Know your Risks

Knowing the risks for your region can help you better prepare. The two most common risks for Saskatchewan are floods and wild fires. Our area is also exposed to other risks which include blizzards, power outages, tornadoes, etc.

 

For a list of risks for Saskatchewan and information for each risk please click on the following link:

Know the Risks – Saskatchewan

 

Developing an Emergency Plan

Every household needs an emergency plan. It will provide you and your family with the knowledge of what to do in the event of an emergency. Ensure pets and elderly family members who may not live with you are included in your emergency plan. Ask someone outside your immediate area to act as a central point of contact for your family members.

 

Click on the following link for more information on how to make an emergency plan:

Make an Emergency Plan

 

Every household should be prepared to take care of themselves for a minimum of 72 hours if a major emergency occurred. Is your family prepared? The Emergency Preparedness Guide will show you how to put together both a household and workplace plan as well as a plan for children and pets.

 

Your Emergency Preparedness Guide

 

Putting an Emergency Kit Together

Basic supplies will be needed if an emergency occurs. For example you may be without power or tap water. It is important that everyone is able to be self-sufficient for a minimum of 72 hours. Everyone in your household should know where it is located in the home. It should also be easy to carry in case there is an evacuation.

 

Contents of your emergency kit should include items such as water, food that won’t spoil, manual can opener, wind-up or battery operated flashlight and radio, first aid kit, small amount of cash (including change for payphones) and a copy of your emergency plan. Other items that may be applicable are prescription medication, baby formula and items required for your pets.

 

Please click on the following links for a more comprehensive list:

Get an Emergency Kit 

 

During an Emergency

Call 911 only if you are reporting a fire, crime or saving a life. All non-emergency calls should be to your local police, fire or paramedic service.

 

In the case of a major emergency:

1. Follow you emergency plan.

2. Get your emergency kit

3. Make sure you are safe before assisting others.

4. Listen to the radio or television for information from local officials and follow their instructions.

5. Stay put until all is safe or until you are ordered to evacuate.

 

Further information can be found at the following links:

During an Emergency

Staying in Touch During an Emergency

 

After an Emergency

Not all situations are the same but there are general instructions that will apply. Stay calm, check for injuries (including yourself, family members and other people injured or trapped), secure pets, listen to the radio for instructions and avoid using the telephone unless it is urgent.

 

For more information on what to do after an emergency please read the following link:

After an Emergency

 

In the Event of an Evacuation

Follow all directions given by authorities. Take you emergency kit, wallet, personal identification for each family member and copies of essential documents. If available, bring a cell phone and spare battery/charger.

 

For further information read the Evacuation Orders section in the Emergency Preparedness Guide.

 

Who Does what in an Emergency

Individuals and Families

Individuals should be prepared to take care of themselves and their families for a minimum of 72 hours during an emergency. Individuals should also understand the basics of first aid and safety.

 

First Responders (Fire, Police & Paramedics)

Local fire, police, paramedics and search & rescue teams are usually the first to respond. They are responsible for managing local emergencies as part of the municipal emergency plan.

 

Non-Government Organizations

There are non-profit, non-government organizations that help with disaster prevention/mitigation, preparedness, response and recovery. Examples are Canadian Red Cross, St. John Ambulance and The Salvation Army. They work in partnership with governments to help deal with emergencies. They provide anything from first aid training to disaster relief.

 

Provincial and Territorial Governments

Each province and territory has an emergency management organization (EMO). They manage large-scale emergencies and provide assistance to communities as required.

 

Federal Government

Federal departments and agencies support EMO’s as requested. They also manage emergencies that involve federal jurisdictions. These include safety, national defense and border security