HomeMy WebLinkAboutBe Prepared for an Emerency or Disaster
183037 RR145 (Box 130), Brooks, AB T1R 1B2 Check us out on social media
Phone: 403-362-3266
Fax: 866-860-8158
Email: martink@newellmail.ca
Web: www.countyofnewell.ab.ca
Be Prepared for an Emergency or Disaster
Disasters and Emergencies can strike anytime, anywhere. If one happened today, what would you do and who would
you depend on for the next 72 hours to stay safe?
When an emergency happens, it may take emergency workers some time to reach you depending on the severity of the
event. You should be prepared to take care of yourself and your family for a minimum of 72 hours.
Being prepared means:
➢ Knowing the risks in your community and the most appropriate way to respond to them.
➢ Making a plan for what your family will do, who they will contact and where they will go in the event of an
emergency and practicing it regularly.
➢ Pulling together a 72-hour kit with enough non-perishable food, water, medication, warm clothing and comfort
items for all family members, including your pets.
Grass Fires
Did you know that with a wind speed of only 16 KPH, the grass fire can reach speeds of 34 feet per minute and with a 32
KPH wind the grass fire speeds can reach 80 feet per minute? Your best Protection is Prevention.
➢ Have a minimum of a 10 meters non-combustible area around buildings and equipment.
➢ When needed replace flammable landscaping with fire-resistive counterparts.
➢ Reduce the density of surrounding trees and branches.
➢ Keep flammable or combustible materials, such a fuel, well away from buildings and equipment.
➢ Hot exhaust systems can start grass fire, clean the grass from your vehicle and do not stop in grass that can
touch your exhaust system.
➢ You are responsible if you are lighting an outdoor fire to take sufficient precautions to ensure the fire can be
kept under control at all times.
183037 RR145 (Box 130), Brooks, AB T1R 1B2 Check us out on social media
Phone: 403-362-3266
Fax: 866-860-8158
Email: martink@newellmail.ca
Web: www.countyofnewell.ab.ca
Floods
If a Flood is Forecast
➢ Turn off basement furnaces and outside gas valve.
➢ Take special precautions to safeguard electrical, natural gas, or propane heating equipment.
➢ If there is enough time, consult your electricity or fuel supplier for instructions on how to protect your
equipment.
➢ Shut off the electricity only if flooding has not yet begun and the area around your electrical panel is completely
dry. Have a flashlight handy.
If Flooding is Imminent
➢ Move furniture, electrical appliances and other belongings to floors above ground level.
➢ Remove toxic substances such as pesticides and insecticides from the flood area to prevent pollution.
➢ In some cases, homes may be protected with sandbags.
If you need to Evacuate
➢ Evacuate your home when you are advised to do so by local emergency authorities.
➢ Take your emergency kit with you.
➢ Follow routes specified by officials and report to a reception center if one is opened up.
➢ Make arrangements for pets.
➢ Make arrangements for farm animals.
183037 RR145 (Box 130), Brooks, AB T1R 1B2 Check us out on social media
Phone: 403-362-3266
Fax: 866-860-8158
Email: martink@newellmail.ca
Web: www.countyofnewell.ab.ca
Severe Storms
➢ If you are indoors during a storm, stay away from windows, doors and fireplaces. Do not use corded telephones.
➢ If you are advised by officials to evacuate, do so. Delay may make later evacuation difficult or impossible. Take
your emergency kit with you.
➢ If you are in a vehicle, stop the vehicle away from trees and power lines that might fall on you. Avoid unstable
slopes and low areas prone to flooding and stay inside your vehicle.
➢ Before a severe thunderstorm, unplug appliances and listen for weather updates on a battery powered radio.
Take shelter immediately and do not go out until 30 minutes have passed since the last lightning strike.
➢ If you are outdoors and are not able to get inside look for low lying areas but stay away from streams, etc. Make
yourself a small target by crouching down with your feet close together and your head down.
Your Kit
➢ Food and water (enough for everyone)
➢ Bedding and clothing.
➢ Light and Fuel.
➢ Dishes, utensils, can opener, shovel, axe, pen, paper, knife, rope, cell phone and charger.
➢ Personal supplies and personal documents.
For further information please contact Keith Martin, Fire & Emergency Services Coordinator at 403-362-3266 or go to
www.getprepared.gc.ca or visit www.aema.alberta.ca
Be prepared as your safety begins at home. Individual and family preparedness can greatly reduce the potential impact
of an emergency.
Remember that “Safety is an Attitude”.
Keith R. Martin
Manager of Fire & Emergency Services
County of Newell
Rev. August 21, 2017