Emergency Preparedness

Winter 2024 Crossword Puzzle

Emergencies can happen at any time. Help keep you and your family safe with emergency preparedness tips like creating a plan and building a home safety kit.

Be prepared

Emergency preparedness starts with being prepared. There are many ways you can better prepare you and your family for all types of emergencies, including:

Keep everyone safe

When you prepare for an emergency, think about the people and animals around you who might need extra help during an emergency. Ensure that you test and maintain your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms so you know they are working properly.

Check out our recommendations for:

Provincial and federal emergency resources

Our community, provincial and federal governments have created emergency plans to help keep everyone safe. Here are some resources to stay informed:

Create a plan

Create a plan that is specific to you and your family’s individual needs so everyone’s safety is considered. To get you started, review:

Recognize the potential risks that each person in your family may face as they work, live and play. Review and practice your plan so everyone is aware and understands what to do.

Build a kit

In an emergency, you might need basic supplies to keep you safe. We recommend that you have enough supplies for up to 72 hours. Build a basic emergency kit that’s kept in an easy to reach place so that you can be prepared.

Follow this checklist to make sure you have the proper supplies in your emergency kit:

Food (non-perishable and easy-to-prepare items, enough for 3 days)
Manual can opener
Bottled water (4 litres per person for each day)
Medications and first aid kit
Flashlight and spare batteries
Radio (crank or battery-run)
Candles or matches and lighter
Important papers (identification, contact lists, copies of prescriptions, etc.)
Extra car keys and cash
Whistle (to attract attention, if needed)
Items for babies and small children (diapers, formula, bottles, baby food, comfort items)
Pet food and supplies
Any other items specific to your family's needs

Keep your emergency kit well equipped

You never know when an emergency will occur. Keep your emergency kit in good shape all throughout the year. Here are some upkeep tips to keep your emergency kit prepared:

Store your kit in a place that is easy to reach and where everyone in your household knows where to find it
Gather enough water supply to drink and support food preparation, hygiene and dishwashing
Keep your cell phone or mobile device fully charged

Most importantly, check and refresh your kit twice a year. When the clocks shift to and from daylight savings time is a good time. Check all expiry dates and replace food and water with a fresh supply. Check batteries and replace as needed.