Preparing for an emergency situation

Preparing

It is up to you to take the initial actions that will ensure your safety and that of your family while waiting for emergency teams.

1. Identify the risks

• Heatwave
• Contamination or shortage of drinking water
• Severe cold episode
• Flooding
• Hazardous materials
• Severe thunderstorm
• Major winter storm
• Earthquake

2. Prepare a family emergency plan

This personalized plan will be very useful in case of an emergency; it will help you take the right actions when a disaster occurs. Keep it in your emergency kit or in a safe place. Make several copies and keep them in your vehicle or at your workplace.

• Safe exits from the house and transit routes in your neighborhood
• Gathering places for family members
• Resource persons
• Designated persons responsible for picking up your children if you cannot do it yourself
• Health and insurance information
• A place to house your pet
• Emergency contact information
• The location of your fire extinguisher, water and gas inlets, electrical panel, and floor drain

You can use this tool from the Government of Canada or our family plan to help you prepare your plan.

72-Hour Kit

Prepare to be self-sufficient for at least 72 hours. This time frame corresponds to the period required for the restoration of interrupted public services or the time that rescue teams might take to assist you.

Prepare some essential items to meet your basic needs during this period. Remember that you may have to manage without a power source or running water.

Recommended basic emergency kit:

• Drinking water – two liters per person per day, for at least three days;
• Non-perishable food – provisions for at least three days;
• Manual can opener;
• Flashlight with spare batteries;
• Battery-powered radio with spare batteries;
• First aid kit and medications;
• Candles;
• Lighter and matches.

In case of evacuation from your home, the following items may be useful:

• Medications and list of medications;
• Hygiene items – toothbrush, towel, soap, toilet paper, garbage bags;
• Change of clothes and blankets;
• Spare keys for the car and house;
• Cash and coins;
• Important personal papers, including photocopies of your identification.

Tip: pack these items in advance in a bag or bin.

Emergency Measures Guide

A guide has been designed to assist you in all situations that require preparation, immediate intervention, or the help of emergency services. Whether it is a problem at home or at the city level, it is important to know the appropriate measures to take and how to better prepare for any emergency situation you may encounter.