Ontarians advised to prepare for impact of Hurricane Sandy

North Bay Fire & Emergency Services
News Release

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Ontarians are advised to prepare for the potential impact of Hurricane Sandy, which is expected to affect Ontario over the next few days. High winds and heavy rainfall are forecasted, which could result in flooding, road closures and power outages.

Ontario’s Committee on Emergency Management has met and been briefed on the current situation. The committee has been informed that the impact on Ontario is expected to be significantly less than forecasted for the north-eastern United States. However, officials are continuing to monitor the situation closely and are ready to respond.

North Bay Fire Chief and Coordinator of North Bay’s Community Emergency Management Committee encourages citizens to ‘be prepared’. Tune in to the television and radio for current conditions as well as ensure to have a 72-hour survival kit, containing all the food, water and other necessities your family will need for three days; keeping in mind the potential for power outages.”

The following websites have more information on the situation and on how to prepare:

Storm Situation and Flooding:
• Visit Environment Canada’s weather office for current conditions, watches and warnings
• Visit www.theweathernetwork.com and follow the links for North Bay

• Visit the Ministry of Natural Resources’ flood page for information and alerts on local and provincial flooding

Emergency Preparedness:

• Keep visiting www.ontario.ca/EMO for updates and information on how to prepare for Ontario’s hazards

• Find them on Facebook: EmergencyManagementOntario

• Follow them on Twitter: @ontariowarnings

• Also visit the Canadian Red Cross for more information on staying safe during a storm

• Call HydroOne at 1-800-434-1235 or your local electricity provider to report a power outage, fallen tree hazard or emergency

Road Conditions and Closures:

• Visit the Ministry of Transportation’s Traveller’s Road Information Portal and follow the interactive map links

• Call 511

The ‘72 Hour Emergency Survival Kit Checklist’ below outlines the basic items every individual should have:

 Flashlight and batteries
 Radio and batteries or crank radio
 Spare batteries (for radio and flashlight)
 First-aid kit
 Telephone that can work during a power disruption
 Candles and matches/lighter
 Extra car keys and cash
 Important papers (identification)
 Non-perishable food (ready-to-eat items that do not require refrigeration or cooking)


 Manual can opener
 Bottled water (4 litres per person per day)
 Clothing and footwear
 Blankets or sleeping bag
 Toilet paper and other personal items
 Medication
 Backpack/duffle bag
 Whistle (to attract attention, if needed)
 Playing cards

Other tips:

• Keep important phone numbers in your emergency kit.

• Make sure all members of the household know where the emergency kit is stored.

• Discuss your emergency plan with family members in advance of any potential emergency, in the event you aren’t all together when the emergency occurs.

• Review and replenish your kit on a yearly basis.

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