ARE YOU PREPARED FOR A FLOODED BASEMENT?

The week before the previous one was Emergency Preparedness Week across Canada and while zombies are unlikely, weather-related emergencies happen all the time and being prepared is a key priority.

But what is an emergency? By definition an emergency is a serious, unexpected and often dangerous situation requiring immediate action.

When an emergency happens, there are professional emergency responders, like Mississauga Fire and Emergency Services, who are ready when you call for help.

What most people don't know, is that there is a period between the onset of an emergency situation to when help arrives, and it's your responsibility to be prepared and stay safe until help arrives.

Here are a few things you may not know about the importance of emergency preparedness.

1. While help will arrive quickly most times, the time it takes to respond can be longer if there are widespread emergencies or the roads leading to your home are inaccessible. There may also be situations where a dispatcher can help you over the phone while help is on the way — with a few supplies on hand.

2. You'll need enough food, medical equipment or essential items your family needs for up to 72 hours. Customize an emergency kit to match the needs of your household — having children, elderly family members, individuals with special needs or pets, will define what goes in your kit.

3. When we think about emergencies, our minds always go to hurricanes, tsunamis and volcanic eruptions. More common emergencies that are often forgotten about could include: a long power outage, a medical emergency, a small kitchen fire, or a flooded basement. You may need a quick go-bag ready to go.

4. Do regular maintenance on your home, including weatherproofing, checking your smoke alarms and investing in home insurance.

Be safe, Mississauga.

Deryn Rizzi serves as the fire chief and director of emergency management for the Mississauga Fire and Emergency Services. She can be contacted at fire.administration@mississauga.ca.