Emergency Preparedness

Risks and hazards can be natural, human-made or technological. Know the potential risks in your area:

• Extreme heat
• Tornadoes and high winds
• Winter storms and power outages
• Flooding
• Earthquakes

Creating an emergency plan for your family will help you prepare for what to do, how to find each other, and how to communicate with each other in an emergency. Include in your plan:

• Information related to the special needs you or your family may have (people with disabilities, seniors, young children or pets)
• Meeting place where your family will reunite after a disaster
• All exit routes from your home and neighbourhood
• Out-of-province friend or relative that your family can call if separated during a disaster

Practice your plan with all household members.

Your emergency kit should have items for your family to remain safe and taken care of for least three days. Pack the contents of your kit in something you can carry with ease and store it somewhere dry and easy to access. Include in your kit:

• Two litres of water per person per day
• Non-perishable food and manual can opener
• Wind-up or battery powered flashlight and radio
• First aid kit
• Cash and extra keys
• Important family documents such as identification, insurance and bank records
• A copy of your emergency plan

Also consider including things related to your household's unique needs, such as prescription medication, medical equipment, pet food and infant formula.