Emergency Preparedness

The IERHA disaster and continuity management team works in collaboration with all Service Delivery Organizations (SDOs) and the Shared Health Emergency Continuity Management team to manage disaster incidents impacting Manitobans.

In the event of a emergency such as flood, wildfire, blizzards or prolonged power outages, it is important to be prepared in case you need to either stay home for a long period of time or evacuate to a safe area.

Emergency Kits

Emergency Go Kit

During an emergency situation where you may need to leave your home the following items are recommended for a Emergency Go Kit:

Medical Needs

• Prescription medication and over the counter medications (have a reserve plan).
• Medical devices, extra batteries, power banks.
• Equipment for activities of daily living.
• Consider a walker, cane, wheelchair, oxygen, suction, dialysis equipment, hearing aids and extra batteries, magnifying glass, computer equipment, software and power supplies
• Comprehensive first aid kit.
• Extra pair of glasses or contacts with a case and solution.
• Emergency Response Information Kit (ERIK)

Food/water

• Water: 1 litre per person.
• Small non-perishable food: consider including food you enjoy (e.g., granola bars, dried fruit, nuts, or protein bars). Consider special diets such ,as diabetic, gluten free, lactose free, nut free, vegan, kosher, low sodium.
• Disposable utensils, plates/bowls, and paper towels.
• Manual can opener
• Water purification straws or sanitation tablets.

Personal Hygiene/Clothing

• Personal hygiene items (e.g., toothbrush, toothpaste, hand sanitizer, feminine products, deodorant, hair comb, chap stick, non-medical mask, or resealable plastic bag).
• Toilet paper, garbage bags with ties and baby wipes.
• Complete change of clothing per person appropriate for the season (rotate seasonal clothing every 6 months).

Cash/documents

• Cash: up to $50 a person in small bills.
• Physical and digital copies of important documents.

Entertainment/ tools

• Mobile device back up batteries and charging blocks with extra cables.
• Entertainment (e.g., tablet or smart phone with headset, activity books, or other items to pass the time).
• Multi-tool (hammer, screwdriver, pliers, knife, saw).
• **Optional battery-powered or hand-crank flashlight with extra batteries (if you do not have a smart phone).
• **Optional battery-powered or hand-crank radio (if you do not have a smart phone). If you have a smart phone ensure you have an app that includes the ability to listen to local radio stations.

Emergency go kit in vehicle

Below is a list of general items to keep in your emergency car kit. Please note that is important to know how to safely utilize the items in your kit, specifically, booster (jumper) cables, fire extinguisher, and road flares.

• Battery-powered radio and flashlight (including extra batteries)
• Blanket
• Booster (jumper) cables
• Fire extinguisher
• First aid kit and manual
• Bottled water (replace every 6 months)
• High-energy foods that won’t go bad (replace every year)
• Maps of the area
• Shovel
• Road flares
• Tire repair kit and pump
• Matches
• Survival candle and deep can

Technology during an emergency

In an emergency, technology may not always work due to power outages, network congestion, overwhelmed cellular services and battery loss.

If possible, use non-voice channels like text messaging, email or social media. Keep your conversations brief by conveying only vital information. Conserve your smartphone’s battery by reducing the screens brightness, placing on airplane mode and closing apps not in use. Be sure to also keep your contacts up to date. If your call is dropped, check your cell signal and move to a better location if necessary. If the cell signal is adequate, wait at least 10 seconds before redialing to reduce network congestion.

Fire Warning Preparation

The IERHA disaster management team, in conjunction with our external partners, is prepared to support Manitobans impacted by wildfires. Peak fire season is typically between late May and lasts approximately 14 weeks.

How to prepare for a Wildfire:

• Know your risk.
• Have an emergency and evacuation plan in place.
• Park your vehicle, positioned forward out of the driveway.
• Ensure you have an emergency preparedness kit in your vehicle.
• Ensure smoke alarms are in working condition (replace batteries every 6 months).
• Pack important documents and valuables that cannot be replaced in your vehicle.
• Ensure your vehicle has enough fuel. If an evacuation becomes necessary, it will be hard to stop for gas.
• Check on elderly relatives and neighbours.
• Monitor the wildfire’s progress through radio, television or local social media accounts for warning and information from authorities and emergency officials.
• Turn off propane and natural gas.
• Move combustibles into the open, away from structures.
• Turn on the lights in the house, porch, garage and yard to aid visibility.
• Remove fire hazards from in and around your home (dried out branches, leaves, debris).
• Close all windows and doors in your home.
• Have a sprinkler available.

Heat warning

A heat warning, as defined by Environment Canada, means daytime and nighttime temperatures or humidex values are expected to be higher than the average high temperature for 2 or more days in a row.

Learn how to prepare, what to do during and the symptoms of heat illness:

Preparation:

• Arrange air conditioning and fans.
• Determine locations to get cool such as public libraries, malls, splash pads, and community centres.
• Cover windows with drapes or shades.
• Have sunscreen available.
• Stay hydrated (before and during).
• Check on individuals who are most vulnerable.
• Monitor information through radio, television or local social media accounts from authorities and emergency officials.

During:

• Stay hydrated by drinking cool fluids, even if you don’t feel thirsty.
• Never leave people or pets enclosed in vehicles.
• Avoid being outside during the hottest parts of the day.
• Dress for the heat and activity level.
• Wear light, loose clothing.
• Wear a hat and apply sunscreen.
• Limit activities outside by taking frequent breaks.
• Check on individuals who are most vulnerable.

Vulnerable Populations:

• Infants and young children
• Older adults
• Those with chronic conditions, such as breathing difficulties or heart problems
• Those with confusion/altered mental status
• Those experiencing homelessness
• Those with mobility issues

Symptoms of heat exhaustion:

• Dizziness or fainting
• Excessive sweating
• Cool, pale, clammy skin
• Nausea or vomiting
• Rapid, weak pulse
• Muscle cramps
• Extreme thirst
• Decreased urination
• Changes of behavior in children

If experiencing heat exhaustion:

• Get to a cooler place and rest
• Drink water if fully conscious
• Take a cool shower or use a cold compress

Heat stroke is a medical emergency. Call 911 or go to the hospital if you are caring for someone who displays:

• Throbbing headache
• No sweating
• Body temp above 104
• Red, hot, dry skin
• Nausea or vomiting
• Rapid, strong pulse
• Loss of consciousness

Take immediate action to cool the person with cool, not cold water until help arrives.

Power Outage

Ensure you are prepared and know what to do. You never know how long a power outage will last, use these tips to stay in touch and keep yourself informed.

During a power outage:

• Stay calm.
• Check if neighbours have electricity.
• Assume downed power lines are energized. Stay 10 meters away from the power lines and the objects they are touching.
• Do not use a camp stove, barbeque or fuel-burning heater indoors.
• Keep the doors of your refrigerator and freezer closed as much as possible to prevent food spoilage.

During a cold weather power outage:

• Conserve heat by keeping windows and doors closed.
• Dress warmly and in layers.
• Keep warm with blankets.
• Use alternate heating sources like a fireplace or wood-burning stove if available.
• Do not use propane or kerosene heaters or other fuel-burning equipment indoors, even with a window open.

During a hot weather power outage:

• Stay hydrated and stay cool.
• Close your blinds.
• Take cool showers.
• Seek shade.
• Wear light, loose-fitting clothing.
• Monitor for heat illness.
• Check on individuals who are most vulnerable, including: infants and young children, older adults, those with chronic conditions, those with confusion/altered mental status, those experiencing homelessness, those with mobility issues.

Flood warning Preparation

Every year, Manitoba prepares for flooding season.

How to prepare for a flood:

• Know your flood risk.
• Have an emergency and evacuation plan in place.
• Keep a general emergency preparedness kit in the home.
• Have a whistle for calling for safety.
• Avoid flood waters.
• Know who is home and when.
• Store important documents and valuables in a safe and dry place.
• Elevate or move furniture.
• Ensure flood drains are not blocked.
• Clear debris from storm drains near your home.
• Have a sump-pump available to protect your basement.
• Prepare for a potential power outage with a portable backup generator and ensure you have an adequate supply of fuel.