Mississauga to Better Prepare Residents in the Event of a Disaster

The City of Mississauga, along with the Region of Peel and the Canadian Red Cross continue to work together to equip Mississauga residents with support during a disaster. Designated City-owned Community Centres will have new signage in place identifying them as an Emergency Reception Centre during an emergency situation. Trained City staff will also be available onsite to respond and co-ordinate facility operations during an emergency event and the Region of Peel Human Services & Canadian Red Cross will co-ordinate emergency social services.

“Mississauga is ready and prepared to respond in the event of a disaster. Disasters can have a life-altering impact on individuals, their families and our entire community.”

“Evacuating from your home during a disaster can be overwhelming. It’s important that our residents have the tools and guidance they need to feel safe, secure and well-prepared in the event of a crisis,” said Mayor Bonnie Crombie. “Our Emergency Reception Centres are a beacon of security, and we want to ensure our residents can get there safely and soundly.”

An Emergency Reception Centre is a safe place where people can go to receive:

• information about the emergency
• assistance meeting their basic needs
• help planning their recovery from the disaster
• other primary and specialized services

“We are in the business of building community preparedness. Our Emergency Management program is holistic; it includes people, resources and systems that all work together before, during and after a disaster,” said Tim Beckett, Mississauga Director of Emergency Management and Fire Chief. “Emergency Reception Centres are such an important part of that system to keep residents informed and safe.”

In the event residents cannot return home during a disaster, they are encouraged to register for emergency social services at the nearest Emergency Reception Centre. During the registration process, residents can expect to be asked the following questions:

• Do you have somewhere you can stay safely?
• Do you have transportation to necessary places like work and school?
• Do you have clothes?
• Do you have clean water and food?

For more information, please visit mississauga.ca/emergencymanagement.

Background

Depending on the severity of an emergency situation, residents could be out of their homes for some time. It’s important to prepare by:

• Creating a “Go Bag” that includes hard copies or a flash drive with important documents such as insurance documents, personal identification and medical records that you can easily take with you.
• Knowing the number of your insurance company and policy number so you can call them as soon as possible following the incident.
• Understanding and knowing what your insurance policy covers.
• Knowing how long your insurance company will provide alternative housing.

Other important things to keep top of mind if you have to leave your home include:

• Ensuring you have your mobile phone and a charger cord.
• Filling up your car with gas so that you have a full tank.
• Considering what your plans will be for the next day, week and month, depending on how long you will be out of your home.

Tags

• Emergency and Preparedness
• Fire and Emergency Services