Possible Emergencies: Kingston's Risks and Hazards

Make sure everyone in your home understands and is prepared for the risks and hazards facing the Kingston community. Also see our emergency preparedness information for how to generally prepare your household to face most emergencies.

Below is a list of certain possible emergencies and suggested tips to help you face them:

• Extreme Cold
• Extreme Heat
• Thunderstorms
• Flash Floods
• Tornados
• Utility Disruptions
• Fire
• Hazardous Spills
• Health Emergencies

EXTREME COLD

The City of Kingston winters often bring extreme cold, heavy snow, ice, sleet, and freezing rain. These elements can pose serious hazards. When a winter storm warning is in effect, check to the radio, television and this website for information and instructions.

The following tips relate to extreme cold emergencies:

When outdoors:

• Dress warmly with layers and stay dry. Wear hats, scarves and water-repellent coats.
• Cover your mouth to protect your lungs from cold air.
• Avoid overexertion while shoveling snow. Take rest breaks.
• If you must travel during a snowstorm, do so during the day and let someone know your route and arrival time.

Safe home heating:

• Use only heating equipment approved for indoor use.
• Do not use your stove or oven to heat rooms.
• Keep combustible materials, including furniture, drapes, and carpeting at least three feet away from a heat source. NEVER drape clothes over a space heater to dry.
• Always keep an eye on heating equipment. Never leave children alone in the room with a running space heater. Turn it off if you are unable to closely monitor it.
• Do not overload electrical circuits.

KFL&A Public Health uses temperature and wind chill thresholds — predetermined temperatures or wind chill values — to let residents know when the temperature could be harmful. The Cold Weather Response Plan is designed to reduce the health impacts and risks associated with cold weather events. It includes monitoring Environment Canada's weather forecasts between November 1 and April 15 and notifying the community, health service providers, and the media when thresholds are reached.
[VISIT THE PUBLIC HEALTH WEBSITE FOR MORE INFORMATION ON COLD WEATHER]

EXTREME HEAT

During the summer months, Kingstonians are vulnerable to heat-related health conditions such as cramps, heat exhaustion, and heat strokes. When the humidex rating is 36 or higher, you and your family may be at risk.

People at the highest risk of health problems from a hot, humid, or smoggy weather include the elderly, infants (less than 1 year), people who have chronic physical and mental illnesses, and some people on certain medications.

Precautions to avoid heat-related health conditions:

• Stay in the shade. When in the sun, wear sunscreen that is at least SPF 15.
• Wear lightweight and loose-fitting clothes.
• Drink plenty of water. Avoid alcoholic and caffeinated drinks.
• Visit an air-conditioned environment and public pools.
• Take a cool shower, bath or sponge bath.
• Avoid strenuous activity.
• Never leave children or pets in a parked car in intense heat.

KFL&A Public Health has adopted a series of extreme heat thresholds to inform KFL&A area residents, health professionals, and community service providers on the measures they can take to reduce the health effects of hot, humid, and smoggy weather. Between May 1 and September 30, KFL&A Public Health monitors forecasted weather conditions and issues Heat Advisories when a hot or humid air mass is forecast and heat-related health effects may occur.
[VISIT THE PUBLIC HEALTH WEBSITE FOR MORE INFORMATION ON HOT WEATHER]

THUNDERSTORMS

• If caught outside, do not lie flat but squat low to the ground. Take shelter in a building or depressed area such as a dry ditch or culvert. Do not take cover under trees.
• Avoid handling metal, electrical equipment and telephones.
• Do not use water faucets or any water connected to a plumbing system. Lightning can follow wires and pipes.
• If swimming or in a boat, get back to shore immediately.
• If you are in a car, stay there.

FLASH FLOODS

• Move pets, furniture, appliances and other belongings to higher ground. Make sure basement windows are closed.
• Seek higher ground if you see rapidly rising water.
• Never drive your vehicle through standing water. Do not cross flowing water.

TORNADOS

• Go to the basement or take shelter in a small interior ground floor room such as a bathroom or closet. Protect yourself by taking shelter under a heavy table or desk.
• Stay away from windows, outside walls and doors.
• If outside, take cover in a ditch or recessed area.

UTILITY DISRUPTIONS

Know what do during a power outage, gas leak or water and sewer-related problems.

During a power outage:

• If prolonged, prevent pipes from freezing and bursting by draining them and shutting off the main water supply.
• Turn off all appliances that will turn on automatically when power is restored.
• Keep a phone that does not require electricity. Cordless phones require electricity and may not work in a power outage.
• Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed to prevent food spoilage.
• Do not use a barbeque, camp stove or generator indoors. They can generate dangerous levels of carbon monoxide.

During a gas leak:

• Evacuate the area immediately and call 9-1-1.
• Do not smoke or light matches or lighter.
• If the odour is very strong, do not use your telephone or operate any light switches or electrical devices. Any spark could cause a fire.

During water and sewer-related problems:

• If you see water coming up from the ground, experience low water pressure or have no water, call Utilities Kingston 613-546-1181. This may indicate a water main break.
• If there is a concern about drinking water quality, authorities will explain which actions to take, such as boiling or treating the water.
• If there is a drought, authorities will advise you to conserve water. During prolonged heat waves in the summer, mandatory water restrictions may be imposed.

For more information, visit the Utilities Kingston website.

FIRE

If your smoke alarm goes off, or if you see a fire, remain calm. Do not try to fight a major fire. Call 9-1-1 from a safe place.

Plan ahead:

• Install smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors on every level of your home and outside sleeping areas. Check smoke alarm batteries on time change weekends.
• Prepare an escape plan so you can get out fast.

In the event of a fire:

• If a fire breaks out in your house or apartment, get everyone out immediately.
• If your clothes catch on fire, stop where you are, drop to the ground, and roll to smother the flames.
• Stay as close to the floor as possible. Smoke and heat rise and the air is clearer and cooler near the floor.

For fire safety and prevention information, get some tips from Kingston Fire & Rescue.

HAZARDOUS SPILLS

A major hazardous materials spill may require you to be evacuated or shelter-in-place. Listen for instructions from local emergency response officials.

Remember:

• If there is a hazardous materials spill, leave the area, and move upwind of the spill.
• If you have to pass through the contaminated area, cover your mouth and nose with a dry cloth.
• If a hazardous spill event happens indoors, try to get out of the building without passing through the contaminated area.
• If the event occurs outdoors, move as far away as possible and shelter-in-place. Turn off ventilation.
• If you were near the event, leave the area and remove your outer layer of clothing. Wash yourself with soap and water.
• In some circumstances, it may be necessary to be decontaminated by trained emergency personnel.
• If you feel sick, seek medical attention as soon as possible.

HEALTH EMERGENCIES

KFL&A Public Health is responsible for the management of many types of health-related emergencies appropriate response. In the case of infectious disease outbreaks, or food and water safety issues, KFL&A Public Health works together with the City and many agencies such as hospitals, emergency medical services and municipal government to plan for and manage community health-related emergencies. KFL&A Public Health also monitors influenza activity in Kingston and surrounding area.

The spread of influenza can be prevented by:

• Hand-washing.
• Covering your mouth when you cough and sneeze.
• Staying home when you are sick
• Receiving an annual influenza immunization (flu shot).

For more information, visit the KFL&A Public Health website.

 

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