Personal Preparedness Plan

By Emergency Management Ontario

The most essential step in preparing for an emergency is to build a personal plan designed specifically to fit the needs of your family. The following steps help to personalize a plan that will help your family to successfully overcome an emergency situation:

1. Create an emergency communications plan
    
   • Choose an individual whom your family should contact if an emergency occurs. Choose someone who lives far enough away that the individual is unlikely to be directly affected by the same event. Be sure to tell that person that he or she is your designated contact.
   • List your designated contact's telephone numbers and e-mail addresses for everyone in the family or household. Ensure every family member has a copy of the list including your children’s schools and your workplace.
      
2. Establish a meeting place
    
   • Decide on a designated meeting place for family members should an emergency occur. This will likely reduce confusion and ensure all family members are together during a difficult time.
      
3. Collect an emergency supplies kit
    
   • If your family must evacuate your home or seal yourself inside for a period of time, it is necessary that you and your family have some essential supplies to make the time more comfortable.
   • Prepare your kit in a simple storage container and store it in an easily accessible location. Aim to have supplies that will keep you and your family self-sufficient for at least three days.
      
4. Learn about your community emergency plans, arrangements and authorities
    
   • Find out where emergency shelters are located and whether there are designated emergency routes. Identify the closest emergency services offices and record the telephone numbers and post near the telephone.
      
5. Check the emergency plan for your child’s school or day-care centre.
    
   • It is important to know what the school’s policies are in the event of an emergency. Does your child stay at school until someone can pick them up or are they sent home? Ensure the school has current contact numbers so that they may reach you.
      
6. Learn some basic first aid techniques
    
   • Learning some basic first aid techniques helps ensure the safety of you and your family members.