Emergency Preparedness for Newcomers in Canada

Why Emergency Preparedness Matters

Canada experiences a range of natural emergencies depending on the region — winter storms, ice storms, flooding, wildfires, earthquakes (in BC), tornadoes (in Ontario and the Prairies), and extreme heat events. Many newcomers come from countries with different natural hazards and may not be prepared for Canadian emergencies. The Government of Canada recommends that every household be prepared to be self-sufficient for at least 72 hours during an emergency.

Common Emergencies by Region

• All of Canada: Winter storms, power outages, extreme cold.
• British Columbia: Earthquakes, wildfires, flooding, landslides, atmospheric rivers.
• Prairies (Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba): Tornadoes, severe thunderstorms, blizzards, flooding.
• Ontario and Quebec: Ice storms, tornadoes, flooding, extreme heat, severe thunderstorms.
• Atlantic Canada: Hurricanes (remnants), nor'easters, flooding, heavy snow.
• Northern Canada: Extreme cold, blizzards, isolation.

Building Your Emergency Kit

Every household should have a kit with supplies for at least 72 hours:

Water and Food

• Water: 4 litres per person per day (drinking plus basic hygiene). A family of four needs at least 48 litres for 72 hours.
• Non-perishable food: Canned goods, granola bars, dried fruit, crackers, peanut butter. Include familiar foods your family will actually eat. Remember a manual can opener.
• Baby supplies: If applicable — formula, baby food, diapers.

Essential Items

• Flashlight with extra batteries (or hand-crank flashlight).
• Battery-powered or hand-crank radio to receive emergency broadcasts.
• First aid kit.
• Extra batteries.
• Phone charger (portable battery pack or car charger).
• Candles and matches/lighter (use carefully — never leave unattended).
• Warm blankets or sleeping bags.
• Extra warm clothing.
• Cash in small bills (ATMs and card readers may not work during power outages).
• Copies of important documents in a waterproof bag: IDs, PR cards, insurance policies, bank information, emergency contacts.
• Prescription medications (keep a 7-day supply in your kit).
• Whistle (to signal for help).

Power Outage Preparation

Power outages are common in Canada, especially during winter ice storms and summer thunderstorms. In 2024, major ice storms in Quebec left hundreds of thousands without power for days. To prepare:

• Keep your phone and portable chargers fully charged during storm warnings.
• Know how to manually open your garage door.
• Keep a supply of warm blankets — your home will cool quickly without heat.
• Fill bathtub with water before an anticipated outage (for flushing toilets if your water system requires power).
• Never use a gas stove, barbecue, or generator indoors — carbon monoxide poisoning risk is deadly.
• Move perishable food to your balcony or a cooler with snow (natural refrigeration in winter).

The Alert Ready System

Canada has a national emergency alert system called Alert Ready. During emergencies, you will receive alerts on your smartphone, TV, and radio. Alerts are sent for:

• Tornado warnings
• Tsunami warnings
• Wildfire evacuations
• Amber Alerts (missing children)
• Civil emergencies

These alerts are loud and intrusive by design. Do not ignore them. Follow the instructions provided in the alert.

Earthquake Preparedness (BC Focus)

If you live in British Columbia, earthquake preparedness is essential. BC sits on an active seismic zone and a major earthquake is considered overdue. Key steps:

• Drop, Cover, and Hold On: During an earthquake, drop to the ground, take cover under a sturdy desk or table, and hold on until the shaking stops.
• Secure heavy furniture to walls (bookshelves, TVs, water heaters).
• Know your building's exits.
• After an earthquake: Expect aftershocks. Check for gas leaks. Move away from damaged buildings.
• Tsunami risk: If you live near the coast, move to higher ground immediately after a strong earthquake.

Wildfire Smoke

Canadian wildfire seasons have become increasingly severe. In 2023 and 2024, wildfire smoke blanketed cities across the country, causing poor air quality for weeks. To protect yourself:

• Monitor the Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) at weather.gc.ca.
• Stay indoors when AQHI is high risk (7+). Close windows and use an air purifier if available.
• Use N95 or KN95 masks outdoors during smoky periods.
• People with asthma, heart conditions, and young children are most vulnerable.

Creating a Family Emergency Plan

• Meeting point: Choose a place near your home and one outside your neighbourhood where family members will meet if separated.
• Emergency contacts: Ensure all family members know how to call 911. Have an out-of-area contact who can coordinate if local phones are congested.
• Know your exits: Practice evacuation routes from your home.
• Special needs: Plan for elderly family members, people with disabilities, pets, and infants.
• Documents: Keep copies of passports, PR cards, insurance, and bank information in a go-bag.

Resources

• GetPrepared.gc.ca: Government of Canada's emergency preparedness resource.
• Canadian Red Cross: Emergency preparedness guides and first aid training.
• Provincial emergency management agencies: EmergencyBC, Ontario Emergency Management, Alberta Emergency Management Agency.
• 211: Call for local emergency resources and community support.

Being prepared for emergencies is especially important for newcomers who may not have extended family or community networks to rely on during a crisis. Building your emergency kit, creating a family plan, and understanding the risks in your region will give you peace of mind and keep your family safe.

Tailoring Your Emergency Plan to Canadian Realities & Local Alerts

Understanding Regional Risks and Local Alert Systems

Building Financial and Practical Resilience for Emergencies