Be ready for anything !

What are floods?

Floods happen when normally dry land is covered by a large amount of water. They are caused by heavy rains, melting snow, ice jams, wind-related storm surges or dam failures. Floods can cause severe damage and be very expensive. They can also impact human health since flood-contaminated water can carry bacteria and disease. 

BEFORE: How to be prepared for floods

• Visit york.ca/flood to find out if your community or business is at risk of flooding
• Review your insurance policy to ensure you are adequately covered, including sewer back-up insurance (see sewage backup factsheet)

Follow these safety measures to help prevent or lessen the effects of flooding to your home, rental unit or business: 

• Ensure sump pump is working; have a battery back-up
• Clear eavestroughs, catch basins, culverts and drainage ditches 
• Assemble a 72-Hour Emergency Kit — see page 21 of York Region’s Emergency Preparedness Guide or this presentation

DURING: What to do when there’s a flood warning

When flooding occurs, take these precautions to ensure your family and property are protected:

• Have emergency food, drinking water and medical supplies on-hand 
• Move furniture, electronics, appliances, equipment and/or other items off the floor where possible 
• Remove or seal hazardous products like cleaning chemicals 
• Remove toilet bowl water and plug basement sewer drains and toilet connections 
• Have sandbags ready to use, available at hardware stores or online 
• Evacuate your home or vehicle as requested by authorities

AFTER: Returning home after a flood

Do not return home until authorities have deemed it safe to do so. Take care when re-entering your home after a flood, as water may be heavily contaminated with sewage and other pollutants that can pose a health hazard. This flooding factsheet provides a number of safety precautions to follow after you return home and when cleaning up.

Also take the following precautions:

• Check building for foundation damage and make sure all overhangs are supported
• Use a dry piece of wood to turn off electricity at main breaker or fuse box
• Ensure all your utilities (gas, hydro, water) are off and/or safely reconnected by your provider
• Inspect for damage inside your house
• Drain basement water by one-third of the volume of water per day (draining quickly can structurally damage your home)
• Never use wet appliances unless a qualified serviceperson has deemed them safe 
• Contact a heating repair company to inspect your furnace and chimney
• For instructions on how to disinfect wells and cisterns, contact York Region’s Health Connection line at 1-800-361-5653

What is a hazardous materials incident?

Hazardous materials incidents can range from a chemical spill, fire or gas leak on transportation routes or at industrial sites. Hazardous materials include substances (liquids, solids and gases) that pose a potential risk to life, health or property if released into the environment. 

BEFORE: How to prepare in advance

Determine how close you are to major highways, rail lines, pipelines or factories that may produce or transport hazardous materials.

DURING: What to do when a hazardous spill occurs

If you witness (or smell) a hazardous materials accident:

• Do not approach or touch any spilled liquids, airborne mists or solid chemicals 
• Call 9-1-1 and report it 
• Stay away from accident victims until the hazardous material has been identified
• Try not to inhale gases, fumes and smoke; cover your mouth with a cloth 
• Move away (up wind) from the incident site to minimize the risk of exposure or contamination
• Follow instructions from emergency responders

If fumes threaten you personally: 

• Evacuate the area immediately if instructed to do so by local authorities 
• If you are not ordered to evacuate, stay indoors with the building sealed as much as possible 
• If time permits, close all windows, shut vents and shut off heating/air conditioning systems
• Seek immediate medical attention if you are experiencing adverse health symptoms

If you are in a vehicle: 

• Drive away from the area if it is possible to do so
• Stop and seek shelter in a permanent building, if possible 
• If shelter is not available, remain in your vehicle – keep windows and vents closed; shut off the air conditioner and heater

If you are already indoors:

• Remain indoors and bring any pets inside
• Monitor radio or television news for updates and instructions
• Close all windows, shut vents, shut fireplace dampers and turn off heating/air conditioning systems 
• Seal gaps under doorways/windows with wet towels/plastic sheeting and tape
• In large buildings, set ventilation systems to 100% re-circulation so no outside air is drawn into the building – if not possible, turn off the system 
• Shelter in a room that is above ground with the fewest openings to the outside
• Avoid eating or drinking any food or water that may be contaminated

AFTER: What to do after the incident

• If you are experiencing harmful health symptoms, seek immediate medical attention
• If your property or belongings have been contaminated, seek professional advice on proper cleaning and decontamination

What is a power outage?

A power outage occurs when there is a failure in the electrical generation or distribution system to your home or business. It can be caused by a strain on the electrical system or damage to the power lines or towers. 

BEFORE: How to prepare in case there is a power outage

• Be prepared to be self-sufficient for at least 72 hours by having an emergency plan and kit
• Use surge protectors to protect valuable electronics like computers and home entertainment systems
• Know how to safely shut off your home’s electricity, water and gas (and if any special tools are needed)
• Keep your vehicle with no less than a half tank of gas because gas station pumps are electrically operated and won’t work during a power outage
• Have back-up light sources such as flashlights with batteries in all major rooms of your home
• Keep your devices charged; consider having a solar charger in your emergency preparedness kit
• Have a corded telephone that will work without home power in case your mobile phone loses power
• Know how to release your electric garage door opener and how to open the door without electricity (some openers have a battery back-up)
• Have a cooler on hand that can be filled with ice or freezer blocks for cold food storage if needed
• If you depend on home oxygen (or other life-sustaining equipment), have a back-up that does not rely on your home’s electrical power (such as battery back-up); contact your service provider for options

DURING: What to do (and never do!) during a power outage

• Use safe and stable candle holders, if using them for heat and light; never leave burning candles unattended 
• Keep food cool by limiting the number of times you open the refrigerator, unless absolutely necessary
• Turn off appliances not required (electric range, washer and dryer), as appliances left on during an outage will start up when electricity is restored 
• If you are using camping equipment, do so in a space away from where you live and sleep; be sure to store fuels safely
• NEVER use outdoor grills, smokers or barbecues indoors (they are fire hazards and release deadly carbon monoxide gas)
• NEVER operate any fuel burning equipment (including generators) inside your home, basement, garage or other enclosed area as they also release deadly carbon monoxide gas

AFTER: What to do when power is restored

• Only turn on what you need to give the system a chance to stabilize
• Check your fridge and freezer for spoiled food (throw it out immediately)
• Reset your clocks, timers and alarms (replace any items used from your home Emergency Kit)

WHAT IS CONSIDERED A SUMMER STORM?

Severe summer weather is caused by high and low pressure systems converging and can result in dangerous and damaging thunderstorms. 

Thunderstorms can be accompanied by hail, lightning, high winds, heavy rain and can also spurn tornados (discussed in next section). Thunderstorms are usually short and over within an hour although a series of thunderstorms can last for several hours. 

Lightning

Lightning can strike anywhere within the same area that thunder sound travels. If you can hear thunder, you can be struck by lightning and should seek shelter immediately. There is no safe place outdoors during a thunderstorm. If thunder roars, go indoors! 

BEFORE: HOW TO BE PREPARED FOR A SUMMER STORM

Listen to local news and weather reports for information on changing weather conditions. 

DURING: WHAT TO DO DURING A SUMMER STORM

Pay attention to local weather stations for weather watches and warnings. You can also find up-to-date information on severe storm conditions, storm maps, weather warnings and public weather alerts at Environment Canada.

If outside:

• Stay away from trees, telephone poles, wires, fences, or anything metal
• Seek a low-lying area and don’t stand near anything made of metal 

If indoors:

• Stay away from appliances or equipment — anything that will conduct electricity including sinks, tubs and showers 
• Avoid using a telephone that is connected to a landline

If driving or boating:

• Do not park under tall objects that could topple 
• Do not stop or exit vehicle if there are power lines down nearby
• If in a boat, get to shore and find shelter 

AFTER: WHAT TO DO AFTER A SUMMER STORM

Continue to be careful, stay tuned into the weather and follow directions from local authorities, if required.
 

What is a tornado?

A tornado is an extremely powerful, dangerous, funnel-shaped wind vortex that comes into contact with the ground and causes damage. Tornado season runs from March to October with peak activity in late June or early July. These dangerous storms leave a path of destruction in their wake and an average tornado can cause a trail of damage six kilometres long. 

Signs of a tornado include: a dark greenish sky, large hail, often with little rain, visible cloud rotation, a funnel cloud hanging towards the ground, a visible debris cloud where it touches ground and a rumbling or whistling sound.

BEFORE: How to be prepared for a tornado

• Pay attention to local weather stations for weather watches and warnings 
• Make a family emergency plan and have practice drills with your family so everyone knows what to do
• Pick a safe place in your home for household members to gather during a tornado, preferably a basement; make sure it is away from external doors, windows and outside facing walls 
• If you are in a highrise building, pick a place in a hallway in the centre of the building; talk to your building superintendent or manager and know your building emergency plan
• Have an emergency preparedness kit that allows your family to be self-sustaining for at least 72 hours (three days)

DURING: What to do when there is a tornado watch or warning

A tornado WATCH:

• Stay tuned to your local weather station for updated information
• Be careful and be ready to put your family emergency plan into action quickly if a tornado warning is announced
• If you are not at home, determine the safest place to shelter if a tornado occurs

A tornado WARNING:

If outside:

• Take shelter immediately (never wait until you see a tornado) 
• Don’t go under an overpass or bridge; you’re safer in an open flat area 
• If you cannot find shelter, lie flat in a ditch and cover your head with your hands 
• Get as close to the ground as possible and watch for flying debris (small objects become lethal weapons when carried by tornado winds) 
• If you are driving and see a tornado, get to a nearby shelter or travel away from the tornado 
• Do not use your car as a shelter; debris may come through the windows or the vehicle may be lifted away

If indoors:

• Stay tuned to your local weather station for updated information 
• Go to your basement, cold cellar or take shelter in a small interior windowless ground floor room (such as a bathroom, closet or hallway) 
• Put as many walls as possible between you and the outside 
• Shelter under a sturdy piece of furniture 
• Use your arms to protect your head and neck 

If at the office or apartment building:

• Take shelter in an inner hallway or room (ideally in the basement) or ground floor 
• Do not use the elevator and stay away from windows 
• Avoid large rooms that are not supported in the middle such as gymnasiums, churches and auditoriums 

AFTER: What to do after a tornado has touched down

• Monitor media and social media for information about how to access assistance
• Report any emergency situations to local police, fire or paramedic services
• Check for gas leaks in your home; if you smell gas (a rotten egg odour), evacuate the house immediately and call 9-1-1
• Always follow instructions provided to you by your local gas company and local emergency responders
• DO NOT approach or touch any liquid or vapour cloud that might have come from a gas line leak or chemical leak
• Remove your car or any equipment that could be a potential ignition source; this includes smoking, lighting a match or using electronics (cell phones, pagers, flashlights, keyless entry remotes and vehicle alarms)
• Check for blown fuses, circuit breakers or short-circuits in your home wiring and equipment (If a problem exists, call an expert)
• Be mindful of any debris, damage to homes, buildings, roads, bridges
• Notify your insurance agent or broker if your property is damaged

What is considered a winter storm?

Winter storms are linked to the deaths of more than 100 people every year in Canada. Winter storms include blizzards, ice storms, freezing rain, strong winds, extreme cold and major snowfalls. 

BEFORE: How to be prepared for a winter storm

Listen to local news and weather reports for information on changing weather conditions. 

At home

• Talk with your family about what you would do during a winter weather-related emergency, at home or in the car 
• Make a personalized preparedness emergency kit; families should be prepared to be self-sustaining for at least 72 hours (three days)
• Winterize your home by:
  • Insulating walls and attics
  • Caulking and weather-stripping doors and windows
  • Installing storm windows or covering windows with plastic
• Buy rock salt and sand to melt ice and improve traction on sidewalks and driveways
• Have shovels and snow removal equipment handy
• Have an alternative heat source such as a fireplace, wood burning stove or a generator, so you can keep one room in your home warm
• Keep fire extinguishers on-hand and make sure your family knows how to use them
• Be prepared for power outages and flooding once snow melts

In your vehicle

• Prepare your vehicle for winter weather
• Keep your gas tank almost full and have windshield washer fluid more than half-full at all times 
• Winterize your car emergency kit with warm clothing and blankets
• Bring a fully charged cell phone and always have a cell phone charger in case you need to call for help
• Always check local weather conditions before heading out on the road 

On a farm or rural area

• You may want to string a lifeline between your house and any outbuildings which you may have to visit during a storm 
• Install snow fences to reduce drifting snow on roads and paths which could block access to homes, barns and animals’ feed and water 

DURING: What to do during a winter storm

Pay attention to local weather stations for weather watches and warnings. You can also find up-to-date information on severe storm conditions, storm maps, weather warnings and public weather alerts at Environment Canada.

During the storm, avoid going outside or unnecessary travel. If you must go outside, protect yourself from the elements with proper clothing and watch for signs of hypothermia and frostbite (see callout box below). 

At home - fireplace or woodstove safety

• Keep combustibles away from fireplaces and handle hot ashes with care 
• Inspect walls for excessive heat during prolonged usage 
• Watch for smoke coming into the room due to a damper issue or chimney blockage 
• Ensure dampers and chimneys are clean and in good working order; older homes are often at risk of chimney fires if there is creosote buildup in the chimney 

In your vehicle

• Have gas line anti-freeze on-hand in extreme cold weather events 
• If travelling, do so during the day; let someone know your route, departure and estimated arrival time 
• If your car is stuck:
  • Remain calm and stay in your car
  • Keep fresh air in your car by opening the window slightly on the sheltered side, away from the wind
  • Run the car engine about 10 minutes every half-hour if the exhaust system is not obstructed (potentially fatal carbon monoxide fumes have no smell) 
  • Keep moving, exercise hands and feet periodically 
  • Avoid falling asleep 
  • Keep watch for traffic or searchers

On a farm or rural area

• Bring livestock indoors and make sure they have plenty of water and food 
• If you must go to the outbuildings, dress for the weather 

AFTER: What to do after a winter storm

• Continue to be careful, stay tuned into the weather and follow directions from local authorities, if required
• If you must go outside, dress appropriately and be aware of the wind chill 
• Be careful when clearing snow and avoid overexertion