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How to prepare for natural disasters in Ontario

August 10, 2023   ·   0 Comments

By Brian Lockhart

Through the seasons, the climate and other factors present the risk of a natural disaster.

In Ontario, the possibility of a natural disaster can come from extreme cold in the winter to excessive heat in the summer, and many disasters are the result of those fluctuations in temperature and climate.

The Government of Ontario lists 14 possible disasters that could possibly occur and encourages everyone to be prepared in case of such events.

The list includes dam failures, drought, earthquakes, erosion, extreme heat, winter storms, and floods. It also includes forest fires, landslides and sinkholes, oil and gas, nuclear incidents, thunderstorms, tornadoes, and pandemics.

Some disasters are much more likely to occur in Ontario than others.

Earthquakes happen here, but they are usually minor, with little to no damage at all, and also very rare.

Ontario is actually considered a part of “tornado alley,’ and the province sees, on average, around 20 tornadoes each year. Most often, they happen over sparsely populated areas with little to no damage, but the province has lost life and property to some tornadoes.

Flooding is a real concern in some areas. While the loss of life is rare, property damage is a concern in many areas when rivers and streams overflow the banks.

Winter storms are the most common threat in the province and can disrupt entire cities by causing power outages, disrupting transportation, and threatening life if you are caught outdoors and away from shelter.

The first step in staying safe is preparing an emergency plan.

This should include an emergency communications plan, an evacuation plan for your home, and a safe meeting place. You should also plan for anyone who has medical needs or disabilities.

Once your emergency plan is ready, you should discuss it with other close contacts so they know what you will do and where you will go in an emergency.

Having an emergency preparedness kit is an important part of an emergency plan. The kit should contain non-perishable food for three days, bottled or bagged water, any needed medications, a portable light source, a battery-operated radio with extra batteries, a first aid kit and candles, matches, and a lighter.

Consider other items you may need if you will be having young children or senior citizens with you during an evacuation.

Having a natural disaster that means you must evacuate your home or an area is rare, but if it occurs, you will be in a much better situation if you are prepared.

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