Emergencies and major disasters are not exactly foreseeable; quite often, things like natural disasters, bombings, blackouts and earthquakes strike us in surprise. In emergency scenarios such as these, one must expect a wait time of 72 hours... or 3 days, before info-structure help arrives.

Evidently, 3 days is not a short period of time, and in unorganized and chaotic situations, 3 days seems more like 3 weeks. Realistically, it takes about 72 hours for relief efforts to be organized however, and it is not unlikely that in a disaster or emergency situation that those affected will have to wait that long before a response from police, fire departments and paramedics.

Figures show that only about 25 percent of the population is naturally organized, which states essentially that the other 75 percent are in trouble when it comes to dealing with emergencies. This goes to show that lack of preparedness and organization add to messy situations, making it essential that one gets it together and prepares an emergency kit for the protection of their businesses, but more importantly, to protect themselves and their families.

Business:

Scenarios such as that of 9/11 teach us one important thing – as far as business goes, the biggest no-no is to store archival information and/or general backup files in the building which you work. Once lost, these records which are determinant of your entire business are well… lost, leaving your company at loss both time and money wise.

Those who are safe are never sorry, thus it is ideal that your company fills out a Business Emergency Preparedness Plan, Business Continuity Procedure, or Business Continuity and Disaster Preparedness Plan. These are all available in template form, for free, directly off Google. If emergency does hit, you and your business are better prepared.

Family:

Well preparedness is never to be underestimated. In your household, prepare a home emergency kit that is accessible and available to every single person in the home. Your family should also be made aware of where to go in an emergency situation; identify a 'safe haven', should disaster or emergency separate the group.

Ensure also, that your vehicle is emergency and disaster friendly. Create a basic emergency car kit which consists of a cell phone, flashlight, essential medications and copies of prescriptions, a radio, as well as food, water and blankets.

Your preparedness is profitable not only to you, but also, to the community resource and emergency workers who have to concentrate those individuals and groups in urgent need.

Play it Safe:

To further protect, prepare and organize yourself, visit these websites to create an online emergency plan available to be printed.

Visit "Get Prepared" to seamlessly complete your plan at: http://www.getprepared.gc.ca/index_e.asp

Or for safety tips, click online to:

http://www.getprepared.gc.ca/tip/tip_e.asp

For additional concerns and questions on how to get prepared within Ontario, contact your Emergency Management Coordinator via your local municipal office, or visit Emergency Management Ontario.

Now that you're ready, prepared and organized, you’re ready to tackle anything that comes your way. Wipe off the sweat, go out, and celebrate structure and safety!