He began his talk by asking, "If the police show up at your door unannounced and tell you to evacuate your premises in two minutes, will you be ready?" Chief Dowell explained how Washago and area is in the very centre of major transportation routes including rail roads, major highways, and well traveled waterways.

He suggested that floods or chemical spills are a very real possibility on any given day and that most people are not prepared for the evacuation process that can happen on a moment’s notice. He encourages local residents to know the risks, make a plan, prepare a disaster kit, and know what you need to survive for 72 hours. Ready made emergency kits are available on line through organizations like Red Cross or can be purchased off the shelf at many department stores. Emergency kits should include items like flash lights, battery operated radios, whistles, fresh water containers etc. And everyone in the household should know where the emergency kit is at all times. "You never know when all of a sudden, you have two minutes to react to a disaster evacuation." he said.

Dowell said that in the event of an emergency evacuation, many times not all family members are home and a plan should be developed that includes where members can meet each other after the fact because communication with each other may not be available.

In events like severe storms that cause extended power interruptions, residents may not face evacuation, but must be prepared to remain on the premises for up to 72 hours and traveling is not an option. "Do you have water? Do you have food and medications? Do you have battery power to sustain yourself on your own property for 72 hours?" he said. By developing an emergency plan and knowing how to administer it you and your family can help greatly in taking the load off Emergency personnel who may be involved in cleanup efforts and restoring communication lines.

He told the Rotary members that plenty of good information is available at the Township of Severn office at 1024 Hurlwood Lane in Orillia and local fire departments. Chief Dowell was thanked by Washago Rotary member Rod Harth and presented with a small gift in appreciation for his message.

The image you see the top of this webpage was painted by local artist Elizabeth Schamehorn. We gratefully acknowledge her permission in using this wonderful image of our local landscape. Please feel free to email her at Elizabeth Schamehorn.

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