Emergencies

• Should the fire bells activate while the resident is in their room or lodge living area, the resident should remain in (or be taken to) their room and await further instructions from the team members or Fire Warden.
• Should the bells activate while the resident is attending a program or service outside their living area (i.e., entertainment, Hairdresser), the resident should stay with the program or service provider and await further instructions.
• Should the bells activate while the resident is outside of their living area and not under the direct care or supervision of staff or service providers, the resident should go (or be taken) to the nearest staffing area and await further instructions.
• Should a resident or visitor see a fire or smell smoke, activate the nearest pull station (located at all exit doors), and proceed to the nearest safe area.
• In the event of a serious fire, the Fire Warden will direct residents, visitors, and staff to the nearest safe fire zone. Team members will provide assistance to residents as required throughout this process. Exiting to the outdoors will only occur upon the instruction of the Fire Marshall.
• Smoking is prohibited anywhere inside the building in compliance with fire safety regulations. If you should witness smoking within the building or inappropriate use of smoking materials, please report immediately to the nearest Broadmead Care staff member.

• In the event of a power outage, Broadmead Care Homes are equipped with emergency generators that activates automatically within approximately 20 seconds. The generator provides sufficient power for emergency lighting and operation of critical equipment. Critical equipment is plugged into the red coloured receptacles, which are fed from the normal and emergency power supplies.
• As there is limited fuel reserve for the emergency generator, it is important that all non-critical equipment be shut down during a power outage. Please turn off all non-essential lighting, TVs, radios, VCRs, computers, and so on. Non-critical items should NOT be plugged into the red receptacles.
• In the event of an extended power outage, normal heating and air conditioning will be affected. If needed, staff will provide additional blankets for warmth. All doors and windows should be kept closed.

Earthquakes can strike at any time. In a major earthquake, the ground can pitch and roll, like a ship in a storm. It is expected there could be significant damage and increased risk of injuries from broken glass and falling debris. The secret to survival in a major earthquake is to be prepared, avoid panic, and remain calm. Here are some basic tips on what to do to prepare for an earthquake, including what to do when the shaking starts and after it stops.

Before an earthquake

• Identify safe places to be in the event of a quake. It is best to be located in an area away from glass or heavy objects that may fall. The safest place to be once the shaking starts is beneath sturdy furniture, or in a doorway.
• Fasten top-heavy appliances, furnishings, or heavy wall hangings (i.e., mirrors) using seismic hangers or restraints.
• Establish an out-of-area phone contact person for family members to check in with and remind them regularly that in the event of a major earthquake in our area, you and others will be contacting them to confirm each other’s safety.
• Maintain an own emergency preparedness kit to include a flashlight, AM radio and some extra batteries. The official emergency broadcast station for the Victoria area in CFAX 1070 on the AM dial.
• Ensure there are clear exit paths. Do not put a heavy dresser or bookcase near the exit door, as it is likely to block the exit following a quake.

During an earthquake

• If you are in the building, stay there: do not run for the exits or outdoors.
• Duck, cover, and hold. Take cover beneath sturdy furniture or doorway. Stay away from glass windows and heavy mirrors.
• Don’t ignite candles, matches, or lighters.
• Remain clear of falling debris. As there are likely to be aftershocks, stay in the safe area for as long as possible.
• If you are outdoors, stay away from buildings or overhead power lines.

After an earthquake

• Stay in your safe place until help arrives. Call out for assistance if you are injured.
• Hang up your phone if it was shaken off the hook. Make phone calls ONLY FOR LIFE THREATENING EMERGENCIES, so that available lines are clear for emergency responder use.
• If you are able to help others in your immediate area without putting yourself at risk, please do so.
• Listen to your radio or television for emergency information.