Prepare for an Emergency

Emergencies can happen anytime, often without warning. Taking a few simple steps now can help protect you, your family and your property in the City of Cornwall. Learn about the key hazards in our community, how to create a family emergency plan, what to pack in an emergency kit and when to evacuate or shelter in place. Take time to review this information and get ready. Being prepared can help keep you and your family safe when it matters most.

What is Emergency Management?

Emergency Management is how municipalities plan for, respond to and recover from emergencies. It focuses on four key areas:

• Prevention

• Mitigation

• Preparedness

• Response

• Recovery

Know the risks in your community

Understanding the risks in Cornwall can help you prepare. Ask yourself: Do you have the right insurance coverage for a flood or earthquake? Does your family know what to do in an emergency?

Significant hazards in Cornwall include:

• Civil disorder

• Critical infrastructure failure

• Cyber attack

• Earthquakes or tremors

• Extreme heat or cold

• Fires or explosion

• Flood

• Hazardous materials (fixed site or in transport)

• Human health emergency, infectious disease and energy supply emergency

• Oil or natural gas emergency

• Snowstorm, blizzard and winter weather

• Tornado and extreme temperature

• Transportation incidents (road, rail, air, marine, etc.)

Know when to evacuate or shelter in place

During an emergency, officials may order you to evacuate or stay where you are (shelter in place). These orders are usually shared through TV, radio, government websites, social media or wireless alerts. If you’re ordered to evacuate:

• Leave only when told to by officials and if it is safe to do so

• Take your pets and family emergency kit with you

• Go to your family meeting place or a designated reception centre

If ordered to shelter in place:

• Close and lock all windows and exterior doors

• Turn off fans, heating and air conditioning to stop outside air from coming in

Know the plans for your family and workplace

Take these steps to stay prepared:

• Learn about your children's school or daycare evacuation and emergency plans

• Find out about the emergency plan at your workplace

• Understand your role in case of an emergency

Make your plan

Prepare a family emergency plan so you can be self-sufficient for 72 hours and include:

• Two meeting places in case you have to leave your home or can’t return home right away

• An out-of-area contact far enough away that they won't be affected by the same emergency

• Where you would stay if evacuated, such as with family, friends or at a hotel

• Arrangements for pets in case your accommodation doesn't allow them

• Important contacts, including emergency numbers, family, work, schools and accommodations

• Health information such as prescriptions and allergies

Make sure that you print out your plan and give a copy to each family member as well as your out-of-area contact.

Create your emergency kit

Each family member should have a portable 72-hour emergency kit in an easy-to-carry duffel bag or container. These supplies will help you survive and stay self-sufficient for at least three days. You should pack the following in your kit:

• Flashlight and batteries

• Radio and batteries

• First aid kit

• Candles and matches or lighter

• Documents: identification, insurance policy, passport, health cards and family emergency plan

• Food and bottled water (enough for 72 hours)

• Clothing and footwear suitable for the weather

• Blankets or sleeping bags

• Toilet paper and hygiene items

• Medication

• Whistle

• Portable battery bank for powering mobile devices

• Playing cards or games

How the City prepares and plans for emergencies

The City of Cornwall works year round to plan for emergencies and protect the community. The City proactively seeks out solutions to risk prior to an emergency occurring. These objectives are accomplished by coordinating, training and with continuous improvement at forefront. 

City staff are prepared to:

• Make decisions and coordinate action

• Assess events as they occur

• Maintain operations throughout the community

• Support citizens before, during and after an emergency

Remember emergency preparedness starts at the individual level