Knowing the possible emergencies in Elliot Lake will help you and your family be prepared.
Extreme Heat
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While extreme heat can put everyone at risk of heat illness, health risks are greatest for vulnerable groups including:
- older adults, especially those living alone
- low-income earners
- infants and young children
- people who work in the heat
- people experiencing homelessness
- people with chronic illnesses (like breathing problems, mental illness and heart problems)
- people on certain medications that increase risk in the heat or sensitivity to sunlight
Here are the best practices to follow to beat the heat:
- Stay hydrated and drink plenty of cool liquids, especially water; avoid caffeine and alcohol as they increase the risk of dehydration.
- Avoid heavy outdoor activity.
- Cool off in an air-conditioned space when available.
- Take cool baths or showers as often as needed or soak hands/feet/face in cool water.
- Wear loose, lightweight clothing; avoid dark colours that absorb more heat.
- Protect yourself by covering your body; wear a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen with UV protection.
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Forest fire
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Elliot Lake is surrounded by areas of growing and mature forest. During periods of dry conditions in the spring and summer, or during droughts, forests can become a fire hazard. These wildfires can catch and spread quickly, and change direction with the wind. You should always be aware of any fire or smoke risk that affect the city during a possible forest fire.
View the FireSmart Home Owners Manual to know how to protect you and your family during wildfires.
What to do in case of a forest fire
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- Listen to the radio and TV for news updates and follow all evacuation instructions
- Bring only critical items with you
- Have a plan for your pets. Follow pet preparedness guidelines
- Have your 72-hour kit ready
If you are told to stay inside:
- Keep your windows and doors closed
- Close fireplace dampers
- Use an indoor air filtration device and change the filter regularly
- Do not use air cleaners that produce ozone as they pollute your home
- If you have asthma or respiratory issues, be aware of when you should take your medication
- Call your doctor if you find it hard to breathe
- Avoid using wood stoves, gas ovens and candles
- Don't smoke inside your home
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Power outage
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Power outages can happen anytime. Most city homes depend on electrical power for lighting, heating and cooling systems. The City may open heating or cooling stations for you if temperatures become too cold or hot.
What to do in case of a power outage
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- Listen to the radio or TV for news updates and follow instructions from officials
- Check if your neighbour's power is also out. If so, contact your electricity provider
- Lower your thermostat and turn off appliances, equipment or tools that are plugged in
- Ensure you have working battery-operated smoke alarms
- Do not open your fridge or freezer unless it's necessary
- Find your emergency supplies kit and use flashlights and battery powered radios for information
- If you use candles, do not leave them unattended
- Conserve your cell phone's battery by only making necessary calls
- Use caution when driving as traffic lights may not be working
- Check to see if your neighbours need help, or contact your neighbours for assistance
- Keep all electrical generators outside the home and away from combustible items
- Refuel the generator only after shutting it down and letting it cool
- Delay using your dishwasher or laundry appliances
- Do not water the lawn or wash your car
In the winter:
- Turn off the main breaker of the circuit panel or power supply box
- Turn off the water main
- Protect your water valve, inlet pipe, meter or pump with blankets or insulation
- During a long outage prevent plumping from freezing by draining water from your plumbing system. Open taps and flush your toilets several times
- Unhook and drain washing machine hoses
- Drain your hot water tank by attaching a hose to the tank drain valve and run it to the floor drain
- Clear valuables from the basement floor if your home is protected by a sump pump, in case of flooding
In the summer:
- Stay inside and drink lots of fluids
- Take showers instead of baths
- Do not open your fridge or freezer unless necessary
- Conserve your water supply
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Rolling blackouts
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During a rolling blackout:
- Keep your air conditioner off or use it sparingly
- Turn off your home's lights
- Shut off appliances you aren't using
- Avoid using kitchen appliances
- Use the microwave instead of the oven if you must cook
- Eat cooler foods like salads or sandwiches
- Conserve water
- Take showers instead of baths
- Conserve gasoline by only driving when necessary or carpooling
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Human health emergency
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Some human health emergencies can include an influenza (flu) pandemic. A pandemic of the flu in which the population has no immunity can be harmful and fatal to you or our family. Algoma Public Health leads the response action to support those who are sick during a pandemic. We provide a support role.
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How to protect yourself from illness
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- Wash your hands frequently with warm water and soap
- Avoid people who have flu-like symptoms
- Avoid people at risk of becoming very sick like small children or the elderly
- Keep away from others if you are sick
- Get plenty of rest and sleep
- Avoid any unnecessary errands
- Cover your face when sneezing or coughing with a tissue
- Wash hands after touching your face
- Use hand sanitizers where available
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth
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Ice and sleet storms
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Elliot Lake sometimes experiences ice or sleet storms. When there is sleet or freezing rain, sidewalks and roads become slippery and it may be dangerous to go outside.
What to do in case of ice or sleet
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- Plan ahead by trimming dead branches and cutting down dead trees to reduce the danger of heavy branches falling on your home or property during a storm
- Be aware of all electrical wires, rooftops, trees and branches that have ice build-up and may fall
- Never touch power lines or go near downed power lines
- Avoid driving unless it is absolutely necessary
- Wait several hours after freezing rain ends to go back on the roads
- Spread salt or sand on your pathways and sidewalks
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