SPRING INFO PACKAGE FOR RESIDENTS OF MOOSE FACTORY ISLAND

Transcription

1 SPRING INFO PACKAGE FOR RESIDENTS OF MOOSE FACTORY ISLAND

2 SPRING INFORMATION PACKAGE FOR RESIDENTS OF MOOSE FACTORY ISLAND It s that time of year again when our little town of Moose Factory and its residents are preparing for the annual spring harvest. While preparing for the annual spring hunt, you and your family should take the time to prepare for any emergency situation that we may encounter during spring break-up. We should be asking ourselves: Is my family prepared for an Emergency? Do we know what to do in the event of an emergency? This information package will give you and your family ideas on how to prepare for a power outage, flood emergency and/ or an evacuation. Please go through all the information that is provided for you and your family. Preparation is Key! Make sure you and your family are prepared for an emergency! Information Package Outline: Emergency Preparedness. Are You Prepared? Emergency Response Plan & Emergency Control Group 72 hour Emergency Kit (flood & power outage) Emergency Grab and Go Bag (Evacuation bag) Where information can be heard and viewed in regards to notices and publications on break-up Notice to all hunters and campers along the Moose River Copy of River Surveillance Updates and where to find them and listen to the updates Where MFIFR receive reports and Water Station Locations Contact Numbers in case of an Emergency

3 ARE YOU PREPARED? DO YOU KNOW WHAT TO DO IN THE EVENT OF AN EMERGENCY? While no one ever wants to think about disaster striking. The simple truth of the matter is that we are vulnerable to becoming victims of some type od natural disaster or emergency situation. If that should happen, it is crucial that we be prepared. According the Office of the Fire Marshall Emergency Management (OFM/EM) thousands of people are affected by disasters each and every year. The result of such disaster and emergency situation can be far ranging. When such an emergency arises, it is essential that you and your family are prepared. One of the best ways you can be assured of such emergency preparedness is to make sure you have emergency plan in place. Having an emergency plan can go a long way towards reducing the fear that can arise from the unknown. An emergency can also help to mitigate personal losses that might be incurred. A great first step toward being prepared for an emergency is to make sure you are aware all available community resources. For instance, if there is flooding about to occur, do you know where you can take shelter? If you should need to leave your home, do you know the location of emergency shelter sites? Your emergency preparedness planning should also include knowing the proper way to respond to specific types of emergency situations that might naturally occur in your regional geographic location. The best way to prepare for potential dangers is to recognize the potential that may exist. For instance, you live in an area that is prone to flooding, it is important to take the necessary steps to protect your home from flooding to help alleviate potential losses. A survival kit is also important to emergency preparedness. An emergency kit is meant to ensure you and your family members will have all of the necessary items doe basic survival. Such items should include a three day water and food supply for each person, blankets, radio, hygiene items, prescription medication and a flashlight and batteries. To ensure you are always prepared for an emergency, it is always crucial to check on your emergency kit approximately every six months to ensure medications are not outdated and food items are not expired. An emergency kit will benefit you little if you are not able to use the items stored away. While it is impossible to prevent disaster or an emergency from taking place, you can take steps to ensure you are prepared. Is there a plan in place for Moose Factory? Yes, there is. The Moose Factory Island Community Emergency Response Plan is tailored to the community of Moose Factory and covers wide range emergency situations. This plan consists of an Emergency Operations Control Group that involves all levels of government of Moose Factory (Federal/WAHA, Provincial/Local Services Board and the Moose Cree First Nation) which work closely with the Office of the Fire Marshall Emergency Management (OFM/EM) and Moose Factory s new Red Cross satellite office. Every year in March the Emergency Operations Control Group has a meeting, updates Moose Factory Emergency Response Plan and is ready for the spring season and new year.

4 Moose Factory Island Community Emergency Response Plan EMERGENCY AS DEFINED IN THE EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AND CIVIL PROTECTION ACT: Emergency; means a situation that constitutes a danger of major proportions that could result in serious harm to persons or substantial damage to property and that is caused by the forces of nature, a disease or other health risk, an accident of an act whether intentional or otherwise. CRITERIA FOR DECLARING A STATE OF LOCAL EMERGENCY Making a declaration of a state of local emergency is based on the following criteria: A situation has occurred that constitutes a danger of major proportions to life of property; The resource capability of the community of Moose Factory is overwhelmed EMERGENCY OPERATIONS CONTROL GROUP The Emergency Operations Control Group is made up of members from different organizations throughout the community. Each group/member identified below have their specific roles during an emergency situation. Chief Community Official Emergency Management Coordinator Police Officer Fire Chief Medical Health Social Services Moose Cree First Nation Health Services Communications Officer Public Works Public Information Officer Operations Officer MoCreebec Local Services Board Moose Band Development Corporation In the event of an emergency of any type, the residents of Moose Factory will be notified by emergency vehicle s sirens and PA, along with emergency broadcasts through social media and radio.

5 The Red Cross recommends that you keep a disaster preparedness kit in your home with enough supplies to meet your family s needs for at least 72 hours. By taking some time now to store emergency food, water and other supplies, you can provide for your entire family. Store these supplies together in sturdy, easy-to-carry containers such as suitcases on wheels or backpacks in case you need to evacuate your home. Water: during an emergency, tap water can become polluted or supply may be cut off. Store two litres of drinking water and two litres of water for washing per person, per day, keeping 72 hours supply on hand for your family and pets. Listen to public announcements about treating the water in your area after a disaster. Once per year, make use of your water supply and add fresh water to your kit Food: store at least 72hour supply of non-perishable food for each person. Select foods that are compact and lightweight, non-perishable and require no refrigeration, cooking, preparation or added water. Every six months, check the expiration dates of your food items. Ensure that there enough for each member of your family. Manual can opener Crank or battery-operated flashlight, with extra batteries Crank or battery-operated radio, with extra batteries Extra keys, for house and car and a first aid kit Cash in small bills (Special needs items medications, baby formula and diapers, and equipment for people with disabilities.) Additional items to consider Change of clothing and footwear for each person Sleeping bag or warm blanket for each person Pet food and pet medication Garbage bags and twist ties Toilet paper Multi-tool or basic tools (hammer, wrench, screwdriver, etc.) Duct tape Plastic sheeting Scissors or pocket knife Whistle Hand sanitizer Personal hygiene items Important family documents (copies of birth and marriage certificates, passports, license, wills, land deeds and insurance)

6 Emergency Grab Bag Why do we need them? Every spring season Moose Factory Island residents run the risk of a potential precautionary evacuation or full evacuation. With the potential risk we need to prepare ourselves to move at a moment notice. In the event of an evacuation we must be prepared to travel and to travel light. In the event of an evacuation there will be very little time to think about what you may need and it is therefore important to prepare the possibility of being evacuated and the conditions you will be exposed to. We there-fore encourage residents to make their own Emergency Grab Bag which is prepared in advance, kept in an easy reach place that everyone knows about and taken with you should the need arise. An example of what you may want to put in the bag is given below. A copy of your Family Emergency Plan Very important family documents, recent family photos, birth certificates, health cards, passports, etc. Extra set of clothing (1 set per bag) A basic first aid kit Flashlight and spare batteries A cell phone and charger or a satellite phone Battery operated or wind up radio A small blanket Non-perishable food (cereal bars etc.) Notepad and pen Spare keys house keys Money or emergency credit card Bottle of water Toiletries (soap, shampoo, toothbrush, brush, shaver etc.) Copy of any medical prescription Contact information businesses, family members cell phones and emergency personnel This list can be tailored to your own individuals or family needs, but it is important that the bag is kept to a reasonable size. Every person that is evacuated will be limited to one bag per person with a maximum weight limit of 40lbs and a carry-on bag that is limited to 10-13lbs

7 BREAK-UP NOTIFICATIONS & UPDATES Where to find BREAK-UP bulletins Moose Cree First Nation website Moose Cree Fist Nation Facebook page Moose Factory Island Fire Rescue Facebook page Notices at the following locations (Moose Cree Complex Foyer, GG s True Value, Northern Quick Stop, Hospital Entrances) on bulletin boards The Island (local FM radio station) CHMO 1450 (local AM radio station) MRBA Channel 22 If you know of any person(s) who do not have access to TV, radio or internet access, please forward/relay any break-up information or emergency information to them. NOTICE TO ALL HUNTERS & CAMPERS ALONG MOOSE RIVER Hunters/campers who camp in areas that are prone to potential flooding along the Moose River. Moose Factory Island Fire Rescue has a seasonal budget for River Surveillance and Emergency Planning. This fund is used for Emergency Planning and to conduct river surveillance flights only, and not to cover the cost of rescues. Once there are increased water levels and discharge levels at water stations up the river. MFIFR will start to conduct River Surveillance flights of the Moose River and its tributaries. It should be understood that all hunters and/or campers who travel to their spring camps are responsible for their own travel arrangements and expenses to and from camp. We are sending the following message out to all hunter and campers that: if you are hunting and/or camping in an area that is prone to flood water, such as; (along rivers, creeks, low lying areas/islands or along the Moose River or mouth of Moose River), and you and your family have to be rescued and/or picked up by the fire department, you will be billed the cost from your camp and/or location back to Moose Factory. Please be in regular contact with family members or Moose Factory s local radio station for regular updates on water levels, break-up locations and river surveillance updates from Moose Cree First Nation and Moose Factory Fire Rescue.

8 Where does all this spring data come from? 1. We rely on the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry for the following data: a. Snow Depth b. Snow Melt c. Surface Water Monitoring Stations (tin shacks along certain rivers) 2. We rely on weather reports from Environment Canada or The Weather Network 3. We also rely on reports, s and updates from OPG a. Open and closing of dams b. Amount of water spilling through the dams c. How long dams will be open d. OPG forecasting (in terms of water build-up and releasing of water) 4. We also rely on input from local people that have been through many spring thaws/breakups Data usually starts to come in to the Fire Departments office by the 3 rd week of March and continues to arrive by , fax, and phone calls until middle of May All this information is reviewed during the spring thaw and a course of action is determined prior to break-up reaching Moose Factory Island.

9 MOOSE FACTORY ISLAND FIRE RESCUE RIVER SURVEILLANCE REPORT # DATE: TIME: A river surveillance flight was taken this morning and/or afternoon and/or evening, and the following was noticed at the locations bellows: South Bluff Creek- Bushy Island South End French River Kwatabohegan River Abitibi River Cheepash River Moose River (main river) The flow rates and water levels that are monitored at Moose River remain normal. All other rivers/creeks remain normal for this time of year. Another flight will take place to monitor the water levels and progression of break-up The Moose Factory Island Emergency Management urges ALL residents to remain off the river. PLEASE KEEP CHILDREN AWAY FROM THE RIVER BANKS. THANK YOU FOR YOUR COOPERATION IN KEEPING EVERYONE SAFE

10 MOOSE FACTORY ISLAND FIRE & RESCUE CONTACT INFORMATION FIRE DEPARTMENT MONDAY TO FRIDAY (8:00AM TO 5:00PM) ELLIOTT SCHIMMENS EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT COORDINATOR EXT 225 IN THE EVENT OF A FIRE EMERGENCY, WATER RESCUE, MOTOR VEHICLE ACCIDENT CALL THE FIRE EMERGENCY PHONE NUMBER

11 These alerting levels have been established for the betterment of the public s understanding and to assist with major decisions that would involve the Life Safety and Property of the Community. These alerting levels will be utilized using the following but not limited to, surveillance flights, pole markers, technical reports, traditional knowledge, and elders input. ALERTING LEVEL/CODES Level 1 - Normal Level 2 Advisory Alert Level 3 Warning Alert Level 4 Major Alert Level 5 Critical Alert Level 6 Severe Alert Downgrading Levels Level 5 Critical Alert Level 4 Major Alert Level 3 Warning Alert Level 2 Advisory Alert Level 1 - Normal CRITERIA & ACTIONS TO BE TAKEN -Emergency Planning & Preparations -Break up has begun & river surveillance flights are underway with community updates to the public and community officials will follow each flight -Community members to stay off waterways -Water levels are beginning to rise. - Break up has reached the community of Moose Factory -Water levels continue to rise -Community members to be on Stand-by and to begin Preparation Procedures accordingly -Emergency Coordinator will call an emergency meeting with the Emergency Operations Control Group to consider the next steps -Water reaching critical levels -EOCG will assemble at the designated Operations Center and prepare to designate their staffs duties -EOCG will Declare Stage of Emergency without evacuation -Community preparation will begin for potential evacuation -Initiate movement of the vulnerable -Major facilities and essential services review preparation procedures -Community members to be prepared -Total Evacuation Process will begin -Flood is imminent -Flood is no longer imminent -Evacuation Process stops -Water remains critical but is not rising -Water remains high but no longer at critical levels -Water levels continue to decrease -Minimal ice coming down the Moose River and its tributaries -Evacuees will be brought back -Water remains high but continues to decrease -Break up has progresses past our community of Moose Factory -Break up has progressed out to James Bay -Precaution shall continue along riverbanks and waterways as ice continues to break free from the shoreline -Emergency Planning & Preparations Residents All residents will be informed by updates on the local radio station and television community channels. Should partial or total evacuation be required, the emergency service vehicles will be used to alert the public. Upon hearing this announcement, residents are requested to evacuate to their designated local evacuation centers. Partial Evacuation Signal The community s emergency services vehicles will drive through the affected area with their flashers on siren sounding. The Public Address system on the vehicles will inform residents as to the level of the evacuation. In addition, the Police will set up checkpoints to prevent entry into the affected area.

12 Complete Total Evacuation Signal The community s emergency vehicles will drive through the community with their flashers and siren sounding. The Public Address system on the vehicles will inform residents as to the level of evacuation. The Police will ensure that residents are out of their homes and at their designated evacuation point. PART 13.0 EVACUATION PROCEDURES Should partial or total evacuation of the residents be required during a real or impending emergency, the Emergency Operations Control Group will coordinate the following procedures: Stage 1 Partial Evacuation Vulnerable Vulnerable List A) The movement of people in major facilities will begin at this stage. Major Facilities (example: Hospital Patients, pregnant woman) will begin the process of moving people out of town. This will in turn make room for those community members who may need hospital facilities (example: home dialysis, wheel chair, etc,) Vulnerable List B) Community Vulnerable will begin at this stage including seniors 60 and over, special needs, woman and children who are under 16, Emergency Personnel spouse and children including Police, Fire, Ambulance, Emergency Operations Control Group spouse and children. Stage 2 Total Evacuation The remaining community members will be moved at this stage with Emergency Personnel and the Emergency Operations Control Group being the last to leave. STAGE I: Partial Evacuation 1) By using the established alert procedures notify and assemble the Emergency Operations Control Group at the Emergency Operations Center. 2) Notify representatives for the local evacuation center to prepare for receiving evacuees. 3) By using the alert procedure and system for the residents request that they (residents) report to their designated local evacuation centers. 4) Provide transportation for evacuee s assistance. 5) Advise and request support groups to be on stand-by for possible complete evacuation. STAGE II: Total Evacuation 1) Notify local evacuation centers of the need to evacuate from the community. 2) Notify external evacuation centers of evacuation to prepare for receiving evacuees. 3) Request air transportation from all available sources. Order of Evacuation 1) Disabled hospital patients, High Risk Pregnant Woman, Seniors 60 and over, Emergency Operations Control Groups Family (i.e. Spouse, Children), Emergency Personnel s Family including Fire, Police and Ambulance (i.e. Spouse, Children), (translators as required) 2) Women/men with children who are under 16 (keep parent and children together). 3) Remainder. (Emergency Services Personnel, Receiving Teams, Escort Drivers, Operators) 4) Emergency Operations Control Group.

13 Area of Priority 1) Area most affected will be evacuated first (i.e., river bank residents, low ground level areas at the northwest end of the island). PART 14.0 EVACUATION CENTERS Local For the purposes of designated Evacuation Centers for the community residents, the community has been divided in two areas and local evacuation centers are as follows: 1) The Thomas Cheechoo Memorial Complex and/or DDECS have been designated as the evacuation centers for those residing within the Moose Cree First Nation area (reserve). 2) The Ministik School has been designated as the evacuation center for those residing off reserve (southern portion of the island). 3) Alternate Evacuation Centers: Cree Gospel Church Pastor John Beck Pentecostal Church Robert Jefferies E.P.R Centre Raymond Butterfly External Should a complete evacuation from the community be required, and depending on all circumstances all or a majority of the residents will be evacuated to the following: 1) Moosonee at this location, should the Municipality of Moosonee be required to accommodate more than 400 evacuees, their emergency plan will already be activated, and a train will be requested to assist with the evacuation and evacuees will be transported to Cochrane and reception areas will accommodate the evacuee s needs. Other temporary locations with dry land conditions in case of flood, i.e. hunt camps, depending on emergency

14 EVACUATION CHECKLIST Checklist #1 to be given out before each flood season An evacuation may be ordered by the Chief (or designated alternate) when there is a significant threat posed to a specific area or the community. Causes of an evacuation could include natural, accidental or human-caused disaster, such as a flood or forest fire. When you should evacuate: Evacuate only when instructed to do so by your local emergency officials or Chief If asked to evacuate listen to the local radio or television to learn about areas being evacuated and how to evacuate How will I know to evacuate? Evacuation orders are typically broadcast through the media or delivered directly to homes and businesses by emergency responders, such as the fire department and police. What should I do if asked to evacuate? Offer to assist neighbours who may not be able to evacuate on their own. If possible, make these arrangements in advance Take your family s important documents (status card, medical and vaccination records, credit cards, and cash) Evacuate the area as directed Provide a three-day supply of pet food and water for any family pets.

15 Checklist #2 to be given out when a flood is imminent Before you leave your home (if time permits): Eat a meal before leaving home Close and lock all windows and doors Turn off all lights, fans, vents and heating systems and closed the fireplace damper. If evacuating your home for a prolonged period during cold weather, drain water from plumbing system. Turn off the main water supply and then, starting at the top of the house open all taps, flush toilets several times and open the drain valve in the basement (if you have one). Drain your hot water tank by attaching a hose to the tank drain valve and running the hose to the basement floor drain. Check on your neighbours, friends, family members in the area that are without transportation and offer help. If evacuating your home for a prolonged period during spring/summer months dispose of all perishable food in your refrigerator/freezer. This is important because all perishable food will likely spoil in your absence if power is shut off and will not be safe for human consumption upon your return. If you are evacuating due to a flood, try move any valuable items from the floor/basement if possible in order to limit potential water damage. What should I bring with me if I m asked to evacuate? For babies/toddlers: Diapers, bottled mile, formula and food, toys, crayon and paper Seasonal clothing For all family members: Ontario health insurance plan (OHIP) cards for each family member Status cards for each family member Birth certificate for each family member Any medications and prescriptions Eyeglasses, hearing aids and spare batteries Bank account information and cash Contact information for family and friends that live outside the community Any special medical devices i.e. canes, walkers, wheelchairs, insulin testers and kits, etc. Seasonal clothing Toiletry items i.e. toothbrush and paste, soap, shampoo etc. House keys

16 What to expect at a reception centre: Checklist #3 To be given out once on the aircraft During some evacuations, you may be asked to report to a reception centre. These may be set up to register people, record evacuee contact information or arrange for temporary housing. Upon arrival at a reception centre you may be asked to register and supply personal information. Supplying this information assists in contacting you, reuniting you with your family and loved ones and/or notifying you of when it will be safe to return home. If for any reason you must leave the host community please ensure the reception centre is aware od you leaving and that you register in the next host community, failure to do so result in missing important information Depending on the time of day, and set up of the reception centre a meal and/or snacks along with drinks maybe provided for you on your arrival Please ensure all family member whereabouts are known at all times. Reception centres can be busy and confusing places with some areas off limits to certain people. Evacuees are responsible for any damage that they, their children, or anyone considered in their care causes to any room, vehicle, place, or similar thing. If damages occur the responsible party shall report the damage to the host community immediately and make arrangements to repair damage or pay for repairs required Evacuees are responsible for any excess baggage that they want to return home with. Each evacuee will be allowed one carry on bag (not exceeding 12lbs) and one checked bag (not exceeding 40lbs). any baggage above this will be the responsibility of the evacuee to ensure that excess baggage is returned to their home location.

17 Survival kit items: WHAT TO PUT IN YOUR EMERGENCY SURVIVAL KIT Flashlight and batteries Radio or crank radio First-aid kit Candles, matches/lighter Extra car keys and cash Important papers (identification for everyone) Food and bottled water (should you have to stay in your house for a few days and cannot leave) Clothing and footwear Blankets or sleeping bags (one blanket or sleeping bag per person) Toilet paper and other personal supplies such as shampoo, hairbrush, tooth brush and tooth paste, soap and a towel and face cloth (one for each person) Medication Backpack/duffel bag (or something else to carry your survival kit in) Whistle (in case you need to attract someone s attention) Playing card or games MAKE SURE THAT YOU STORE ALL ITEMS IN A WATERPROOF CONTAINER