Personal Preparedness

Preparedness at Home

Pre-planning for an emergency in the home is essential to ensuring that all members of a household can be easily contacted, that there are a sufficient amount of emergency supplies, and that all members are aware of where to meet if primary communication methods are unavailable. Maintain updated contact lists for all family members, schools, and the workplace to locate family members in the event of an emergency. Health specific preparedness measures include being aware of the closest health care facilities, keeping an up to date file at a nearby pharmacy, having contact information for physicians, and including health specific supplies such as glasses and medications in the household’s emergency kit.

Preparedness in the Workplace

It is just as important to be prepared in the workplace as it is to be prepared at home. Basic precautionary measures such as storing running shoes under the desk, having extra water, and family contact information on hand are all vital to responding to an emergency both at the workplace and at home.  In addition to this, awareness of evacuation procedures and assembly areas is also important.  Contact your organizations occupational health and safety department for your buildings plan and procedures (Ministry of Health Services’ employees can obtain this information from Health ePlace). 

For additional information visit the Links page under Personal Preparedness