Emergency Preparedness Week (EP Week) is a national public awareness campaign that takes place every year, encouraging Canadians to prepare for emergencies before they happen. The initiative is led by Public Safety Canada in collaboration with provincial, territorial, and local emergency management partners, including municipalities.

Emergencies can take many forms—from severe storms and extended power outages to flooding or transportation disruptions. While we cannot prevent every emergency, being prepared helps reduce the impact on individuals, families, and the broader community.

Three Simple Steps to Preparedness

This year’s Emergency Preparedness Week focuses on three key actions everyone can take:

1. Know the risks
Different regions face different risks. Understanding the most likely emergencies in our area helps households prepare effectively.

2. Make a plan
Every household should have an emergency plan. This includes knowing how to communicate if separated, where to go if evacuation is required, and how to care for pets or family members with special needs.

3. Build an emergency kit
Your kit should contain enough supplies for at least 72 hours, including food, water, medications, and essential items. Preparing a kit ahead of time ensures you are not reliant on immediate assistance during an emergency.

Emergency Preparedness Week is a great opportunity to start conversations at home, work, and within the community. Small steps taken now can make a significant difference during an emergency.

For tools, checklists, and additional resources, visit the Government of Canada’s emergency preparedness website at canada.ca/get-prepared.