Emergency Preparedness Week 2025
Ontario’s Emergency Preparedness Week runs May 4–10, 2025, under this year’s provincial theme:
“Plan for Every Season”
This reflects Ontario’s diverse risks—from spring flooding and summer heatwaves to winter snow and power outages—inspiring us to build year‑round readiness.
1. Know Your Risks – Include Fire-Focused Hazards
Understanding the hazards that can affect your home and community is the first step in being prepared. Emergencies can happen anytime and anywhere, but being informed helps you take the right steps before disaster strikes.
🔥 Common Risks in Ontario
Each region in Ontario faces different hazards. Here are some of the most common:
| Hazard | Description |
|---|---|
| Fires | House fires, wildfires, or electrical fires—often sudden and destructive. |
| Flooding | Heavy rain, spring thaw, or urban drainage issues can cause basement or road flooding. |
| Winter Storms | Ice, snow, and extreme cold can knock out power and heat for hours or days. |
| Tornadoes / High Winds | Southern Ontario sees tornadoes and strong wind events, especially in summer. |
| Extreme Heat | Hot, humid conditions can lead to heat illness, especially for vulnerable populations. |
| Power Outages | Caused by weather, accidents, or equipment failure—can disrupt food, water, and heating. |
| Hazardous Materials Incidents | Transportation or industrial accidents may release dangerous chemicals. |
2. Make a Family Emergency Plan
An emergency plan helps you and your family know what to do, where to go, and how to stay safe during a crisis. Planning ahead reduces confusion and keeps everyone calm when seconds count.
What to Include in Your Emergency Plan:
Escape Routes & Meeting Places
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Identify two exits from every room in your home.
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Choose a safe meeting spot outside your home (e.g. the end of the driveway or across the street).
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Pick an out-of-area contact (friend or relative) that everyone can call if you’re separated.
Emergency Contacts
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List important phone numbers: family, friends, doctor, workplace, school, utilities.
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Make sure everyone knows how to text, as it may be more reliable than calls during a disaster.
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Keep a hard copy in your emergency kit and post it on the fridge.
Special Needs
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Account for seniors, young children, people with disabilities, and pets.
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Include instructions for medications, assistive devices, or specialized transportation.
Home Safety
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Know how and when to shut off water, gas, and electricity (only if safe to do so).
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Ensure smoke and carbon monoxide alarms are working.
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Have fire extinguishers accessible and know how to use them.
Workplace and School Plans
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Learn about the emergency procedures at your workplace, school, or daycare.
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Make sure children know who will pick them up and where to go if you’re delayed.
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Encourage planning emergency communication (out‑of‑area contacts), safe home exits and evacuation routes.
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Emphasize responsibilities during fire events: turning off utilities, using smoke alarms, fire extinguisher basics.
3. Prepare a 72‑Hour Fire‑Ready Kit
A 72-hour emergency kit contains supplies you and your family need to stay safe and self-sufficient for at least 3 days during an emergency—whether it’s a power outage, flood, wildfire evacuation, or severe storm.
Essential Items for Your Emergency Kit
| Category | What to Include |
|---|---|
| Water | 4 litres per person, per day (2 for drinking, 2 for cooking/sanitation). |
| Food | Non-perishable items (canned goods, granola bars, dried fruit, baby food). Don’t forget a manual can opener. |
| First Aid | Basic first-aid kit, personal medications, prescriptions, hand sanitizer. |
| Light & Power | Flashlights with extra batteries, candles, crank or battery-powered radio/charger. |
| Documents | Copies of ID, insurance papers, emergency contact list, health cards. Store in a waterproof bag. |
| Cash | Small bills and change (ATMs and card readers may not work). |
| Clothing & Warmth | Blankets, extra socks, gloves, hats, sturdy shoes. |
| Tools & Safety | Whistle, duct tape, pocket knife, fire extinguisher, gloves, dust masks. |
| Hygiene | Toilet paper, garbage bags, toothbrush, feminine products, wet wipes. |
| Special Needs | Items for babies, seniors, pets, or people with disabilities. |
| COVID-19 Add-ons | Masks, sanitizer, disinfectant wipes, thermometer (if available). |
4. Stay Informed
In an emergency, timely and accurate information can help you make the right decisions to stay safe. Being connected ensures you’re aware of developing threats and official instructions from trusted sources.
Ways to Stay Informed:
Alert Ready – Canada’s Emergency Alert System
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Get urgent alerts on your phone, TV, or radio for threats like tornadoes, wildfires, floods, AMBER alerts, and more.
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Make sure your phone is compatible and settings allow emergency alerts.
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Learn more at AlertReady.ca.
Follow Local Authorities
Stay connected with trusted, local sources:
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Municipal websites and emergency alert services.
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Your local fire department, police, and emergency management office.
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Local news outlets (radio, TV, and online).
Use 211 Ontario
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Dial 2-1-1 or visit 211ontario.ca for non-emergency support like shelter, food access, or mental health services during a crisis.
Social Media
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Follow official government and emergency pages (e.g. @OntarioWarnings, @ONFireMarshal, @BrockvilleFire).
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Be cautious of misinformation—verify news before sharing.