Ontario rarely faces large disasters. The most likely disruptions are winter storms that cut power and heavy rain that causes flooding. A small amount of preparation covers almost every case.
Your home kit
- Food that does not spoil, enough for three days, and a manual can opener.
- Two litres of drinking water per person per day for three days.
- A flashlight with spare batteries or a hand crank model.
- A battery or crank radio for news when the power and internet are out.
- A first aid kit and at least a week of any prescription medication.
- Copies of important documents in a sealed plastic bag.
- Cash in small bills, since bank machines fail during outages.
- Emergency numbers written on paper, plus supplies for babies and pets.
Emergencies you may experience
Ontario residents may face a power outage, winter storm, flooding, extreme heat, wildfire smoke, severe thunderstorm, tornado or local evacuation. Government emergency alerts can appear on compatible phones and are also shared by radio, television and local authorities.
If the power goes out
- Use flashlights instead of candles where possible and keep refrigerator doors closed.
- Never run a generator, barbecue or fuel burning heater indoors or in a garage.
- Check on people who may need help and follow local information about warming or cooling centres.
If you are told to evacuate
Leave when authorities tell you to do so. Take medication, identification, essential documents, a phone charger and supplies for children, older adults, disabilities and pets. Tell emergency staff if medical equipment needs electricity or refrigeration.
Your family plan
Agree where the household will meet if you cannot reach each other, and choose one contact outside your city that everyone can message. Tell everyone where the kit is kept. You do not have to buy it all at once, so add one item each time you shop.