Emergency Preparedness

Be prepared when an emergency strikes. The City of Moncton offers helpful resources to keep residents safe all year long.

City of Moncton Emergency Measures Organization, Public Safety

Whether it’s a winter storm, flood or fire, you never know when you will be faced with an emergency. Being prepared can help keep you safe and assist in helping you to better manage the situation.  

Highlights

During an emergency, it’s important to have a plan that has been agreed upon by family and friends. This includes a communication plan, familiarity with documents and a strategy if you cannot stay in your home.

  • Choose a friend or family member who does not live with you as a contact in an emergency. This person should also be accessible by your family members.
  • Create an emergency box that includes a flashlight, batteries, non-perishable food items, pet food, medical information, extra medicine, an inventory of your valuables and basic documentation you might need.
  • Prepare your home seasonally. This includes planning for power outages, water advisories, floods and heat waves.
  • Test smoke and carbon monoxide alarms on a regular basis.
  • Practice fire drills. This is particularly important with children.
  • Duplicate important documents including passports, birth certificates, Social Insurance cards, etc. Keep copies off-site – such as in a safety deposit box or as digital copies.

Resources

A home emergency kit can help your family safe when unexpected situations occur. Your home emergency kit should have three days worth of supplies for you and your family. Keep it in a watertight container (or large plastic garbage bag) and store it in an easily accessible place.

Your kit should include:

  • A copy of important documents and phone numbers
  • Warm clothes and rain gear for each family member
  • Blanket or sleeping bag
  • Candles, matches, flashlights, battery-operated radio and extra batteries
  • Basic tools, including duct tape, hammer, nails, rope and a bungee cord
  • Chargers for mobile devices
  • Cash
  • Pet food
  • Personal hygiene items including toilet paper, feminine supplies, hand sanitizer and soap
  • Medications and list of medicines used
  • Non-perishable food
  • Tarp

Resources

A first aid kit is a must for homeowners. You should also have an additional one at a summer cottage or on a boat. Create a kit at home or purchase a quality one from the store. 

Your kit should include:

  • Two pairs of disposable gloves
  • Sterile dressings to stop bleeding
  • Cleansing agent/soap and antibiotic towelettes to disinfect
  • Antibiotic ointment
  • Burn ointment
  • Adhesive bandages in a variety of sizes
  • Eyewash solution to flush the eyes
  • Scissors
  • Over-the-counter medicines such as pain reliever, laxative, anti-diarrhea medication
  • Prescription medications such as insulin, EPI Pen, heart medicine, asthma inhaler
  • Prescribed medical supplies such as glucose monitoring equipment or blood pressure monitors

The following contacts and links can help during a crisis or emergency situation. 

You should also be sure to have an updated personal list of contacts that you or a family member can easily access. This list should include your family doctor, pharmacist, veterinarian, etc.

Property damage

Provincial Emergency Measures Organization, Damage Reporting Line: 1-888-298-8555

Power outages and downed trees

NB Power: 1-800-442-4424; for any other electricity-related problem: 1-800-663-6272

If you are displaced from your home

Contact the Red Cross (preferably within the first 72 hours): 1-800-222-9597

Insurance protection

Contact your local insurance company for information regarding your policy. For general information about insurance protection, contact the Insurance Bureau of Canada: 1-800-565-7189 ext. 227

City of Moncton 24/7 Dispatch

For urgent municipal issues call our 24/7 dispatch line at 506-853-3333 or use our online report an issue form.

Resources

 

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Preparing for specific emergencies

Homeowners are at the greatest risk of flooding after heavy rains or when the frozen ground cannot absorb a springtime rain. While we can’t control the weather, there are things you can do to minimize the impact of a heavy rainfall.

Precautions

  • Seal basement windows and the base of ground-level doors with weather protection sealant.
  • Ensure downspouts are directed away from your residence.  
  • Ensure land around your home is graded away from the foundation.
  • Consider installing a sump pump and zero reverse flow valves in basement floor drains.
  • Don’t store important items or documents in your basement or on the floor at ground level.

When heavy rains or flooding are forecasted

  • Turn off basement furnaces and the outside gas valve. 
  • Take precautions to safeguard electrical, natural gas or propane heating equipment. 
  • Remove anything important from your basement, including electrical items.
  • Make sure you have appropriate emergency contact numbers in case you need assistance.
  • Remove toxic substances such as pesticides and insecticides from the potential flood area
    to prevent pollution. 
  • Plug basement sewer drains and toilet connections with a wooden stopper. 

If there is immediate danger of flooding, call NB Power

  • The mix of water and electricity in a flooded basement can be deadly.
  • Before attempting to remove the water or shutting off the electricity, contact NB Power.
  • For power outage, call: 1-800-442-4424.
  • For any other electricity-related problem, call: 1-800-663-6272.

Cleaning up

The three areas of concern after a flood are: 

  • electrical safety
  • structural issues 
  • health hazards as a result of mould and contaminated water

Do not attempt to clean up before calling NB Power and before reviewing flood cleanup information.

The sooner you can remove standing water and dry and disinfect the area, the sooner you can prevent bacteria and mould from growing.

Resources

Storms can wreak havoc, especially when you are not prepared for them. A power outages is one of the most common issues faced by Moncton residents.

During a power outage: 

  • Confirm whether the power outage is limited to your home or neighbourhood. Then, report the power outage to NB Power, 
    online or by phone: 1-800-442-4424.
  • If the power outage is caused by a downed tree, contact NB Power.
  • Turn off tools, appliances, electronic equipment and turn your thermostat(s) down to its minimum. A power surge once electricity returns, can destroy electronics. Leave one light switch on, so you know when power is restored.
  • If you are on a septic system, remember your water and sewer pump will not work without power.
  • Keep your freezer door closed as frozen food can stay frozen for 24 hours. You can also store food outdoors. If you are unsure of the freshness of frozen food, don’t eat it.
  • Do not use barbecues, generators, or propane heaters indoors as they are a carbon monoxide risk.
  • Never leave candles unattended.
  • Ensure you have extra batteries for flashlights.

Resources

Prepare for extreme cold

  • Pay attention to weather alert services that will notify you of extreme cold conditions.
  • Make sure you have appropriate winter clothing that is suitable for your region’s winter temperatures for all members of your household.
  • Prepare your home for winter temperatures by doing regular maintenance before cold weather starts.
  • Consider installing a backup heat source that can be used in case of a power outage.
  • Get an emergency kit for your car, including winter supplies such as extra blankets and jumper cables.
  • Make sure to keep your gas tank full when periods of extreme cold are forecast.

During an extreme cold event

  • Take shelter.
  •  If you head outdoors, dress for the weather including the wind chill.
  • Go to the nearest heated location at the first signs of exposure to extreme cold (numb extremities).
  • Consider delaying travel or outdoor activities until conditions improve.
  • Never operate a fuel-burning generator or use fuel burning cooking equipment such as barbecyes or camping stoves inside a home, garage, basement, crawlspace, or shed, or under a covered area outside the house (such as under an awning or gazebo).
  • Operate portable generators at least 6 metres (20 feet) from all homes or buildings. Direct the exhaust away from open windows and doors. Close all windows and doors on the side of the home closest to or downwind from the generator.
  • Run a trickle of water to prevent pipes from freezing if the pipes cannot be kept at a temperature above freezing.

Source: Government of Canada

Resources

Prepare for extreme heat

  • Pay attention to heat warnings which inform you that an extreme heat event is forecasted or occurring.
  • If you have an air conditioner, make sure it works properly.
  • If you do not have an air conditioner, consider other ways to keep your home cool such as blocking the sun by closing awnings, curtains, or blinds during the day. Opening windows may be advisable if the temperature outdoors is lower than indoors, while being mindful of any outdoor air quality warnings.
  • When your home gets too hot, take advantage of public cooling centers or air-conditioned spaces that you can visit during heat events.
  • If it is safe to do so, leave a couple of windows open at night to take advantage of falling temperatures.

During an extreme heat event

  • Stay in an air-conditioned space or in the shade as much as possible.
  • Stay hydrated and dress for the weather by wearing lightweight, light-coloured, and loose-fitting clothing.
  • Pay attention to how you, and those around you feel and watch for signs and symptoms of heat illnesses such as heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
  • Never leave people (especially children) or pets inside a parked vehicle, even on a moderately hot day.
  • Check on older adult family members, neighbours, and friends to make sure they are comfortable and safe.

Source: Government of Canada

Resources

Prepare for a wildfire

  • Make a household emergency plan. 
  • Prepare your emergency kits.
  • Practice your primary escape route, as well as alternative routes out of your community.
  • Be familiar with local and provincial emergency management organizations, their plans and evacuation procedures.
  • Take time to learn about emergency planning in your area.
  • Remove any fire hazards in and around your home, such as dried out branches, leaves and debris.
  • Keep a sprinkler in good working condition available.
  • Have smoke detectors on every level of your home, preferably in every bedroom.
  • Have carbon monoxide alarms in your home that are in proper working order.
  • Know how to turn off the utilities in your residence.
  • Make sure that your vehicle is fully fueled. If evacuated, stopping to refuel could be difficult depending on your region or distances.

 During a wildfire

  • Monitor local radio, television, or social media for information, warnings, alerts or evacuation orders from authorities and emergency officials.
  • Follow instructions. Be ready to leave.
  • Pack your emergency kit and any valuables or items that cannot be replaced in your vehicle, in preparation to evacuate.
  • Park your vehicle, positioned forward out of the driveway. Keep car windows closed.
  • Close all doors and windows.
  • Cover vents and other openings to your house to limit smoke entering your house.
  • Turn on all lights in the house, porch, garage, and yard for increased visibility.
  • Place a ladder to the roof in the front of the house to assist firefighters.
  • Move propane barbecues and other combustibles, including firewood and lawn furniture, away from structures.
  • Turn off propane or natural gas if you evacuate.

During a wildfire smoke event

  • Monitor radio, television or local social media accounts for air quality statements or air quality advisories issued for your location.
  • Consider reducing, rescheduling, or stopping strenuous outdoor activities. Seek medical attention if experiencing symptoms.
  • Limit time outdoors.
  • Keep windows and doors closed as much as possible.
  • If you must spend time outdoors, a well-constructed, well-fitting, and properly worn respirator type mask (such as a NIOSH-certified N95 or equivalent respirator) can reduce your exposure to the fine particles (PM2.5) that represent the main health risk from wildfire smoke. 

Source: Government of Canada

Resources

 

Prepare for a hurricane

  • Stay informed by listening to the latest warnings and advisories on radio, television, or websites. The Canadian Hurricane Centre will issue and update these when necessary.
  • If a hurricane is forecast, secure everything that might be blown around or torn loose. 
  • Trim dead branches and cut down dead trees to reduce the danger of these falling onto your house during a storm.
  • Stock up on water, ready-to-eat food, and heating fuel, as well as battery-powered or wind-up flashlights and radios, and extra batteries. 
  • Make sure there is gasoline in the car. 

During a hurricane

  • Do not go down to the water to watch the storm.
  • If the eye of the hurricane passes over, there will be a lull in the wind lasting from two or three minutes to half an hour. Stay in a safe place. Make emergency repairs only and remember that once the eye has passed over, the winds will return from the opposite direction with possibly even greater force.
  • Listen for reports from authorities on your portable radio.
  • If lightning is present, remember that you can use a cellular telephone during a severe storm, but it's not safe to use a land-line telephone.

Source: Government of Canada

Resources

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