Possible Emergencies

Knowing the possible emergencies in Elliot Lake will help you and your family be prepared.

Extreme Heat

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.

Forest fire

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

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

Power outage

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

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

Rolling blackouts

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

Human health emergency

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.

How to protect yourself from illness

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

Ice and sleet storms

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

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