How to be better prepared for an emergency

Extreme weather, power outages flooding, industrial accidents are all possible emergencies that could occur in Hamilton. With a severe thunderstorm warning in effect- and the risk of a tornado, it's a good time to revisit your emergency preparedness plans.

Three-step emergency preparedness plan from the City of Hamilton

CBC News · Posted: Jun 17, 2014 4:28 PM EDT | Last Updated: June 17, 2014

When an emergency happens, it may take emergency workers some time to reach you. Families should be self sufficient for at least 72 hours with the help of an emergency kit. (iStock)

Severe thunderstorms, tornadoes, flooding, ice and snow storms, along with industrial and transportation accidents are all major emergencies that could strike in Hamilton. And many of them have in recent years. Last winter's brutal ice storm caught many off guard as residents struggled to stay warm and hydro crews scrambled to turn the lights back on.

It is always a good idea to revisit your emergency preparedness plans.

Here's a summary of the three-step emergency plan from the City of Hamilton

1. Know the risks

Severe weather and power outages were among the number of emergencies that the city says have occurred or may occur in Hamilton.

Top 10 risks, in order, for Hamilton:

1. Hazardous materials and explosions

2. Energy supply emergencies

3. Epidemics/pandemics

4. Terrorism

5. Flooding

6. Structure fire (major)

7. Tornadoes (windstorm and microburst)

8. Transportation accident - motor vehicle

9. Ice storms

10. Earthquake

Ice storm is ranked ninth in the top 10 emergencies the city plans for, behind other emergencies like hazardous materials and explosions, epidemics and terrorism. That ranking is based on a mathematical equation the city uses: Risk = (Probability + frequency) X (sum of consequences).The city will also conduct another risk assessment of the emergencies next year using a new process developed by the province's emergency services branch, which may have some impact on the rankings.

Make a plan

Each household should have an emergency plan, which covers the following:

Safe exits from the home and neighbourhood.
A meeting place near your home for your family.
A designated person to pick up children from school or daycare should you be unavailable.
Out of town contact person(s).
Special health needs.
Location of fire extinguisher, water valve, electric box, gas valve and floor drain.

The federal government also has a step-by-step online tool that guides you through the process.

3. Get a kit

After an emergency, it may take crews some time to reach you. Families should be prepared to be self sufficient for at least 72 hours.

The following items will help you build a 72-hour basic emergency kit. Store them in a backpack or duffel bag in an easy-to-reach location. The kit should be checked once a year and re-stocked as needed.