extra batteries, bottled water, canned and packaged foods that won't spoil, and prescription medications. It's important to ensure your kit is easy to carry and can accommodate pets.
The complete list of emergency items is available on the health unit's website.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Iran President Ebrahim Raisi found dead at helicopter crash site, state media says
Iranian president, the country’s foreign minister and others have been found dead at the site of a helicopter crash Monday after a search through a foggy, mountainous region of the country’s northwest.
Court eases internet restrictions for Sask. man who matched with a 15-year-old girl on Tinder
A Saskatchewan man who had a sexual encounter with a 15-year-old girl he met on Tinder successfully appealed to shorten release conditions barring him from online dating.
Stittsville residents seeking answers as bylaw cracks down on street basketball nets
Stittsville residents on Kearnsley Way are seeking answers after an unusual bylaw crackdown on Friday. Every home with a basketball net received a ticket instructing homeowners to remove their nets from the road.
'A horrible way to start the summer': 3 killed in serious boat crash on lake north of Kingston, Ont.
Three people were killed and five others were injured Saturday night following a boat crash on the Buck Bay area of Bobs Lake, north of Kingston, Ont., the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) said.
What do we know so far about the mysterious crash of the helicopter carrying Iran's president?
The apparent crash of a helicopter carrying Iran's president and foreign minister on Sunday sent shock waves around the region.
Ex-partner charged with first-degree murder after 55-year-old woman killed in Montreal
Less than 24 hours after Montreal's 12th homicide investigation began, Montreal police confirmed that a 55-year-old woman's death in St. Michel is the island's 13th homicide. The woman's ex-spouse has been charged with first-degree murder.
Walmart, Costco refusing to sign grocery code of conduct 'untenable': industry minister
Industry Minister Francois-Philippe Champagne says it's 'untenable' for 'smaller players' like Walmart and Costco to delay signing on to the government- and industry-led grocery code of conduct, now that industry giant Loblaw has agreed to do so.
VIDEO Born without front legs, this dog has been inspiring the world for 3 years: Dresden farm owner
A sanctuary dedicated to animals with disabilities is celebrating the third birthday of one of its most popular residents.
Police say toxic drugs are circulating through northeastern Ontario
Canada’s largest First Nations police service, the Nishnawbe Aski Police Service issued a community safety alert as extremely toxic drugs are likely circulating in many of the communities it serves.