Councillor's Corner - 16 July 2010

Are You Ready?

In the wake of the recent earthquake, it is a good idea to ensure that you are prepared in the event of a natural disaster.

Find out what natural and technological disasters could happen in your community. Prepare now, and know what to expect during each disaster. Your best protection in any emergency is in knowing what to do.

In Ottawa, it is a good idea to be prepared for the following emergencies:

• · Power outages
• · Severe winter storms
• · Earthquakes
• · Floods
• · Heat emergencies
• · Infectious disease outbreaks
• · Contamination of the water supply
• · Hazardous chemical releases

One of the easiest things you can do is to simply avoid potential emergency situations. Heed weather warnings and avoid driving and other activities in hazardous weather conditions.

Your Personal Emergency Plan: Before You Begin

Before you begin developing your personal emergency plan, take a few moments to consider the possible emergency situations or potential disasters you could face. These are situations and events that could impact you, your family or your neighbourhood or community.

You may want to consider helping your neighbours do the same, especially those who are elderly or disabled.

Seven Steps to Emergency Preparedness  http://www.ottawa.ca/residents/emergency/before/seven_steps/index_en.html

Will you and your whole family think clearly and logically in a crisis? Not many of us can. So do your planning now, when you have the time to be thorough. It's easy, and doesn't take a lot of time. Please visit the website below for detailed steps, tips and a checklist. You might just find that you are more prepared than you think!

Rural residents of Ottawa may face unique challenges in the event of a major emergency.

In general, all the advice that applies to people who live in urban Ottawa will apply to you, however, there are some important tips you should keep in mind:

Well Water Contamination

If your well water is contaminated by bacteria or parasites, bring the water to a rapid rolling boil and boil for at least one minute before using it for drinking, making infant formula and juices, cooking, making ice, washing fruits and vegetables, and brushing teeth. Bottled water can be used as an alternative.

Contaminated well water should not to be consumed until it is determined to be potable through laboratory analysis.

Water samples should be taken from the well on a regular basis - at least three times a year and after heavy rains, or after any work is done on the well or plumbing system - to ensure the water is potable.

Power Outage

Turn the thermostat(s) down to minimum and turn off all appliances, electronic equipment and tools to prevent injury, damage to equipment and fire. Power can be restored more easily when the system is not overloaded.

Use a flashlight. If you must use candles, be sure to use proper candleholders. Never leave lit candles unattended.

Generators are an option for backup electricity, however:

• · They should never be used indoors
• · They require frequent maintenance (including frequent oil changes)
• · They must be installed and connected to your main panel (not directly to your wiring system) by a qualified electrician.

Always be mindful that it may take longer to restore power to rural areas than to the urban core.

Emergency Supplies, Food and Water

The City of Ottawa recommends that urban residents store enough emergency supplies, food and water to keep them self-sufficient in their homes for three days. However, since restoration of essential services may take longer in rural communities than in an urban setting - as we saw during the Ice Storm - it is a good idea for rural residents to stockpile enough emergency supplies, food and water to last at least a week.