Emergency Preparedness

Approximately 85% of Canadians agree that having an emergency kit is important, but only 40% actually have one!

All levels of government across the country tell Canadians that they should prepare to look after themselves and their families for the first 72 hours following an emergency event. If you’re prepared for climate impacts, you’re also ready for other unanticipated shocks and stresses.

Are you ready for an emergency?

Residents who live in a high rise building should know:

The building superintendent’s name and phone number
Locations of fire extinguishers, automated external defibrillator units and oxygen tanks
Location of emergency evacuation device(s)
Location of emergency exits
Who conducts your building’s evacuation drills and how often
Who the floor monitors are (if the building has floor monitors)
Where to assemble if the building is evacuated

Grow your social network

Neighbours can help neighbours when disaster strikes. How well do you know your neighbours?

Helping someone with a disability or special needs?

There are additional things to note when assisting people with disabilities and special needs during an emergency

Go Bag

If you have to leave your home in a hurry — the basic version of your kit with extra clothing could be in a bag that’s easy to carry and stored near your front door.

Water (4 litres per person for three days)
Food (non-perishable) and manual can opener if this includes cans
Special needs such as medications, baby needs, extra glasses, etc.
Important documents (i.e. copies of birth and marriage certificates, passports, licenses, wills, land deeds and insurance)
A copy of your emergency plan
Crank or battery-operated flashlight, with extra batteries
Battery-operated or crank radio
Extra keys, for your house and car
First aid kit
Extra cash (ATMs may not be working)
Personal hygiene items
Pet food and pet medication
Cell phone with extra charger or battery pack

Buy a kit from the Red Cross

Make an emergency plan

The Red Cross offers a fillable Emergency Plan (PDF)

Helpful Videos

Most cities, regions, provinces, territories and the government of Canada have Emergency Managers with information on emergency preparedness.

Make plans before disaster strikes

Social networking for making community plans:

Benefits	Adaptations
Improved mental health	Identify places where people can meet before and during an emergency
Improved physical safety	Make those places safe and inviting
Stronger neighbourhoods	Identify local leaders
Strength of group voice influences support for local safety projects.	Let the city know that this work is underway and ask for support