WHY DO WE HAVE AN EMERGENCY PLAN?

An Emergency Plan is required so that all staff and residents of Gillies Township are aware of their responsibilities in the event of a
disaster or catastrophe such as:

• Forest fire
• Prolonged power failure during
• Extreme cold weather
• Hazardous materials spills
• Flood
• Major property damage (wind, explosion)
• Influenza or other pandemic
  

OBJECTIVE OF THE PLAN

The Emergency Plan has been developed with an Evacuation Plan so that all residents can be moved to safety, with a minimum of delay andconfusion. In the event that only a small area of the municipality is affected, reception areas in the safe
parts of our community will be used. Gillies’

Plan ensures that:

• Everyone in the affected area is notified.
• Assistance, transportation, food and shelter are provided, when possible, for the residents involved in the emergency until the situation returns to normal.

OPERATION OF THE PLAN

Residents will be alerted of an evacuation by the continuous sounding of fire and police sirens or by door to door notification under the authority of the Community Control Group.

On hearing the alert, residents are asked to tune
their radios to CBQ AM 88.3 for instructions.

PREPARATION

On receiving a warning about an immediate or
impending evacuation, each person or family
should have ready:

• Identification, money, credit cards, bedding
  items (blankets, sleeping bags, pillow)
• Ready-to-eat food for at least 12 hours
• Thermos bottle with hot beverage
• Toiletries and prescription drugs
• Clothing, including a change of clothing, one
  piece of luggage per person, preferably a
  suitcase that can serve as a seat

Residents relying on public reception centres for accommodation are reminded that pets are not permitted. The Township will arrange for local stores and gasoline stations to remain open during an emergency as long as conditions permit.

NOTIFICATION

Your local emergency service and radio station will advise everyone further with reference to the staging area and other evacuation plans. Road-blocks may be set up by emergency services and your complete cooperation is requested.

In an emergency, other emergency phone
numbers may be activated.

• All residents must be accounted for. Therefore you will be notified where the Registration Centres will be set up.
• Remember to notify your immediate family of your whereabouts.
• If an emergency is imminent, keep phone lines open for emergency workers.
• Follow the Township’s Community Control Group’s instructions. If you are asked to evacuate, do so promptly.
• Travel only on routes that are recommended.

EMERGENCY PREPARDENESS IN YOUR HOME

Emergency Survival Kit:

• Prepare an emergency survival kit that will keep you and your family self-sufficient for at least 3 days.
• Water – a minimum of four litres per person per day.
• Food – stock non-perishable food and a manually operated can opener.
• Stock a first aid kit and include prescription medication.
• Stock tools and supplies – battery operated radio, flashlight, extra batteries, utility knife, waterproof matches, candles, needles and hreads, windup clock, toiletries.
• Clothing and bedding – one change of clothing for each person, sturdy shoes, rain gear and blankets.
  

Hazard Proof Your Home:

• Anticipate what could go wrong and take corrective action.
• Know where and how to shut off water, power and gas. Have any tools required on hand.
• Evaluate what supplies you need to store.

Power Failure:

• Check to see if your neighbours have power and report your outage to Hydro One at 1-800-434-1235.
• Never leave lit candles unattended.
• Never use charcoal, propane or natural gas barbeques or camping heaters indoors.
• Unplug sensitive electronic equipment.

Your Own Power and Heat Supply:

In the event of a prolonged power outage, some residents may consider using a portable generator, especially if you are dealing with family members who have critical needs such as an oxygen machine. Retailers of gasoline operated generators are listed in the yellow pages under generators. A licensed electrician must do the installation if hooked to your house power. Portable generators must be operated out-of-doors. Ensure that back up heat sources such as wood, oil, gas stoves and fireplaces are properly installed and that you have extra fuel available. Be sure to store all fuels safely.

TELEPHONE OUTAGE

In the event of a prolonged telephone outage, a firefighter will be stationed at your fire hall. Residents will be able to contact the on-duty firefighter by walking or driving to the fire hall to report an emergency. The fire hall will be manned until telephone service is restored.

IMPORTANT PHONE NUMBERS

Fire & Emergency 911

Police 911

Municipal Office 475-3185

Ontario Hydro 1-800-434-1235

Be sure your emergency number and road name are written in a visible spot by your telephone.

INFORMATION RESOURCES

www.ontario.ca/emo

www.emergencypreparednessweek.ca

www.redcross.ca

www.ofm.fov.on.ca