Emergency Preparedness

Knowing what to plan for and expect is key in an emergency. Across Canada, we face a number of hazards, such as earthquakes, blizzards and tornadoes. In addition to natural disasters, there are other types of risks, such as power outages and industrial or transportation accidents. Find out the risks that are most likely to occur in your community by visiting the GetPrepared.ca website.

Every household needs an emergency plan. It will help you and your family know what to do in case of an emergency.

Your family may not be together when an emergency occurs. Plan how to meet or contact one another, and discuss what you would do in different situations.

It only takes 20 minutes to complete a personalized plan online.

To fill out your home emergency plan, you will need to think about the following:

• Safe exits from your home and neighbourhood
• Meeting places to reunite with family or roommates
• Choosing a designated person to pick up your children should you be unavailable
• Contact persons, both close-by and out-of-town
• Special health needs
• Place for your pet to stay
• Risks in your region
• Location of your fire extinguisher, water valve, electrical box, gas valve and floor drain

Keep this document in an easy-to-find, easy-to-remember place (for example, with your emergency kit). Photocopy your plan and keep it in your car or at work.

In an emergency, you will need some basic supplies. You may need to get by without power or tap water. Be prepared to be self-sufficient for at least 72 hours. Make sure your kit is easy to carry and everyone in the household knows where it is. Keep it in a backpack, duffle bag or suitcase with wheels, and keep it in an easy-to-reach place, such as your front hall closet.

Basic emergency kit

• Water - at least two litres of water per person per day. Include small bottles that can be carried easily in case of an evacuation order.
• Food that won't spoil, such as canned food, energy bars and dried foods. Replace food and water once a year.
• Manual can opener
• Wind-up or battery-powered flashlight (and extra batteries) Wind-up or battery-powered radio (and extra batteries)
• First aid kit
• Spare keys to your car and house
• Some cash in smaller bills, such as $10 bills
• A copy of your emergency plan and contact information
• Special items such as prescription medication, infant formula, equipment for people with disabilities or food, water and medication for your pets or service animal

Recommended additional items

• Two additional litres of water per person per day for cooking and cleaning
• Candles and matches or lighter (place candles in sturdy containers and do not burn unattended)
• Change of clothing and footwear for each household member
• Sleeping bag or warm blanket for each household member
• Toiletries
• Hand sanitizer
• Utensils
• Garbage bags
• Toilet paper
• Household chlorine bleach or water purifying tablets
• Basic tools (hammer, pliers, wrench, screwdrivers, work gloves, dust mask, pocket knife)
• Small fuel operated stove and fuel (follow manufacturer's directions and store properly)
• A whistle (in case you need to attract attention)
• Duct tape (to tape up windows, doors, air vents, etc.)

Check your kit once a year to ensure contents are up to date. Re-stock as needed.

For more information, visit the GetPrepared.ca website.