Types of Emergencies

Winter storms such as blizzards, ice storms and heavy snowfalls may create hazardous conditions, frozen or burst pipes, and cause power disruptions. Health impacts associated with extreme cold include frostnip, frostbite, and hypothermia. Check for weather alerts and advisories before you go outdoors.

Health impacts

• Potential health impacts associated with extreme cold include frostnip, frostbite, and hypothermia. In severe cases, hypothermia can lead to organ failure and even death.
• People most at risk of cold-related illness are people experiencing homelessness, people who work outdoors, people with a pre-existing heart condition or respiratory illness, people taking certain medications, and infants and young children.

Water pipes impacts

• Frozen pipes can leave you with no water and cause your pipes to burst, leading to expensive property damage. Take steps to protect your pipes from freezing and learn what to do if they freeze.

Road Impacts

• Damage and disruption to roads, transportation systems and other infrastructure.
• Dangerous driving and walking conditions.

Stay active and safe

• Wear waterproof and windproof outer layers, a hat and warm mittens.
• Choose wool, silk or polypropylene inner layers of clothing; these materials hold more body heat than cotton.
• Change into dry clothing as soon as possible if you get wet from precipitation, sweat or submersion in water.
• Wear several layers of warm lightweight clothing when shoveling snow and follow medical advice if you have a history of back or heart problems.
• Reschedule outdoor activities and limit time outdoors if severe weather is forecast.
• Notify friends or family where you will be when going on outdoor activities, such as hiking and skiing.
• Take care when walking on ice, many cold-weather injuries result from slips and falls on ice-covered surfaces.
• Keep your steps and walkways free of ice and snow by using rock salt or other de-icing compounds.

Be cautious about travel

• Listen to the weather forecast.
• Avoid traveling in low visibility and on ice covered roads.
• Clear your vehicle windows of all frost and snow so you can clearly see pedestrians, cyclists and other road users.
• Take a charged mobile phone.
• Make sure your car has a survival kit including a first aid kit, water and additional warm clothing and let someone know your destination and when you expect to arrive.

The risk of power outages also increases during periods of extreme heat as the demand for electricity can exceed the capacity of the electrical system.

During the summer, extreme heat can be life-threatening, especially for:

• the elderly, young children and those who are ill or overweight;
• people who exercise vigorously or are involved in strenuous work outdoors for prolonged periods;
• people who exercise vigorously or are involved in strenuous work outdoors for prolonged periods
• people taking certain medications, for example, for mental health conditions.

You can protect yourself from heat and humidity by:

• Knowing the weather forecast before going outside
• Planning ahead and modifying your plans according to the weather
• Drinking plenty of cool liquids, especially water, before you feel thirsty (avoid drinks high in sugar, caffeine or alcohol)
• Wearing loose-fitting, light-coloured clothing made of breathable fabric
• Seeking shade and avoiding sun exposure
• Taking a break from the heat by spending a few hours in a cool place
• Taking cool showers or baths until you feel refreshed
• Blocking the sun by closing curtains or blinds during the day
• Preparing meals that don't require the stove

Exposure to extreme heat and humidity can cause:

• Dizziness or fainting
• Nausea or vomiting
• Headache
• Rapid breathing and heartbeat
• Extreme thirst
• Decreased urination

Never leave people or pets inside a parked vehicle or in direct sunlight.

Frequently visit vulnerable neighbours, friends and older family members, especially those who are chronically ill, to make sure they are cool and hydrated

Fires and explosions can cause extensive damage to property through smoke and burn damage. They can commonly result in evacuations of large numbers of people, closure of roads, homes or businesses, and even water damage from sprinkler systems or fire hoses.

Preventive Measures:

• Install smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors throughout your home and outside all bedrooms
• Regularly check the batteries and replace twice each year
• Prepare and practice your escape plan by identifying all exits and a place outside your home for family members to meet if you have to evacuate quickly

In the event of fire:

• Sound fire alarm and alert others
• Leave the building via the nearest exit, closing all doors behind you
• Do not use the elevator
• Call 9-1-1 (don’t assume this has been done)
• If you cannot leave the building, stay close to the floor and cover your mouth and nose to avoid inhaling smoke
• Move to the nearest window or balcony
• Wave a piece of cloth to attract attention from emergency services personnel
• Meet the firefighters when they arrive and tell them where the fire is

Major rain storms can cause flooding, especially in low-lying areas. Flash floods may occur without warning as streams and rivers overflow their banks. Heavy rain may also cause sewers to back up. 

Current conditions for the Grand River watershed can be found on the Grand River Conservation Authority website. 

Know your Risks

The risks associated with extreme rain include:

• basement flooding
• flooding and damage to public and private property, including roadways, parks and ravines
• disruption of transit systems and public utilities
• power outages

Take proper precautions

Indoors

Follow these indoor precautions during a flood:

• Turn off the furnace and gas valve in your basement.
• Close all basement windows.
• Turn off your fuse box.
• Move any electrical appliances to a higher level.
• Plug the basement sewer drain.
• Do not stay in basements.
• Stick to your emergency plan and get your emergency kit.
• Listen to the radio and other media for emergency updates. If told to evacuate your home, leave as quickly and as safely as possible.
• If your home is badly affected, evacuate safely.

Outdoors

Follow these outdoor precautions during a flood:

• Only walk on firm ground.
• Avoid walking on moving water.
• Avoid flooded places and stand on elevated areas.
• Don't try to cross floodwater.

In a vehicle

Follow these vehicle precautions during a flood:

• Only travel if it is necessary.
• Avoid driving through flooded roads.
• Avoid sitting in your car.
• If your car is stuck in rising floodwater, exit your car and seek high ground.
• Have an emergency vehicle kit and a multi-purpose vehicle emergency exit tool that includes a seatbelt cutter, flashlight and window-breaker.

If you witness or cause a hazardous material spill, always make the safety of others and yourself the top priority. Never attempt to clean up a hazardous spill if you do not know the material type, it is toxic, too large to contain or your lack the necessary protective equipment to do so yourself.

Small spills:

• Immediately evacuate and deny entry to the spill area
• Follow safety cleanup procedures if it is a non toxic spill
• Properly dispose of your spill during the City’s Household Hazardous Waste Days

Large spills:

• Alert others in the area and evacuate
• Immediately call 911
• Provide material type, quantity and the location of the spill to first responders
• Stay in a safe location until first responders contain the spill

Power failures and utility disruptions can be caused by failures in the system or external events such as severe weather. A power outage may last from a few minutes to a few days. Prolonged power outages in extreme hot or cold weather may put your health and safety at risk.

Conveniences we enjoy, such as elevators and running water, may be affected during a power outage.  Your patience is needed and appreciated while these complex issues are resolved.

Depending on your provider call Brantford Power Emergency Services/Report Power Outage is 519-751-3522 or Energy+ at 1-833-769-3701.

Call to report power failures, wires down, power quality problems and to speak to Customer Care.

During an Outage

• Unplug all appliances (space heaters, toaster ovens, griddles, etc.) that may have been left on at the time of the outage and could ignite when they come back on
• Unplug computers, televisions, stereos and other electronics to prevent damage caused by power surges (use surge protecting power bars where possible)
• Turn off stove cook top and oven
• Turn off the water to the clothes washer and dishwasher if they were in use when the power went out, if possible
• Leave a light or radio on so you will know when power is restored
• Never use barbecues, propane or kerosene heaters, or portable generators indoors
• Never leave candles unattended

During an extended power outage, your building’s property management staff or community organizations might visit you at home to make sure you are safe.

Union Gas Distribution

A thunderstorm is accompanied by lightning and can produce extreme weather such as tornados, hail, windstorms and heavy rain. It’s important to recognize the warning signs before lightning strikes to keep you and your family safe.

Warning signs:

• Look to the sky for darkening skies, flashes of light, increasing winds and the sound of thunder
• Seek shelter immediately if you can hear thunder as you are close enough to the storm to be struck by lightning
• Stay connected by listening to local radio or television broadcasts to monitor the weather

Safety indoors:

• Find shelter indoors
• Avoid telephone lines and metal pipes or appliances that can conduct electricity
• Do not run any water or take a bath or shower
• Turn off your air conditioner and unplug your appliances, power surges from lightning can cause serious damage

Safety outdoors:

• Take cover inside or under a shorter tree
• If you are swimming or boating on the water, seek shelter on land immediately!
• Seek refuge in a low-lying, open place away from poles, trees, or metal objects
• Squat low to the ground by placing your hands on your knees with your head between them and become a very small target!

Once the storm passes, continue to follow weather updates and avoid low-lying areas that could experience flash flooding. If someone is struck by lightning, call 911 immediately. If the individual’s breathing has stopped, begin rescue breathing. A trained person in first aid can provide CPR if the heart has stopped beating.