Spread of disease or bacteria

Deadly bacteria or viruses (biological agents) can be deliberately spread to cause disease and/or death to those who are exposed. Anyone exposed to these biological agents or bio-terrorism should seek immediate medical attention.

What to do if exposed

If you have been exposed, or you think you have been exposed to the spread of a human caused biological agent, but do not show symptoms, you should contact public health authorities as quickly as possible to be evaluated. If necessary, health officials may recommend post-exposure treatment, like antibiotics.

When facing biological agents or bio-terrorism, treatment is better than prevention. Taking antibiotics ahead of time is not recommended because it could lead to:

• Increased side effects in the general population
• An increase in drug resistance of the bacteria
• A shortage of drug supplies

Bomb threat

You may receive a bomb threat in different ways.

Letter or electronic message

If you receive a note or electronic message, call the police immediately at 9-1-1 and notify all those in the building to evacuate the premises.

Call

If you receive a call about a bomb threat, stay calm and try to get as much information as possible from the caller. Although this might be hard, try to note any unique features about the voice and any background sounds you hear over the phone. Try to record every word that is said. The police will ask for this information.

Try to note:

• If the speaker is male or female
• If the speaker has an accent
• If the voice is disguised, muffled or funny sounding
• If the voice is shrill or deep
• Any background noises
• Any indoor or outdoor sounds

After the call

Call the police immediately at 9-1-1. Then call your building manager, if applicable. Notify all those in the building to evacuate the premises. Do not touch any suspicious packages. Once outside, avoid standing in front of windows or other hazardous areas. Do not block the street, as the roads need to be kept clear for emergency officials.

In case you are inside a building during an explosion, get under a sturdy table or desk and avoid tall structures like bookshelves or lights. Ensure your own safety before helping others.

Chemical releases

Exposure to some chemicals (household, industrial or war) can cause injury, disease or death.

Accidental chemical spills

During an accidental chemical spill, you may be instructed to evacuate from nearby homes and businesses to ensure your safety. Stay away from the accident. Talk to the police if you know any information that could help them. Follow instructions from emergency responders and listen to the radio for updates.

Chemical terrorism

As a form of terrorism, hazardous chemicals can be released onto the unsuspecting public. If you suspect a chemical substance has been released in a closed area, avoid breathing any fumes and evacuate the area as quickly as possible. Call 9-1-1 immediately. Try to keep track of your symptoms, such as breathing and heart rate, perspiration, dizziness, fatigue and skin tone).

Actions you should take

Depending on the situation, you may be instructed by emergency responders to evacuate, seal yourself in an enclosed space or move to a higher spot. After you are removed from the situation, you may be instructed to go through a decontamination process before receiving treatment. Tell your medical team about your symptoms and they will tell you on what to do next.

Fire

If you don't have one, create a home fire escape plan.

In the event of a fire, always stay low to the floor, as the smoke, poisonous gases and heat will rise to the ceiling. When exiting the home, approach any closed door by using the palm of your hand to feel the doorknob. If it is not hot, open the door slightly to look for a clean exit. If it is hot to the touch, do not open the door and find another escape route.

See our Fire Department for more information on municipal fire prevention efforts.

Suspicious packages

If you receive a suspicious package that looks out of the ordinary at your home or workplace, do not open it. Your letter or package may be suspicious if it has the following qualities:

• Mailed from a foreign country
• No return address
• Strange odour
• Protruding wires
• Excessive postage
• Misspelled words
• Addressed to a business title only (ex. Manager or President)
• Rigid or bulky
• Badly typed or written
• Special endorsements
• Lopsided or uneven
• Oily stains, weird colours or crystallization on wrapping
• Noises come from it
• Leaky

If the contents inside your letter or package include powder or liquid, a threatening note or an object you didn't expect to receive, be alert. If you think you have opened a suspicious package, perform the following steps:

• Leave the letter or package where it is and do not disturb it
• Get everyone out of the room and close the door
• Call 9-1-1 to contact the police
• Remove any clothing that has powder or liquid on it and notify the police about it
• Wash your hands or shower with soap and warm water
• If applicable, alert the building's manager or security
• Wait in a safe place until emergency responders arrive