Monday, May 3, 2021

Markham encourages residents to have a plan, get an emergency kit and practice

MARKHAM, ON – May 3, 2021 – Emergencies can happen in an instant, anywhere and anytime and their effects can be short-term or long-lasting. This is something we all know too well as we continue through Ontario’s third wave of the COVID-19 pandemic and the provincewide State of Emergency and Stay-at-Home Order.

This year for Emergency Preparedness Week, Markham encourages residents to be ready for anything – to have a plan, get an emergency kit, and to practice using them. Find tips and information on how you, your family, your neighbours, and pets can stay safe though different emergency scenarios by visiting markham.ca/AreYouReady.

“Emergency preparedness is everyone's responsibility, and it's a responsibility we take very seriously here at the City of Markham, as evidenced in our robust response to the COVID-19 pandemic," says Mayor Frank Scarpitti. "Our staff are trained to respond and to provide recovery services in the case of an emergency. We also rely on you, our residents. Know the risks, make a plan with your family and create an emergency kit. Together, we can build a resilient Markham."

For the latest local emergency updates and information, tune in to 105.9 The Region (CFMS), the City of Markham’s official emergency and information radio station, sign up for eAlerts from the City and follow the City of Markham's social media accounts.

Remember these 3 simple steps and be ready for anything:

1) Make a plan

Make a plan with your family and make sure that everyone knows what to do. Know all the safe exits from your home and agree on safe places in your neighbourhood and out of the area where everyone can meet if you are separated. Don’t forget about your pets! Use this Pet Emergency Kit Checklist for more information.

2) Get an emergency kit

Be prepared to be self-sufficient for at least 72 hours. An emergency kit will help you take care of yourself and your family if you have to shelter at home or leave your home unexpectedly. Find details in York Region's Emergency Preparedness Guide. If someone in your home has special needs, include their special items in your home kit as well. A basic emergency preparedness kit should include:

Water – Four litres per person per day (Two litres for drinking and two litres for sanitation and food preparation)
Non-perishable food items
Utility knife and manual can opener
Important documents such as your passport, birth certificate, etc.
Wind-up or battery-powered radio and flashlight
Phone charger and battery bank
Prescription medication
Toiletries
First aid kit
Extra keys for home and car
Cash in small bills and change
Change of clothes
Blanket/sleeping bag
Special items such as prescription medications, infant formula, etc.

3) Practice it

Now that you have a plan and an emergency kit, it is important to practice using them at least once a year to give you and your family peace of mind and prepare for anything.

Every year, the City of Markham joins municipalities across Canada during Emergency Preparedness Week to share resources and information with residents to help everyone stay safe in the event of an emergency. During the COVID-19 pandemic, staying safe means following public health guidelines and when available to you, get vaccinated. Vaccines are safe, effective & the best way to protect yourself and others from serious illnesses. The best vaccine is the first one offered to you.

As part of the provincially legislated municipal Emergency Management Program, the City maintains a state of readiness by training staff, conducting mock emergency exercises and maintaining the Markham Emergency Response Plan.

Related links:

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Markham Mayor Frank Scarpitti's Office:
Bryan Frois, Chief of Staff at bfrois@markham.ca or 416.567.1177.

All other media inquiries / interview requests for the City of Markham:
Jennifer Yap, Coordinator, Communications and Media Relations at jyap@markham.ca or 437.229.2450.

For COVID-19 announcements from the City of Markham:
Visit markham.ca/covid19 or listen to 105.9 The Region – Markham’s information and emergency radio station.

About Markham: Markham, an award-winning municipality with more than 351,000 residents and the largest of nine communities in York Region, is home to over 650 headquartered companies and more than 1,500 high tech and life science companies. Markham is a leader in attracting foreign direct investment with more than 234 foreign companies located in the City. Founded in the 1790s, today Markham is Canada’s most diverse community and enjoys a rich heritage, outstanding community planning and services, and a vibrant local economy.

Stay Connected: Visit our newsroom or search #MarkhamNews and #MarkhamEvents for the latest information on City programs, services and event.