Prepare for an Emergency

Whether it’s a winter storm, flood or fire, you never know when you will be faced with an emergency. Being prepared can help keep you safe and assist in helping you to better manage the situation.   

During an emergency, it’s important to have a plan that has been agreed upon by family and friends. This includes a communication plan, familiarity with documents and a strategy if you cannot stay in your home.

Tips for Creating an Emergency Plan

  • Choose a friend or family member who does not live with you as a
    contact in an emergency. This person should also be accessible by
    your family members.
  • Create an emergency box that includes a flashlight, batteries,
    non-perishable food items, pet food, medical information, extra
    medicine, an inventory of your valuables and basic documentation
    you might need.
  • Prepare your home seasonally. This includes planning for power
    outages, water advisories, floods and heat waves.
  • Test smoke and carbon monoxide alarms on a regular basis.
  • Practice fire drills. This is particularly important with children.
  • Duplicate important documents including passports, birth certificates,
    Social Insurance cards, etc. Keep copies off-site – such as in a safety
    deposit box or as digital copies.

Home Emergency Kit

A home emergency kit can help your family safe when unexpected situations occur. Your home emergency kit should have three days worth of supplies for you and your family. Keep it in a watertight container (or large plastic garbage bag) and store it in an easily accessible place.

Your kit should include:

  • A copy of important documents and phone numbers. 
  • Warm clothes and rain gear for each family member.
  • Blanket or sleeping bag. 
  • Candles, matches, flashlights, battery-operated radio and extra batteries.
  • Basic tools, including duct tape, hammer, nails, rope and a bungee cord.
  • Chargers for mobile devices.
  • Cash.
  • Pet food.
  • Personal hygiene items including toilet paper, feminine supplies, hand sanitizer and soap.
  • Medications and list of medicines used.
  • Non-perishable food.
  • Tarp.