The ongoing wildfires that have devastated the Los Angeles area for weeks are a harrowing reminder that disaster can strike anywhere—including at the cottage.
Cottage country, in all its forested and waterfront glory, can be at a particular risk of encountering wildfires and floods, with emergency services often located some distance away. And as climate-fuelled disasters continue to rise, it’s more important than ever to be prepared for whatever comes your way.
“The Canadian way of life is enjoying the great outdoors,” says Georgie Matharu, a senior manager of risk reduction with the Canadian Red Cross in Regina, Sask. “It’s not about not going out and not enjoying ourselves at the cottage, it’s simply about doing it in a safe way.”
This means being informed of local risks, setting out a detailed plan, and having a personalized emergency kit on-hand. Here’s how to be prepared for an emergency situation at the cottage, according to the Red Cross.
1. Be informed
The first step is being aware of the risks your cottage faces. Are you in a flood-prone area, or in a region with a history of wildfires? Staying informed of local protocols and guidelines can help keep your property safe.
Matharu cites the cottage-heavy use of propane as an example. “If it’s portable propane, do you have a way of disconnecting it and moving it away from your cottage if there are wildfires in the area?”
Similarly, take note of nearby brush, always monitor burning campfires and local fire bans, and even consider how hot exhaust pipes from ATVs can spark a flame.
2. Make a plan
Your plan should include meet-up points, evacuation routes, and how to stay connected with others. The specifics will be largely based on your family’s personal needs, as well as where your cottage is located, but the most important thing is making sure that everyone in your household is aware of the plan.
“If you don’t tell your kids about it, then it isn’t very effective,” says Matharu.
Though not used by the Red Cross, many experts rely on the six Ps of disaster preparedness to help dictate emergency plans.
The six Ps are:
- People and pets
- Papers, phone numbers, and important documents
- Prescriptions (such as vitamins and eyeglasses)
- Pictures
- Personal computer
- “Plastic” (such as credit cards) and cash
While you might not bring all these items to the cottage with you, taking note of where you keep them—and if they should even be at the cottage—is vital. Also consider the specifics of your surroundings. If, for example, you get spotty cell reception on your property, think about investing in a satellite radio or another method for contacting the outside world.
3. Get a kit
The rule of thumb is to prepare a kit that will last you 72 hours, says Matharu. This is the time it could take for authorities to reach you in the event of a disaster.
Your kit should include food, water, medication, and a good first aid kit. Most importantly, “make a kit that reflects who lives with you,” says Matharu. This could be diapers, entertainment for kids, or food for pets.
Another factor? Having the tools on-hand to use your kit. Ensure you write down our emergency contacts on paper in case your phone dies. Or, if you plan to stock up on canned food, make sure you have a can opener.
Matharu suggests checking on your emergency kit—especially your first aid kit—when you open and close the cottage. “If you’re going up for the whole summer, you might be taking Band-Aids and gauze from it often. Make sure you replenish anything that needs it.”
4. Listen to authorities
While not an official emergency preparedness step from the Red Cross, listening to local authorities is overall the most important thing you can do during a disaster. “One of the biggest dangers is going back too early,” says Matharu.
And it’s understandable—whether you were at the cottage or not during the event, it’s natural to want to check up on your property and see how it’s been affected. But wait until you’ve been instructed that it’s safe to do so.
“It is a horrific ordeal to lose what you’ve built over a lifetime, but the most important thing is everyone getting out safe,” she says.
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