Emergency Preparedness

Prepare a Family Emergency Plan. The objective of a family emergency plan is to be prepared to be self-sufficient for a minimum of 72 hours. Visit Emergency Management to create your Family Emergency Plan.

Your emergency survival kit should have everything you and your family would need to be safe and take care of yourselves for at least three days immediately following an emergency. The following list is broken down into the essentials; items you may need to meet your family’s unique needs, and items to have ready in case you have to leave your home.

Essentials:

• Food (non-perishable and easy-to-prepare items, enough for 3 days) and a manual can opener;
• Bottled water (4 litres per person for each day);
• Medication(s);
• Flashlight;
• Radio (crank or battery-run);
• Extra batteries;
• First-aid kit;
• Candles and matches/lighter;
• Hand sanitizer or moist towelettes;
• Important papers (identification, contact lists, copies of prescriptions, etc.);
• Extra car keys and cash;
• Whistle (to attract attention, if needed);
• Zip-lock bag (to keep things dry);
• Garbage bags.

Special Considerations:

• Items for babies and small children—diapers, formula, bottles, baby food, comfort items;
• Prescription medication;
• Medical supplies and equipment;
• Pet food and supplies;
• Any other items specific to your family’s needs.

Extra Supplies for Evacuation:

• Clothes, shoes;
• Sleeping bags or blankets;
• Personal items (soap, toothpaste, shampoo, comb, other toiletries);
• Playing cards, travel games, other activities for children.

During an emergency, you should stay tuned to local news channels. Stay informed using Alert Ready in Ontario, learn more about difference emergencies and how to be prepared for them on the Ministry of Ontario Website, and follow Emergency Management Ontario on X.