Emergency Preparedness

Basics

• Water – 2 litre per person per day (include small bottles)
• Food – that wont spoil, such as canned food, energy bars and dried foods (replace after a year)
• Manual can opener
• Wind-up or battery-powered flashlight (extra batteries)
• Wind-up or battery-powered radio (extra batteries)
• First aid kit
• Extra keys
• Cash, travellers cheques and change
• Important family documents (ID, insurance and bank records)
• Emergency plan – as well as contact information

Additional items

• Two extra litres of water per person per day for cooking and cleaning;
• Candles and matches or lighter (in sturdy containers that won’t burn)
• Change of clothes and footwear
• Sleeping bag or warm blanket
• Toiletries and personal hygiene items
• Hand sanitizer, toilet paper, garbage bags
• Prepaid phone card, mobile phone charger
• Pet food and supplies
• Infant formula
• Baby food and supplies
• Activities for kids like kids books and toys
• Prescription medications, medical equipment
• Utensils, plates and cups
• Household chlorine bleach or water purifying tablets
• Basic tools (hammer, pliers, wrench, screwdrivers, work gloves, pocket knife)
• Small fuel-operated stove and fuel
• Whistle (to attract attention)
• Duct tape

• Make sure that your lot is properly graded. If possible, build up the ground around your property so that water can drain away from basement walls.
• Make sure downspouts extend at least 2 metres (6’) from your basement wall. Water should drain away from your property and neighbouring properties.
• Check that your roof and eaves are draining properly in heavy rains.
• Check sidewalks, patios, decks and driveways to make sure they haven’t settled over time and are causing water to drain toward your property. Clear snow away from the building’s foundation. If the ground is sloped one inch per foot near the building, moving snow just three to five feet from the building will reduce problems.
• Use a rain barrel to catch water runoff.
• Consider planting a “rain garden” by using landscaping as way to catch and disperse water in the soil near your property. Use native plants and vegetation that will resist soil erosion
• Make sure your sump pump is working and install a battery-operated backup, in case of a power failure

For additional information please visit the Flood Ready page from the Government of Canada.

• Install fire alarms on every level of your home and near each sleeping area. Replace batteries at daylight savings time in March and November. Test your alarm monthly by pressing the test button.
• Look for 2 ways out of each room and have a pre-arranged meeting place outside.
• Learn fire safety, take a moment to practice stop, drop, and role in case anyone catches on fire.
• Never leave candles unattended.
• Never smoke in bed.
• Christmas trees can be extremely flammable, especially when they dry out. Be sure to water your tree regularly and use approved lights that won’t overheat.
• Keep flammable items at least three feet away from heat sources such as space heaters.

Your family can prepare and practice your families escape route from your home:

• Review all possible exits.
• Know who will be in charge of helping family members who need assistance, such as small children or elderly family members.
• Pick a meeting place outside your home.

In the event of a fire, it's important to remember the following:

• Follow your escape plan. Get out and stay out.
• Call for help from a neighbours house.
• Crawl under smoke when exiting.
• If smoke, heat or flames block your exit, stay in the room with the doors closed. Place a wet towel under the door and call 911. Signal for help by waving a brightly coloured cloth or a flashlight through a window.
• Do not open a door if the handle is hot.

Additional Resources

Provincial Fire & Emergency Services

Fire Smart Home Fire Prevention & Safety Manual