Preparedness
Emergency Preparedness
Welcome to the Preparedness section of Annapolis REMO’s Emergency Management website. Being prepared is key to protecting lives, property, and the environment in the event of an emergency.Annapolis REMO Emergency Management Plan
The Annapolis REMO Emergency Management Plan outlines the methodology for effective, efficient, and coordinated emergency planning and response across Annapolis County. It serves as a comprehensive guide for mitigating, preparing for, responding to, and recovering from emergencies. By fostering collaboration among municipalities, emergency services, and community organizations, the plan ensures a unified and strategic approach to managing emergencies of all scales.
Please click on the Annapolis REMO Emergency Management Plan cover to review document.
(Click to view)
Under Nova Scotia's Emergency Management Act, municipalities have specific obligations and responsibilities to ensure the safety and resilience of their communities. Since November 1, 1991, each municipality is required to:
- Prepare and approve an emergency management plan.
- Establish a framework for collaboration with local organizations and regional partners.
- Allocate resources and implement training to maintain readiness for emergencies.
- These measures underscore the importance of proactive planning and community involvement to handle potential risks and hazards effectively.
Preparedness is a Shared Responsibility
Annapolis REMO encourages residents, businesses, and visitors to take an active role in emergency preparedness. By working together, planning ahead, and staying alert, we can create a resilient and prepared community ready to face any challenge.
Be Ready for the First 72 Hours
Emergencies such as storms, wildfires, or power outages can strike without warning. Annapolis REMO reminds citizens to take proactive steps to prepare for the critical first 72 hours, as it may take emergency workers some time to reach you during and after a disaster.
Why 72 Hours?
In the event of a local emergency, individuals and families should expect to be self-sufficient for at least three days. This timeframe reflects how long it may take for help to arrive, and being prepared ensures you can care for yourself and your loved ones until assistance is available.
What You Can Do
1. Know the Risks
Understand the emergencies most likely to happen in your area, such as hurricanes, flooding, or wildfires, so you can prepare accordingly.
2. Make a Plan
Create a family emergency plan that outlines what to do during a crisis. Include escape routes, meeting places, and important contact information.
3. Get a Kit
- 72-Hour Emergency Kit
Includes essentials like water, non-perishable food, medications, flashlights, chargers, and important documents. - Grab-and-Go Kit
A smaller, portable kit that’s easy to carry if you need to evacuate quickly. Include essentials like snacks, water, medications, basic first aid, identification, and cash. - Car Emergency Kit
Always have an emergency kit in your vehicle, especially during winter months like blankets or extra warm clothing, jumper cables, non-perishable snacks and water, flashlight and batteries, first aid supplies and shovel and ice scraper.
These basic steps ensure you can care for yourself during disruptions.
4. Stay Informed and Alert
- Sign up for alerts: Receive real-time updates through the Alertable Emergency Alerts System.
- Follow local news, weather updates, and official advisories to stay informed.
- Be ready to adapt to changing circumstances as emergencies evolve.
Preparedness is a shared responsibility. Annapolis REMO encourages residents, businesses, and visitors to take active steps in emergency planning:
Know the Risks
Being aware of potential risks in Annapolis County, across Nova Scotia, and throughout Canada is the first step in being prepared for emergencies. While some risks are local and specific to our region, others are shared nationally but may vary in their impact depending on the area.
Emergencies can happen suddenly—anywhere, at any time—and they may come from natural events, such as hurricanes, wildfires, and winter storms, or unexpected incidents like infrastructure failures, flooding, or industrial accidents.
In Annapolis County, several hazards have been identified through the 2024 Hazard Risk Vulnerability Assessment. Understanding these risks is vital for preparedness, as it allows residents and communities to anticipate and plan for emergencies.
Key Risks in Annapolis County
- Hurricanes: Strong winds, heavy rain, and storm surges during late summer and early fall can cause significant property damage and flooding.
- Blizzards and Massive Snowstorms: Heavy snowfall and strong winds can result in dangerous conditions, power outages, and travel disruptions.
- Wildfires: Forested and rural areas face increased risks during dry periods, especially in the summer months.
- Freezing Rain and Ice Storms: Ice buildup can damage power lines, trees, and infrastructure, leading to prolonged outages.
- Healthcare Interruptions: Emergencies or disasters can strain healthcare services, limiting access to critical care.
- Pandemics: The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the impact of widespread health crises on communities.
- Electric Power Blackouts: Severe weather or infrastructure failures can lead to prolonged power interruptions.
- Flooding: Risks include overflowing rivers, lakes, and streams, particularly during heavy rainfall or spring thaw.
- Cyber Security Threats: Digital infrastructure is increasingly targeted, posing risks to government services and personal data.
- Flash Flood Rainfall Events: Sudden, intense rainfall can cause rapid flooding, threatening homes, roads, and public safety.
Risks in Nova Scotia
Nova Scotia faces a range of natural and human-caused hazards, including:
- Severe storms such as hurricanes, winter storms, and ice storms
- Coastal storm surges and flooding
- Wildfires in forested regions
- Infrastructure failures, such as power outages or transportation disruptions
- Public health risks like pandemics
Risks in Canada
At a national level, Canadians may encounter hazards such as:
- Natural disasters: floods, earthquakes, wildfires, severe storms, and tornadoes
- Health emergencies: pandemics and outbreaks
- Infrastructure threats: cyber security attacks, power grid failures, and transportation accidents
- Climate-related risks: extreme weather events and rising sea levels
Learn More About Hazards: Visit Public Safety Canada for information on provincial and national risks.
Make a Plan
Be Prepared: Make a Plan and Know the Risks
Emergencies can happen suddenly, anywhere, and at any time. Whether it's a seasonal risk like a winter storm, hurricane, or wildfire, or an unexpected event such as a power outage or industrial accident, it's important to be prepared. By understanding the risks specific to Annapolis County, Nova Scotia, and Canada, you can take proactive steps to ensure your family’s safety.
Make a Plan
Creating a family emergency plan is an essential step in preparedness. Your plan should outline clear actions for each member of the household in case of an emergency. Some key components of your plan should include:
- Meeting places: Decide on a safe location where family members can reunite if separated.
- Communication: Ensure everyone knows how to contact one another. Consider designating an out-of-town contact to relay messages.
- Emergency procedures: Discuss what to do in different emergency situations, such as evacuation routes, sheltering in place, or handling disruptions to utilities.
To create your plan, visit Public Safety Canada's 'Make an Emergency Plan' tool, which will guide you through the process. It only takes about 20 minutes to complete. Make sure to keep a copy of the plan in a place where it’s easily accessible, such as in your wallet, on the fridge, or in your car. It’s also a good idea to keep a photocopy at work.
Stay Informed and Alert
Sign up for Alertable Emergency Alerts to receive real-time updates on emergencies, weather events, or road closures in your area. Stay informed through trusted sources such as your municipality, local emergency management websites, and mobile apps.
Being prepared with a solid plan is your first step in ensuring your family’s safety and well-being in the event of an emergency. By making your plan today, you can be ready for whatever challenges may arise.
Here are some documents to assist in your planning efforts:Get a Kit
Create or Get an Emergency Preparedness KitEmergencies can happen at any time, so it’s important to have a plan and supplies ready to keep your family, pets, and home safe. By preparing now, you’ll be ready to face unexpected events like power outages, floods, or storms. Follow this guide to build an Emergency Kit, create a Grab-and-Go Bag, and prepare for your pets and car in case of an emergency.
Your 72-Hour Emergency Kit
Be ready to stay at home for at least 3 days without power or water. Keep these items in an easy-to-reach location, like your front hall closet.
Checklist
- Bottled water (2L per person per day)
- Non-perishable food (e.g., canned food, granola bars)
- Manual can opener
- Battery-powered or hand-crank radio
- Flashlight with extra batteries
- First aid kit
- Emergency phone list
- Cash in small bills
- Copies of important documents (e.g., ID, insurance papers)
- Toiletries (e.g., toilet paper, toothbrush, wipes)
- Seasonal clothing and blankets
Tip: Store your kit in a backpack, duffle bag, or wheeled suitcase for easy carrying.
Grab-and-Go Bag
If you need to leave your home quickly, keep a Go-Bag ready for each family member. Store it somewhere easy to grab, like by the front door.
Checklist
- Ready-to-eat food and water
- Phone charger and power bank
- Small first aid kit and medications
- Personal toiletries (toothbrush, wipes)
- Extra glasses or contact lenses
- Copies of important documents (e.g., IDs, insurance)
- Cash in small bills
- Local map with a marked meeting spot
- Seasonal clothing and an emergency blanket
- Whistle to signal for help
- Pen, notepad, and flashlight
Prepare Your Car for Emergencies
Winter driving or unexpected road conditions can leave you stranded. Keep an emergency car kit to stay safe.
Checklist
- Food that won’t spoil (e.g., energy bars)
- Water in plastic bottles (replace every 6 months)
- Blanket or sleeping bag
- Extra clothes, shoes, and mittens
- First aid kit with seatbelt cutter
- Small shovel, scraper, and snowbrush
- Wind-up flashlight
- Candle in a deep can (for heat) and matches
- Whistle to signal for help
- Road maps
Keep These in Your Trunk
- Sand, salt, or non-clumping cat litter (for traction)
- Antifreeze and windshield washer fluid
- Tow rope
- Jumper cables
- Fire extinguisher
- Road flares or warning lights
Tip: If stuck in your car during a storm, stay inside to keep warm and avoid getting lost. Check the exhaust pipe to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.
Emergency Kit for Pets
Don’t forget to include supplies for your pets. They’ll need food, water, and other items to stay safe during an emergency.
Checklist
- Food and water for 3 days (4L/day for dogs, 1L/day for cats)
- Food bowls and a can opener
- Leash, harness, or sturdy crate
- ID tag and recent photo of your pet
- Medications and vet contact information
- Blanket and a toy for comfort
- Litter box and plastic bags (for cats)
- Pet first-aid kit
Tip: Keep a small pet file with vaccination records and emergency contacts.
EMERGENCY KIT TIPS
- Make sure everyone in your household knows where your emergency kits are.
- Personalize each kit for family members (including babies, seniors, or pets).
- Check and update supplies each year or after every use.
- Store Important Numbers: Save emergency contacts and local shelters in your phone AND write them down in your kit.
- Freeze Water Bottles: Keep bottles of water frozen in your freezer. They help keep food cold during power outages and can serve as drinking water once melted.
- Store Batteries Separately: To avoid draining, store batteries out of devices like flashlights until needed.
- Use Color-Coding: Assign a color or label for each family member’s emergency bag to make identification quick and easy.
- Back Up Important Files: Use a USB drive or cloud storage to save copies of vital documents like insurance policies, IDs, and health records.
- Comfort Items for Kids: Pack a small toy, book, or activity for children to help keep them calm during emergencies.
- Review Annually: Check your kit once a year for expired food, medications, or supplies.
Being prepared helps you stay calm, safe, and ready for anything. Start your plan and build your kits today!
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