What To Do Before a Disaster
Have a Plan:
- Identify a family meeting place - if any member of your family needs to evacuate your home in a hurry - they will need a place to go. Make sure everyone knows the place and the phone number.
- Decide on a system of communication - The telephone is the fastest and most convenient way to communicate, but what if the telephone is down? You should have a backup plan.
- Choose an out-of-province family contact - Choose someone in another province to be your "secondary" family contact. In the event of a disaster, call your family contact if you get separated from your family. Make sure everyone memorizes the person's name and telephone number.
Post Emergency Numbers
Keep emergency telephone numbers and addresses handy. If there is a major disaster, use the phone only if its absolutely necessary. Emergency crews will need all available lines.
Prepare An Emergency Survival Kit
Assemble supplies in an easy-to-carry container in case you have to evacuate. Think of any special needs someone in your family may have and include those items.
Have a Show and Tell
Teach members of your family where and how to shut off the water, electricity and gas supply. Make easy to read signs near the breaker panel, main gas valve and main water valve.
Learn About Other Community Emergency Plans
Your children's school and your work place may have their own emergency plans. Find out what they are and how they apply to you.
Watch or Listen to Local Media
Saskatoon radio and television stations have access to up-to-date weather related information. If you suspect inclement weather or other impending danger - your best bet is to tune to a local station and keep it on. You can also tune in to 91.7FM only in an emergency. It will be broadcasting emergency information, details, safety tips, and evacuation routes. In non-emergency times, this frequency is used by Tourism Saskatoon to broadcast tourist updates, but they will turn over the frequency in an emergency.
What To Do During a Disaster
During a Tornado
 |
|
Tornado / Funnel cloud 3km west of Saskatoon |
|
courtesy Saskatoon Star Phoenix |
If you are in a building, go to the basement. If there is no basement, crouch or lie flat (under heavy furniture) in an inner hallway, small inner room or stairwell away from windows. Stay away from large halls, arenas and shopping malls as their roofs could collapse. If you are caught outside and there is no shelter, lie down in a ditch or ravine, protecting your head. If you are driving, get out and away from your vehicle. It could be blown through the air or roll over on you. Lie down as above.
During a Severe Lightning Storm
If you are in a building, stay inside. Stay away from windows, doors, fireplaces, radiators, stoves, metal pipes, showers, sinks or other electrical conductors. Unplug electrical appliances (e.g. TV's, stereos, computers, toasters, etc.). Don't use the phone or other electrical equipment. If you are outside, seek shelter in a building or low-lying area. If you are caught in the open, crouch down with your feet close together and your head down (in the "leap frog" position). Don't lie flat - by minimizing contact with the ground, you reduce the risk of being electrocuted by ground charge. Keep away from telephone and power lines, fences, trees and hilltops. Get off bicycles, motorcycles and tractors. If you are in a vehicle, stop and stay inside. Don't stop near trees or power lines that could fall.
During a Flood
Turn off basement furnaces and outside gas valve. Shut off electricity. If the area around the fuse box or circuit breaker is wet, stand on a dry wooden stick (such as a broom handle). Wear rubber boots or dry leather footwear and leather work gloves. Never try to cross a flood area on foot. The fast water could sweep you away. If you are in a vehicle, avoid driving through flood waters. Fast water could sweep your vehicle away. If you area caught in fast rising waters and your vehicle stalls, all occupants should exit as quickly as possible.
During a Prolonged Power Outage
Because short-term power outages happen from time-to-time most people don't consider a power outage to be an "emergency. However, most Saskatoon home-heating systems are dependant upon electric power to operate the furnace, the forced-air circulation and the thermostat controls. Power interruptions are normally short. However, there have been instances in Canada where power interruptions have lasted for days. In the winter an extended power failure can cause damage to walls, floors and plumbing. The consequences can be reduced in two ways: you can protect your home from frost damage before leaving, or take precautions that will allow you to stay in your home throughout the emergency.
If The Power Goes Out
It's important to note that SaskPower generates all of the electrical power used in Saskatoon. The city distributes that electricity to households and businesses in an area roughly contained within our 1958 civic boundary. SaskPower distributes electricity to all other areas of the city. If you are unsure of who distributes your power, check your utility bill.
Check It Out
Is your home the only one without power on your street? If it is, check the circuit breakers or fuses in your electrical panel. If the problem is not internal, call your electric utility. 24 hour telephone number: SaskPower 310-2220 Saskatoon Electrical Services 975-2621
Tune It In
If the power is out for an extended period of time or the emergency numbers are busy, turn on your battery-powered radio or your vehicle radio. Tune into any local radio station, and listen for more information from Saskatoon's emergency management officials.
Turn It Off
Shut off any computers, televisions, stereos and other appliances.
Hang Up
Use the telephone as little as possible. Try to keep the lines open for officials who are managing the emergency.
Stay Home
Unless you are asked to evacuate your home, stay put. If you must go out, drive cautiously. If traffic lights are not working, light-controlled intersections must be treated as four-way stops. (Remember that your electrical garage door won't work, learn how to operate it manually.)
How To Protect Your Home From The Cold
If there is a prolonged power outage during the winter, there are measures you can take to help protect your house from frost damage.
- Turn off all circuit breakers except one which controls a floor or table light. This light should be left in the "on" position. This light will signal the return of power.
- Turn down the thermostat on the hot water heater and furnace.
- Turn off the main water valve. Protect the valve inlet pipe and meter with blankets or other insulating material.
- Open all water taps until the water flow stops.
- Drain the water heater and flush toilets several times. Add some antifreeze to all drains and toilet bowls. (The antifreeze used in recreational vehicle systems is preferred.)
- Check the operating manual for the dishwasher, washing machine and other appliances for instructions on draining and frost protection.
- Block any drafts with blankets or towels
Home Generators
Home generators are handy for backup electricity in case of an outage, but there are hazards to be aware of. Serious accidents can happen if the generator is connected to an existing electrical circuit. Direct installation of a generator to an existing electrical system should be done by a licensed electrical contractor and must meet building codes. To operate a generator safely, follow these simple steps:
- follow manufacturers instructions.
- always ensure that a portable generator operates outdoors in well-ventilated conditions, away from doors or windows to prevent exhaust gas from entering the house.
- connect lights and appliances directly to the generator. If extension cords must be used, ensure they are properly rated CSA approved cords.
If You Decide To Remain In Your Home
- If you have a fireplace, keep a good supply of fuel and matches on hand.
- If you plan to install a stove or heater which does not require electricity or a generator, make sure it is properly installed and vented to the outside. Use only fuel-burning heaters certified by the Canadian Standards Association or Canadian Gas Association. Check with your local utility about what can be installed safely and be sure to get a certified installer to do your work.
What To Do When the Power Returns
When the power is back on, make sure to do the following:
- Check the entire house for any damage. Check food supplies in cupboards, refrigerators and freezers for signs of spoilage. If the freezer door has been kept closed, food should stay frozen for 24 to 48 hours.
- Turn on circuit breakers .
- Check all electrical appliances one by one.
- Turn on the water supply. Close lowest taps first to allow air to escape from upper taps.
- Make sure the hot water tank is filled before turning up the thermostat
- Rinse out the dishwasher and washing machine if necessary.
- Warm the house slightly above normal temperature for a few hours to allow it to dry out excess humidity.
What To Do When You Are Asked To Leave Your Home
For your own safety, you and your family may be asked to evacuate your home during or before a disaster. Here are a number of tips to secure your home and evacuate safely:
- Protect your house from frost damage as above (if in winter).
- Follow all instructions from emergency officials announced on radio or issued by police or fire personnel.
- Report to a Registration and Inquiry Center. Let officials know you are okay and where you will be staying.
- Ask for transportation and accommodation if you need it. You will be provided with a ride and a place to sleep if required.
- Take only essential items (listen to your radio for more details).
- Lock all doors and windows before you leave your home.
What To Do After A Disaster
Right after the emergency, you may be confused or disoriented. Try to stay calm, and remember the following procedures:
- Help the injured. Your emergency survival kit may be required.
- Listen to the radio there may be more information and instructions.
- Don't use the telephone unless absolutely necessary. Emergency crews will need all lines.
- Check your home for damage. Use a flashlight - don't light matches or turn on electrical switches if you suspect damage. Check for fires, fire hazards or other household hazards. Sniff for gas leaks, starting at the water heater and furnace. If you smell gas, turn off the main valve. Open windows and get everyone outside immediately. Shut off any other damaged utilities. Clean up spilled bleaches, gasoline and other flammable liquids immediately. Wear protective clothing. Confine and secure your pets.
- Once you are satisfied that your family and home are secure, check on your neighbors, especially the elderly or people with disablities.
*If you turn off the gas, it should only be turned back on by a gas company professional.
Emergency Supplies
Have on hand at least a three day supply of food and water. Choose ready-to-eat foods (some that don't require refrigeration and some that don't require cooking.) Here are a few tips to guide you in accumulating your supplies:
Water: an adult should be provided with at least two litres of drinking water per day. In an emergency, water can be retrieved from toilet tanks (not bowl!), water heaters, or melted ice cube trays.
Food: canned food can include soups, stews, baked beans, pasta meat, poultry, fish, vegetables, and/or fruits. Crackers and biscuits are handy, as is honey, peanut butter, syrup, jam, salt and pepper, sugar, instant coffee and/or tea.
Equipment: keep a supply of forks, knives, spoons, manual can opener, bottle opener, disposable cups and plates. A fuel stove and fuel are handy (don't use a barbecue indoors). Don't forget waterproof matches and plastic garbage bags.
Basic Emergency Survival Kit:
| flashlight and batteries |
blankets or sleeping bags |
| radio and batteries |
toilet paper and other personal supplies |
| spare batteries |
medication / prescriptions |
| first-aid kit |
backpack / duffel bag |
| candles and matches / lighter |
important papers (identification for everyone) |
| food and bottled water |
whistle, in case you need to attract attention |
| clothing and footwear |
playing cards, games |
Vehicle Kit:
| shovel |
sand, salt, kitty litter |
traction mats |
| tow chains |
compass |
cloth / paper towels |
| warning light / flares |
extra clothing / footwear |
emergency food pack |
| axe / hatchet |
booster cables |
ice scraper / brush |
| road maps |
matches / survival candle |
fire extinguisher |
| methyl hydrate / de-icer |
flashlight |
first aid kit |
| survival blanket |
|
|
Phone Numbers:
| Emergencies |
911 |
|
|
|
| Police |
975-8300 |
|
Royal University |
655-1000 |
| Fire |
975-3030 |
|
SaskPower (24 hr) |
310-2220 |
| M.D. Ambulance |
975-8800 |
|
SaskEnergy (24 hr) |
975-8500 |
| RCMP (rural) |
310-7267 |
|
City of Saskatoon Electrical |
975-2621 |
| Poison Control |
655-1010 |
|
City Yards (road/sewer water emergencies) |
975-2491 |
| Hospitals: |
|
|
City of Saskatoon Emergency Measures |
975-2411 |
| City |
655-8000 |
|
SPCA |
374-7387 |
| St. Paul's |
655-5000 |
|
Sask. Environment Spill Report Center |
1-800-667-7525 |