The foundation of Emergency Planning according to the discipline of the National Fire Protection Association is based upon the principles laid down in NFPA 1600 Standard on Disaster and Emergency Management. This document has been adopted by the Department of Homeland Security in the United States and the Province of Ontario. Part of the founding principles is that citizens must be prepared to take care of themselves for the first 72 hours after an emergency or disaster occurs. It is well documented that Emergency Response services are overwhelmed with initial response to the disaster and that most disasters are mitigated in 3 days. If this is compounded by able persons demanding help for simple necessities such as food, water and shelter; then the persons who are in TRUE need for assistance will not get the help they need and may perish. Therefore, if every able citizen prepares a simple disaster kit which will see them through the first 72 hours, the outcome for the community and long term impact is often not as devastating.
Therefore, all capable adults are responsible to be prepared for unforeseen emergencies. The basis for individual preparedness in Canada is:
"Everyone should be prepared and able to look after themselves and their family for a minimum period of 72 hours”.
While nobody can predict an emergency, it is important to plan for a variety of possibilities. Your personal plan can make a significant difference to you and your family’s well-being and survival outcome should disaster strike. Emergencies can and do occur without warning. Think now about getting prepared, NOW.
Shelter in place preparation plan.
Review the suggested minimum 72-hour emergency survival kit.
