Emergency Preparedness

Have a Plan

1. Identify a family meeting place - if any member of your family needs to evacuate your home in a hurry - they will need a place to go. Make sure everyone knows the place and the phone number.
2. Decide on a system of communication - texting rather than phoning uses less bandwidth and puts less of a strain on the cellular communication system. In an emergency "text don't talk".
3. Choose an out-of-province family contact - Choose someone in another province to be your "secondary" family contact. In the event of a disaster, call your family contact if you get separated from your family. Make sure everyone memorizes the person's name and telephone number.

Post Emergency Numbers

Keep emergency telephone numbers and addresses handy. If there is a major disaster, use the phone only if its absolutely necessary. Emergency crews will need all available lines.

Prepare An Emergency Survival Kit

Assemble supplies in an easy-to-carry container in case you have to evacuate. Think of any special needs someone in your family may have and include those items.

Have a Show and Tell

Teach members of your family where and how to shut off the water, electricity and gas supply. Make easy to read signs near the breaker panel, main gas valve and main water valve.

Learn About Other Community Emergency Plans

Your children's school and your work place may have their own emergency plans. Find out what they are and how they apply to you.

Watch or Listen to Local Media

Saskatoon radio and television stations have access to up-to-date weather related information. If you suspect inclement weather or other impending danger - your best bet is to tune to a local station and keep it on. You can also tune in to 91.7FM only in an emergency. It will be broadcasting emergency information, details, safety tips, and evacuation routes. In non-emergency times, this frequency is used by Tourism Saskatoon to broadcast tourist updates, but they will turn over the frequency in an emergency.

Sign up for NotifyNow

When an emergency happens, notifynow will let residents know what to do, where to go and what to expect during any potential emergency with a message sent directly to their phone, cell phone or email.

NotifyNow

During a Tornado

If you are in a building, go to the basement. If there is no basement, crouch or lie flat (under heavy furniture) in an inner hallway, small inner room or stairwell away from windows. Stay away from large halls, arenas and shopping malls as their roofs could collapse. If you are caught outside and there is no shelter, lie down in a ditch or ravine, protecting your head. If you are driving, get out and away from your vehicle. It could be blown through the air or roll over on you. Lie down as above.

During a Severe Lightning Storm

If you are in a building, go to the basement. If there is no basement, crouch or lie flat (under heavy furniture) in an inner hallway, small inner room or stairwell away from windows. Stay away from large halls, arenas and shopping malls as their roofs could collapse. If you are caught outside and there is no shelter, lie down in a ditch or ravine, protecting your head. If you are driving, get out and away from your vehicle. It could be blown through the air or roll over on you. Lie down as above.

If you are in a building, stay inside. Stay away from windows, doors, fireplaces, radiators, stoves, metal pipes, showers, sinks or other electrical conductors. Unplug electrical appliances (e.g. TV's, stereos, computers, toasters, etc.). Don't use the phone or other electrical equipment. If you are outside, seek shelter in a building or low-lying area. If you are caught in the open, crouch down with your feet close together and your head down (in the "leap frog" position). Don't lie flat - by minimizing contact with the ground, you reduce the risk of being electrocuted by ground charge. Keep away from telephone and power lines, fences, trees and hilltops. Get off bicycles, motorcycles and tractors. If you are in a vehicle, stop and stay inside. Don't stop near trees or power lines that could fall.

During a Flood

Turn off basement furnaces and outside gas valve. Shut off electricity. If the area around the fuse box or circuit breaker is wet, stand on a dry wooden stick (such as a broom handle). Wear rubber boots or dry leather footwear and leather work gloves. Never try to cross a flood area on foot. The fast water could sweep you away. If you are in a vehicle, avoid driving through flood waters. Fast water could sweep your vehicle away. If you area caught in fast rising waters and your vehicle stalls, all occupants should exit as quickly as possible.

Right after the emergency, you may be confused or disoriented. Try to stay calm, and remember the following procedures:

• Help the injured. Your emergency survival kit may be required.
• Listen to the radio there may be more information and instructions.
• Don't use the telephone unless absolutely necessary. Emergency crews will need all lines.
• Check your home for damage. Use a flashlight - don't light matches or turn on electrical switches if you suspect damage. Check for fires, fire hazards or other household hazards. Sniff for gas leaks, starting at the water heater and furnace. If you smell gas, turn off the main valve. Open windows and get everyone outside immediately. Shut off any other damaged utilities. Clean up spilled bleaches, gasoline and other flammable liquids immediately. Wear protective clothing. Confine and secure your pets.
• Once you are satisfied that your family and home are secure, check on your neighbors, especially the elderly or people with disablities.

*If you turn off the gas, it should only be turned back on by a gas company professional.

The Following Steps Will Help Keep Pets Safe

• Identify your pet. If you become separated from your pet during an emergency, their identification may be the only way to find them. Make sure each animal wears a collar and identification tag at all times.
• Pet emergency kit
• A sturdy crate or carrier
• A strong leash or harness
• ID tag and collar
• Food and water for at least 72 hours (4L/day per average dog, 1L/day per average cat)
• Bowls and can opener for food
• Newspaper, paper towels, plastic bags, litter, and/or litter box
• Special medications, dosage, and veterinarian's contact information
• Pet file (including recent photos of the animal, your emergency numbers, contact information for friends who could house your pet, copies of any licenses, and vaccination records)
• A pet first-aid kit
• Blanket and toy

Plan for evacuations. The best way to protect your pet in an emergency is to bring it with you. Most evacuation shelters will only accept service animals. Make a list of where your pet can be taken in case you need to evacuate. This list can include:

• Hotels that accept animals even during emergencies
• Boarding centres and animal shelters
• Animal clinics
• Family members and friends

Include your pet in your family emergency plan exercises.

During an Emergency

• Stay informed of developing emergencies so you can make good decisions as soon as possible.  Signing up for notifynow is a great way to stay informed.
• Keep your pet inside during severe weather. Animals are very sensitive to sudden changes in temperature and often isolate themselves when scared. Never leave a pet outside or tethered during a storm.
• Separate cats and dogs. Keep smaller pets such as hamsters away from larger animals. Stress can lead to unusual behaviour.
• Keep newspaper inside for hygiene purposes and feed your pet wet food in order to reduce the amount of water it may need.
• If ordered to evacuate, try to take your pet with you. If you must leave your pets in the house, do not tether or cage them. Leave a sign in the window and a note on the door indicating what animals are inside. Provide water and food in timed dispensers. Leave toilet seats up.

Have on hand at least a three day supply of food and water. Choose ready-to-eat foods (some that don't require refrigeration and some that don't require cooking.)

Here are a few tips to guide you in accumulating your supplies:

• Water: A normally active person needs to drink at least two litres (roughly half a gallon) of water each day. People in hot environments, children, nursing mothers, and ill people will require even more. You will also need water for food preparation and hygiene. Plan on using at least 4 litres (about 1 gallon) per person, per day. In an emergency, water can be retrieved from toilet tanks (not bowl!), water heaters, or melted ice cube trays.
• Food: canned food can include soups, stews, baked beans, pasta meat, poultry, fish, vegetables, and/or fruits. Crackers and biscuits are handy, as is honey, peanut butter, syrup, jam, salt and pepper, sugar, instant coffee and/or tea.
• Equipment: keep a supply of forks, knives, spoons, manual can opener, bottle opener, disposable cups and plates. A fuel stove and fuel are handy (don't use a barbecue indoors).  Don't forget waterproof matches and plastic garbage bags.

Basic Emergency Survival Kit

• flashlight and batteries
• radio and batteries
• spare batteries
• first-aid kit
• candles and matches / lighter
• food and bottled water
• clothing and footwear
• blankets or sleeping bags
• toilet paper and other personal supplies
• medication / prescriptions
• backpack / duffel bag
• important papers (identification for everyone)
• whistle, in case you need to attract attention
• playing cards, games

Vehicle Kit

• shovel
• tow chains
• warning light / flares
• axe / hatchet
• road maps
• methyl hydrate / de-icer
• survival blanket
• sand, salt, kitty litter
• compass
• extra clothing / footwear
• booster cables
• matches / survival candle
• flashlight
• traction mats
• cloth / paper towels
• emergency food pack
• ice scraper / brush
• fire extinguisher
• first aid kit

Winter is a fact of life in Saskatoon and when a blizzard hits, getting around can be very difficult, even dangerous. Saskatoon Fire Department (SFD) urges you to winterize your family by planning how you will best manage a disruption in your routine during a blizzard. An effective plan includes what you will do before, during and after a blizzard; and covers all aspects of the normal daytime and evening routine/activities for each family member. Plan to take care of your family’s needs for a minimum of 72 hours during any emergency, including a blizzard.

Before a Blizzard

• Check out local media for developing weather situations. It is best to anticipate a storm rather than be surprised by it.
• Plan a safe place for each family member to go if they cannot make it home.
• Plan a way to contact each other.
  • Include an alternate plan in case cell phone coverage is disrupted.
• Plan to reunite your family.
  • Include an alternate plan in case you don’t have enough gas in your vehicle, it breaks down, or Transit service is disrupted.
• Contact neighbors to see if you can work together to deal with potential problems associated with a blizzard i.e. power outage or transportation.
• Have on hand at least a three-day supply of food, water and medical requirements.

During a Blizzard

• Stay calm.
• Avoid travel.
  • If you are safe where you are, stay where you are.
  • If travel is unavoidable make sure you have:
    • Enough fuel.
    • A vehicle emergency kit.
    • A winterized, reliable vehicle.
• Check out local media for weather updates, road conditions and the level of civic services available.

After a Blizzard

• Assess the damage to your property, if any.
• Check out local media regularly for the level of civic services available.
  • If you must travel, plan your route accordingly. The first priority for City snow clearing is to ensure movement of traffic on the freeway and major streets, access to emergency locations and Saskatoon Transit DART routes.
  • Be prepared to move your vehicle if you live on a designated Snow Route street/street segment.
• Exercise caution and care when shoveling snow, especially during very cold weather.
• Re-evaluate your family’s Winterization Plan.

• Store or anchor loose objects like patio furniture and outdoor toys so that they aren’t tossed around in the wind, causing injury or damage.
• Store garbage and recycling carts as soon as possible after collections to avoid empty bins blowing around on streets.
• Plan to stay off the roads if at all possible. Extreme winds can contribute to loss of vehicle control, or even overturning of vehicles.
• Beware of fallen branches, trees or power lines.
• To report storm damaged trees, call Urban Forestry at 306-975-2890 (M-F, 7:30 a.m. to 4:15 p.m.) or the 24-hour Customer Service Centre at 306-975-2476 (after hours and weekends). For more information, visit saskatoon.ca/treeinspections.
• If you encounter a fallen power line, stay clear of it and please report it immediately to Saskatoon Light & Power's 24-Hour phone line at 306-975-2414.
• Be prepared for the possibility of a power outage and have emergency supplies on-hand including flashlights, batteries, activities, and food.
• Make sure your pets are safe inside and out of the wind.
• Keep devices charged so you don’t lose communication during an outage. Consider keeping a cell phone battery pack on-hand so you can recharge your device without relying on electricity.
• In the event of extreme wind, go to the basement or lowest level of your living space and stay away from windows.
• Monitor forecast and advisories issued by Environment Canada. You can also report severe weather to SKstorm@canada.ca or tweet reports using #SKStorm.
• Sign up for NotifyNow at saskatoon.ca/notifynow to receive emergency messages from the City.

WINTER SPECIFIC

• Plan to stay off the roads if at all possible and exercise a high degree of caution if you must venture out. High winds can lead to drifting and white-out conditions.
• If you have an alternate source of heat that doesn’t rely on electricity, like a wood fireplace, ensure it’s in safe working order and that you have the necessary supplies on-hand. A reminder that portable generators are not safe to use indoors.
• High winds combined with precipitation can lead to snow-covered traffic lights and street signs. Take extra care at intersections. When safe to do so, please report covered signs or lights to the Customer Care Centre at 306-975-2476 or customercare@saskatoon.ca.

• Tornados can appear quickly; when an advisory is issued, remain on alert.
• Signs of a tornado can include:
  - Severe thunderstorms, with frequent thunder and lightning.
  - An extremely dark sky sometimes highlighted by green or yellow clouds.
  - A rumbling or whistling sound.
  - A funnel cloud often tucked behind a curtain of heavy rain or hail.
• In addition to watching conditions yourself, it’s a good idea to be signed up for the following emergency notification systems: SaskAlert, WeatherCAN, and City of Saskatoon NotifyNow Emergency Alerts.
• Environment Canada is responsible for informing the public when conditions exist that may produce tornadoes. It does this through radio, television, newspapers. Please keep an eye on these or other reliable sources of information.

During a tornado:

• Get as close to the ground as possible and protect your head in the event of flying debris.
• Go to the basement or take shelter in a bathroom, closet, or hallway.
• In all cases, stay away from windows, outside walls, and doors.
• Do not use elevators.
• Large buildings with wide-span roofs (e.g. churches, auditoriums) may collapse if a tornado hits. If you must shelter in this type of structure, take cover under a sturdy structure such as a table or desk.
• Mobile homes and campers aren't good places to shelter. If no alternate shelter is available, lie down in a ditch a good distance from the mobile home/camper.
• Avoid driving. If it's too late, get out of your vehicle and take cover in a low-lying area like a ditch.
• Never chase a tornado - they are unpredictable and can change course abruptly. A tornado can appear to be standing still or moving away from you when, in fact, it's moving toward you.

If there is a prolonged power outage during the winter, there are measures you can take to help protect your house from frost damage.

• Turn off all circuit breakers except one which controls a floor or table light. This light should be left in the "on" position. This light will signal the return of power.
• Turn down the thermostat on the hot water heater and furnace.
• Turn off the main water valve. Protect the valve inlet pipe and meter with blankets or other insulating material.
• Open all water taps until the water flow stops.
• Drain the water heater and flush toilets several times. Add some antifreeze to all drains and toilet bowls. (The antifreeze used in recreational vehicle systems is preferred.)
• Check the operating manual for the dishwasher, washing machine and other appliances for instructions on draining and frost protection.
• Block any drafts with blankets or towels.

Home Generators

Home generators are handy for backup electricity in case of an outage, but there are hazards to be aware of. Serious accidents can happen if the generator is connected to an existing electrical circuit. Direct installation of a generator to an existing electrical system should be done by a licensed electrical contractor and must meet building codes. To operate a generator safely, follow these simple steps:

• Follow manufacturers instructions.
• Always ensure that a portable generator operates outdoors in well-ventilated conditions, away from doors or windows to prevent exhaust gas from entering the house.
• Connect lights and appliances directly to the generator. If extension cords must be used, ensure they are properly rated CSA approved cords.

If You Decide To Remain In Your Home

• If you have a fireplace, keep a good supply of fuel and matches on hand.
• If you plan to install a stove or heater which does not require electricity or a generator, make sure it is properly installed and vented to the outside. Use only fuel-burning heaters certified by the Canadian Standards Association or Canadian Gas Association. Check with your local utility about what can be installed safely and be sure to get a certified installer to do your work. 

Poor air quality can have significant impacts on health, particularly for vulnerable individuals such as children, the elderly, and those with respiratory or cardiovascular conditions. There are steps you can take to help protect yourself and your loved ones when the air quality in your area is compromised:  

• Stay informed – Familiarize yourself with the air quality index (AQI) and pay attention to alerts or advisories issued by Environment and Climate Change Canada.  
• Limit outdoor activities – Try to minimize your time spent outdoors, especially during peak pollution hours to decrease the inhalation of airborne pollutants. Pollution levels tend to be higher in the morning and evening, so plan your activities accordingly.  
• Create a clean indoor environment in your home – Protect your home from outdoor pollutants:
  • Keep doors and windows closed, including attached garage doors, to prevent the entry of polluted air.  
  • Use air purifiers with HEPA filters to improve indoor air quality. Don’t use air cleaners that may produce ozone. For portable air cleaners, follow all the manufacturer’s instructions for changing the filter, where to place the device, and the size of room it’s meant to be used in.
  • If you have an air-conditioner, keep the fresh-air intake closed and the filter clean to prevent outdoor smoke from getting inside.  
  • Avoid running fans, such as “whole-house fans” or “fresh air ventilation systems”, that bring more smoky outdoor air inside.
  • Switch all floor registers to closed position.
  • Close fireplace dampers on wood burning fireplaces.
  • Do not use a wood burning fireplace, wood stoves or other smoke-producing appliances or features, including candles, which can contribute to indoor pollution.
• Create a clean indoor environment in your car – When driving during poor air quality events, keep windows and vents closed. Run car fans on re-circulate mode to avoid drawing in outdoor air. Vehicles should not be used as a means for shelter.
• Stay hydrated and maintain a healthy lifestyle – Drinking plenty of water to keep the nose and mouth moist. Follow a balanced diet, exercise regularly, and get enough sleep to keep your immune system strong and better equipped to handle pollutants. Do not smoke tobacco; smoking puts added stress on your lungs and those around you.
• Consult a healthcare professional – If you have pre-existing respiratory conditions or are experiencing symptoms like difficulty breathing, coughing, or irritation, seek medical advice promptly. Healthcare professionals can provide personalized guidance based on your specific health needs.
• Check on your family, friends and neighbours – Check on others who are in your care or live nearby who may be more vulnerable to the poor air quality. 

Individuals experiencing symptoms can call the Health Line at 811 to speak to a registered nurse. In an emergency, call 911. 

Because short-term power outages happen from time-to-time most people don't consider a power outage to be an "emergency." However, most Saskatoon home-heating systems are dependent on electric power to operate the furnace, the forced-air circulation and the thermostat controls. Power interruptions are normally short. However, there have been instances in Canada where power interruptions have lasted for days. In the winter an extended power failure can cause damage to walls, floors and plumbing. The consequences can be reduced in two ways: you can protect your home from frost damage before leaving, or take precautions that will allow you to stay in your home throughout the emergency.

It's important to note that SaskPower generates all of the electrical power used in Saskatoon. The city distributes that electricity to households and businesses in an area roughly contained within our 1958 civic boundary. SaskPower distributes electricity directly to all other areas of the city. If you are unsure of who distributes your power, check your utility bill.

Check It Out

Is your home the only one without power on your street? If it is, check the circuit breakers or fuses in your electrical panel. If the problem is not internal, call your electric utility. 24 hour telephone number: SaskPower 306-310-2220 Saskatoon Light & Power 306-975-2414

For information on current power disruptions, visit Saskatoon Light & Power or SaskPower. 

Tune It In

If the power is out for an extended period of time or the emergency numbers are busy, turn on your battery-powered radio or your vehicle radio. Tune into any local radio station, and listen for more information from Saskatoon's emergency management officials.

Turn It Off

Shut off any computers, televisions, stereos and other appliances.

Hang Up

Use the telephone as little as possible. Try to keep the lines open for officials who are managing the emergency.

Stay Home

Unless you are asked to evacuate your home, stay put. If you must go out, drive cautiously. If traffic lights are not working, light-controlled intersections must be treated as four-way stops. Remember that your electrical garage door won't work; learn how to operate it manually so you're prepared.

When the power is back on, make sure to do the following:

• Check the entire house for any damage. Check food supplies in cupboards, refrigerators and freezers for signs of spoilage. If the freezer door has been kept closed, food should stay frozen for 24 to 48 hours.
• Turn on circuit breakers.
• Check all electrical appliances one by one.
• Turn on the water supply. Close lowest taps first to allow air to escape from upper taps.
• Make sure the hot water tank is filled before turning up the thermostat.
• Rinse out the dishwasher and washing machine if necessary.
• Warm the house slightly above normal temperature for a few hours to allow it to dry out excess humidity.

Water outages are occasionally planned for maintenance purposes or can be caused by a water main break and disruptions generally last between 48-72 hours. Whether the outage is planned or an emergency, there are a few general tips for making sure your household is prepared to get by without water for at least a couple days:

• Store at least one gallon of water per person per day for three days, for both drinking and sanitation. Note: bottled water has a shelf life and should be checked and replaced regularly.
• Don’t let the laundry pile up. Get your family’s clothes, at least, on a schedule where they’re washed every few days.
• Make sure you have enough disposable eating utensils (plates, cups, bowls and silverware) to last your whole family a few days.
• Keep food preparation to a minimum. Whenever you go to the grocery store, add to your list a few fully prepared food items like microwaveable entrees, canned fruit and vegetables, sandwich fixings, etc.

If your home is under a drinking water advisory, it means that the City is conducting work on the water supply system in your area. Until the City can confirm that the water is safe for consumption, you are advised to boil your water prior to drinking or undertaking any activity where water could be ingested. Review the Drinking Water Advisories page for more information.

For information on current water disruptions, visit saskatoon.ca/service-alerts.

In the rare instance there is a disruption to natural gas service, do not try to restore your supply of natural gas. To help you troubleshoot and diagnose the issue, contact your local licensed heating contractor.

During a service outage, if you have natural gas appliances, make sure they are all turned off for when service is restored.

During colder temperatures, follow these important safety tips to protect your family and your home:

• Put on extra layers of clothing to conserve body heat.
• Prevent water pipes from freezing:
  • If you are expecting no heat for a short period of time, keep a tap open and let water run slowly.
  • If you are expecting a longer duration, shut off your water main. Drain all taps and flush toilets. Be sure to keep a reserve of drinking water, if available.
  • Cover your water main valve and inlet pipes with blankets.
  • Turn off your water heater and drain.
  • If you need to evacuate, add some antifreeze to all sinks, tubs and toilets.
• Start an alternative heating source:
  • Don't try to heat the whole house. Pick a room in your home and focus on making it comfortable.
  • Wood-burning fireplaces and stoves will keep you warm safely as long as they are adequately ventilated and there's no risk of carbon monoxide buildup.
  • Light some candles and be sure they are kept away from any combustible or flammable material.
  • Do not use equipment designed for outdoors such as barbecues and gasoline powered generators. Only use equipment recommended for indoor use by the manufacturer such as indoor heaters.
• During the day, open blinds and drapes to let in natural sunlight. At night, keep blinds and drapes closed to retain the heat.
• Once service has been restored, turn on your water heater and fill. If water lines have frozen, you might have cracked pipes or fittings. If they burst or leak when they thaw, there could be extensive water damage. Contact a qualified plumbing and heating contractor if you think there has been damage to your pipes.

When your service is restored, if you smell a foul odour similar to rotten eggs, sewer, or skunk, there may be a gas leak. Leave the home or area immediately. Do not use any electrical switches, appliances, phones or other sources of ignition. Call SaskEnergy at 1-888-700-0427 immediately for assistance.

When appliances are running, it’s also important to be aware of carbon monoxide (CO) safety, which is essential year-round, but especially during the winter months when heating equipment is running more frequently.

CO is a colourless, tasteless and odourless gas. Low exposure can cause flu-like symptoms, while continued exposure to high levels can lead to unconsciousness, convulsions, brain damage, and death. 

While CO poisoning can be life-threatening, it can also be prevented. A carbon monoxide alarm detects and alerts people to danger before physical symptoms of poisoning have a chance to appear. Anyone experiencing symptoms of CO poisoning should leave the premises immediately, call 911 and seek medical attention if needed.

In addition to a CO alarm, important steps in the defense against CO poisoning include having all fuel-burning appliances inspected by a licensed contractor every year, and conducting regular inspections of chimneys and vents to ensure they are clear of debris or ice/snow buildup.

For your own safety, you and your family may be asked to evacuate your home during or before a disaster. Here are a number of tips to secure your home and evacuate safely:

• Protect your house from frost damage as above (if in winter).
• Follow all instructions from emergency officials announced on radio or issued by police or fire personnel.
• Report to a Registration and Inquiry Center. Let officials know you are okay and where you will be staying.
• Ask for transportation and accommodation if you need it. You will be provided with a ride and a place to sleep if required.
• Take only essential items (listen to your radio for more details).
• Lock all doors and windows before you leave your home.

During an emergency, you may be directed to stay indoors instead of evacuating to a different location. This is called “shelter-in-place," which means to stay inside at your current location.

Things to do to shelter in place:

• Go indoors immediately and stay there, ideally in an interior room.
• Close all doors and windows. Turn off furnaces, air conditioners and exhaust systems.
• Tune to your local radio or TV station for information.
• If directed to do so, cover doors, windows and vents with plastic sheeting and duct tape.
• Choose texting over calling to keep phone lines free. Save 911 for emergencies.
• Stay inside until you are told it is safe to leave.