- What is the Lighthouse Program?
This program is a special arrangement where participating faith-based organizations will offer their facilities as places of refuge to the public during times of a citywide emergency.
The program aims to build a network of “lighthouses” – faith-based organizations – that open their doors to members of the community, regardless of their belief system across Brampton. - How does a faith-based organization participate in the program and get listed in the directory?
To participate, please fill out this form and someone will be in touch with you between 5 to 10 business days. - Why was this program established?
This program was established to increase the number of safe places that residents can turn to in times of public emergencies, strengthening Brampton’s emergency preparedness and response mechanism. - What if the faith I follow doesn’t have a location nearby where I live?
You are welcome to go to any organization listed nearest to you in the directory, regardless of your faith. - Will the location be accessible?
Please call the organization in advance to understand if your accessibility needs will be met. If possible, visit in advance to familiarize yourself with the location. - What other services will the organization provide?
Please contact them directly to confirm what other services than refuge for cold alerts and heat warnings if any, they will be providing. - Why is this important now?
A citywide emergency may affect essential services such as water, power, heating, phone lines, transit, food and medical access. Depending on the severity of the incident, the City’s ability to provide emergency assistance may also be impacted.
At such times, you and your loved ones may need to move to a safe location away from your home. Facilities like recreation centres can serve as emergency shelters and are often better equipped to provide you with essential services and support.
Now, under the Lighthouse Program, certain faith-based facilities have agreed to open their doors to offer refuge to people during emergencies. These places will serve as public safe places, welcoming anyone in need of assistance, of any faith or personal belief system. Every faith-based facility participating in the program is a lighthouse.
- How do I know what organizations are part of the Lighthouse Program?
- Refer to the Lighthouse Directory: Please see our directory to find the lighthouse closest to you. Do check back over the coming months, since we expect more faith-based facilities in Brampton to sign up for the Lighthouse program.
- Visit a lighthouse beforehand: You are welcome to visit a lighthouse facility during any weekend, between 9 am to 5 pm. Ask for the lighthouse representative at that facility, and they will be happy to give you a tour and answer your questions.
- A few things to keep in mind: Remember that each faith-based facility is, first and foremost, a place of worship. Such facilities also have rules and regulations for visitors that are designed to preserve the sanctity of the place. While visitors seeking refuge inside a facility will never be expected to participate in religious activity, you may be expected to comply with certain basic requirements.
- No smoking, no alcohol and no consumption of meat on premises.
- Certain areas of the facility may be off-limits to visitors.
- Dress modestly. Certain facilities, such as a gurdwara and a mosque, may require you to remove your footwear and keep your head covered.
- Your hosts are doing their best to help you and your neighbours during a difficult time. Please be patient and follow their directions for your well-being.
- What should I do if the power goes out during the winter?
- Do not use charcoal or gas barbecues, camping heating equipment or home generators indoors. They give off carbon monoxide, which can cause serious health problems and even death.
- Do not use gas appliances such as stoves as a source of heat as they will deplete the oxygen in your home.
- Leave one light switch on so you know when power is restored.
- Dress for the season, wearing several light layers of loose fitting, lightweight, warm clothing, rather than one layer of heavy clothing. The outer garments should be tightly woven and water repellent.
After an outage:
- Be extra cautious if you go outside to inspect for damage after a storm. Downed or hanging electrical wires can be hidden by snowdrifts, trees or debris, and could be live. Never attempt to touch or move downed lines. Keep children and pets away from them.
- Check with and help your neighbours and continue to stay off the streets when hazards are present.
- Restock and regularly inspect your emergency survival kit so the supplies will be there when needed again.
Learn more here. - How do I get content insurance?
Most Canadian banks have content insurance options. Smart planning makes all the difference when facing and recovering from emergencies. Click here to learn more about content insurance. - How do I prepare for hot weather?
Extreme weather can have devastating effects on you and your loved ones. Here are some tips on how to be prepared. - How do I prepare for cold weather?
Extreme weather can have devastating on you and your loved ones. Here are some tips on how to be prepared. - What should I include in my 72-hour emergency kit?
- Flashlight and batteries (in case the lights go out)
- Radio and batteries or crank radio (so you can listen to news bulletins)
- Spare batteries (for radio and flashlight)
- First-aid kit
- Candles and matches/lighter
- Extra car keys and cash (including coins/cards for telephone)
- Important papers (identification for everyone, personal documents)
- Food and bottled water (see food list)
- Clothing and footwear (one change of clothes per person)
- Blankets or sleeping bags (one blanket or sleeping bag per person)
- Toilet paper and other personal supplies
- Medication
- Backpack/duffel bag (for the emergency survival kit, in case you have to evacuate)
- Whistle (in case you need to attract someone’s attention)
- Playing cards, game
- Waterproof matches and plastic garbage bags
Click here to learn how to better prepare in special situations. - Who do I connect with for more resources?
- Call 3-1-1 to be connected to municipal supports.
- Click here to read/download the Flood Prevention and Recovery Guide for more information.
- Click here to read/download the emergency preparedness Guide.
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