Types of Emergencies

Earthquakes can happen without warning. The best way to protect yourself and your family in case of an earthquake is to follow these steps:

• Drop, Cover and Hold.
  • Watch this short video to see how to Drop, Cover and Hold On correctly.
  • Do you use a mobility aid? Check out this video to learn how you can protect yourself in an earthquake.
• If in a vehicle, go to a safe location, pull over until the ground stops shaking.
• Expect aftershocks and be aware of secondary hazards such as flooding or landslides/collapsing.

Before

• Review and practice evacuation and earthquake plans for all of the buildings you occupy regularly – home, office, schools, community centers, etc.
• Learn your earthquake risk and local plans by contacting your municipality.
• Sign up for local earthquake alerts as available.
• Review and practice evacuation and earthquake plans for all of the buildings you occupy regularly – home, office, schools, community centers, etc.
• Pick safe places in each room of your home, workplace and/or school. 
• Practice Drop, Cover and Hold in each safe place.
• Make a personalized preparedness emergency kit. Families should be prepared to be self-sustaining for at least three days.
• If you have already dipped into your emergency kit and food supply while staying at home, consider safely getting the supplies to replenish it following your local public health authorities’ guidelines for leaving your residence.

Other Actions to Take:

• Keep a flashlight and sturdy shoes by each person’s bed as there may be debris.
• Make sure your home is securely anchored to its foundation.
• Bolt and brace large items such as water heaters, bookcases, mirrors, pictures.
• Hang heavy items, such as pictures and mirrors, away from beds, couches and anywhere people sleep or sit.
• Practice your evacuation plans and know your gathering place.
• Consult a professional to find out additional ways to protect your home, such as structural mitigation techniques. 

During

If you are inside:

• Stay inside and Drop, Cover and Hold:

1. Drop: Drop to the ground before the earthquake causes you to fall;
2. Cover: Take cover under a piece of sturdy furniture such as a desk or table to protect your head and torso from falling objects;
3. Hold: Hold on to the object you are under to remain covered.

If inside and unable to get under something sturdy:

• Flatten yourself or crouch against an interior wall.
• Stay away from windows and heavy objects.
• If at school, get under a desk or table, and hold on. Face away from windows.
• If in a wheelchair, lock the wheels and protect the back of your head and neck.
• Use stairs to exit buildings.

If you are outside:

• Stay outside and go to an open area away from buildings, power lines, trees and streetlights.
• Drop to the ground and stay there until the shaking stops.

If you are in your car:

• Pull over to a clear area.
• Avoid bridges, overpasses, buildings, underpasses or anything that could collapse.
• Put on your seatbelt and stay in your car.
• Do not attempt to get out of your car if there are downed power lines across it; wait for assistance.
• Place a “Help” sign in your window if you need assistance.

After

• After an earthquake, the disaster may continue. Expect and prepare for potential aftershocks.
• Each time you feel an aftershock, Drop, Cover and Hold on. Aftershocks frequently occur minutes, days, weeks and even months following an earthquake.
• Check yourself for injuries and get first aid, if necessary, before helping injured or trapped persons.
• Put on long pants, a long-sleeved shirt, sturdy shoes and work gloves to protect against injury from broken objects.
• Look quickly for damage in and around your home and get everyone out if your home is unsafe.
• Tune in to the radio or local news channels, and/or follow your local news outlet and emergency officials on social media for up-to-date information. You may need to use a portable, battery-operated or hand-crank radio.
• Check the telephones in your home or workplace to see if you can get a dial tone. Make brief calls to report life-threatening emergencies.
• Look for and extinguish small fires. Fire is the most common hazard after an earthquake.
• Clean up spilled medications, bleach, gasoline or other flammable liquids immediately.
• Open closet and cabinet doors carefully as contents may have shifted.
• Help people who require special assistance, such as infants, children and the elderly or disabled.
• Watch out for fallen power lines or broken gas lines and stay out of damaged areas.
• Keep animals under your direct control.
• Stay out of damaged buildings.
• If you were away from home, return only when authorities say it is safe to do so. Use extreme caution and examine walls, floors, doors, staircases and windows to check for damage.
• Once you return home, take the opportunity to review your family emergency plan and restock your personalized emergency kit.
• Be careful when driving after an earthquake and anticipate traffic light outages.
• Do not light matches or turn on lights or appliances until you are sure there are no gas leaks or flammable liquids spilled. Place a HELP sign in your window if you need assistance.
• If tap water is still available immediately after an earthquake, fill safe containers in case the supply gets cut off. 

Continue to take precautions and listen to and follow directions from local authorities.

One of the most common emergencies experienced by Canadians is a fire in their home. In Canada, house fires are most likely to occur between December and March.

The most common causes of house fires are cooking (leaving the stove unattended), improperly extinguishing cigarettes and candles left unattended. The best way to protect yourself and your family from a home fire is to follow these steps:

• Check your smoke and Carbon Monoxide alarms every month.
• Know and practice your evacuation plan.
• Get out and STAY OUT - never return to a burning building.

Before

• The key to staying safe is to prepare and to have an emergency plan in place.
• Install smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors on every level of your home. Test the alarms every month and replace the batteries twice a year, at daylight savings time (March and November).
• If you are a tenant, test your evacuation plan with your landlord and neighbours.
• If you live in a high rise, know how to evacuate the building. Use stairs instead of the elevator. 
• Make sure everyone knows where the fire extinguishers are kept.
• Prevent Fires:
  • Clean chimneys annually.
  • Keep flammable items at least one metre from heat sources, such as space heaters, fireplaces and the stove.
  • Never smoke in bed.
  • Never leave candles unattended. 
  • Stay in the kitchen when using the stove top. If you have to leave the room, turn off the stove.
• Talk to children about the dangers of fire and keep lighters and matches out of reach.
• Most home fires happen during the holiday period and the winter months. Christmas trees can get very dry when inside and can catch fire very easily. Make sure you water the tree regularly and use approved lights.
• Learn fire safety techniques and teach them to your family regularly. Make sure everyone is familiar with the technique “STOP, DROP, AND ROLL” in case clothing catches on fire.
• Show children the alarms and practice what to do if the alarms sound.
• Talk with your family and neighbours about what you would do during a house fire.
• Have practice drills with your family, so you know what to do and are prepared.
• Make a personalized preparedness emergency kit. Families should be prepared to be self-sustaining for at least three days.
• If you have already dipped into your emergency kit and food supply while staying at home, consider safely getting the supplies to replenish it following your local public health authorities’ guidelines for leaving your residence.

During

• Get out and stay out. Follow your escape plan. Do not stop. 
  If closed doors or handles are warm, use an alternate exit.
• Crawl under low smoke.
• If smoke, heat or flames block your exit, stay in the room with the doors closed. Place a wet towel under the door and call 9-1-1, then open a window and wave a brightly coloured cloth or use a flashlight to signal for help.
• Once you are outside, go to your designated meeting place and then send one person to call the fire department. If you cannot get to your meeting place, follow your family emergency communication plan.

After

• Only re-enter your home if you are authorized by officials to do so. 
• Check on vulnerable family members, friends and neighbours who may require special assistance.
• Have injuries treated by a medical professional. 
• Contact your local government office for help in finding temporary housing if you cannot stay in your home due to fire damage. 
• Contact your insurance company, if necessary. 
• Take precautions while cleaning your property. Wear protective gear including boots, safety glasses and rubber gloves when cleaning up. 
• Household items often take several cleanings to be rid of smoke odours, soot and stains. Take an inventory of ruined furniture, appliances, books, etc. for insurance purposes and keep all receipts related to living expenses, repairs, etc.
• Ensure your food and water is safe. Discard any food that may have been exposed to heat, smoke or soot and do not use water that may be contaminated. 

Wildfires are common usually between May and September — earlier in some parts of Canada — and can cause extensive damage and put lives in danger. The best way to protect yourself and your family in case of a wildfire is to follow these steps:

• Stay informed: Monitor weather, listen to local authorities and prepare to evacuate. 
• Keep your vehicle fueled.
• Follow instructions to evacuate, bring your emergency kit.
• Only re-enter your home when instructed by officials and community leaders.

Before

• The key to staying safe is to prepare and to have an emergency plan in place.
• Tune in to the radio or local news channels, and/or follow your local news outlet and emergency officials on social media for possible wildfire alerts.
• Make sure your home insurance covers for damage due to fire. 
• Visit FireSmart Canada for information and to complete an assessment on how to protect your home and property.
• Learn fire safety techniques and teach them to members of your family.
• Keep your vehicle fueled, determine two routes out of your neighbourhood and practice your evacuation plan frequently. 
• If you are on a farm/ranch, leaving livestock unsheltered is preferable, or if time and personal safety permits, evacuation from the danger zone should be considered.​
• Talk with your family and neighbours about what you would do during a wildfire. Identify a safe place to gather.
• Have practice drills with your family, so you know what to do and are prepared.
• Make a personalized emergency kit. You should be prepared to be self-sustaining for at least three days.

Know the difference between an evacuation alert and an evacuation order:

• An Evacuation Order means you are at risk and should evacuate the area immediately. Follow the routes specified by officials and move away from the fire. 
• An Evacuation Alert means that you should be ready to leave on short notice.

The Government of Canada’s Canadian Wildland Fire Information System is a fire management information system that monitors fire danger conditions across Canada. 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, it includes an interactive fire map and up-to-date reports on the fire situation across Canada.

During

• Be prepared to evacuate at any time. If told to evacuate, do so.
• Monitor local radio stations for up-to-date information on the fire and possible road closures.
• Park your car, positioned forward out of the driveway. Keep car windows closed and have your valuables ready to be packed in your car should you need to evacuate. 
• If you do not evacuate, close all windows and doors in the house to reduce smoke and debris entering your home. Follow instructions on how to minimize fire damage. 
• Move all combustibles away from the house, including firewood and lawn furniture. Move any propane barbeques into the open, away from structures.

After

• Continue to take precautions and listen to and follow directions from local authorities.
• Only re-enter your home if you are authorized by officials to do so.
• Contact your local government office for help in finding temporary housing if you cannot stay in your home due to fire damage.
• Check with local authorities to see if you are eligible for disaster financial assistance.
• Use caution when entering burned areas because there may still be hazards, including hot spots, which can flare up without warning.
• Ensure your food and water is safe. Discard any food that may have been exposed to heat, smoke or soot and do not use water that may be contaminated. 
• Take an inventory and photos of ruined furniture, appliances, books, etc. for insurance purposes and keep all receipts related to living expenses, repairs, etc.
• Contact your insurance company, if necessary. 
• Wear protective gear, including boots, safety glasses and rubber gloves when cleaning up.
• Household items often take several cleanings to be rid of smoke odours, soot and stains. 

Floods can happen anywhere and at any time of the year. The best way to protect yourself and your family in case of a flood is to follow these steps:

• Monitor local weather and alerts: Know your risk. 
• Turn around, don’t drown – avoid flood waters.
• Clean up carefully and wear protective clothing. 

Before

• The key to staying safe is to prepare and to have an emergency plan in place.
• Know and practice evacuation routes.
• Monitor local weather and alerts and follow instructions if told to evacuate.  
• Have an emergency kit.

Actions to Take:

• Obtain home insurance with flood coverage.
• Talk to your insurance provider about your risk and additional steps you can take to protect your home.
• Protect your valuables in waterproof containers. Place them above potential water levels.
• Put sealant around basement windows and the base of ground-level doors. Add window wells and covers to windows that are near or below ground level.
• Raise large appliances in the basement above the potential water level from a flood.
• Find your floor drain and make sure nothing is covering it like boxes, furniture or carpet.
• Install a sump pump, backup pump and power supply. Ensure all are in working order and test them regularly.
• Install a backwater valve. Keep it in working order.
• Check that your roof and eavestroughs are draining properly in heavy rains and that downspouts are directed well away from your home. 
• Clean leaves, garbage, ice and other debris away from the storm drains near your home.
• Ensure your landscaping is properly sloped away from your home.
• Talk with your family and neighbours about what you would do during a flood.
• Have practice drills with your family, so you know what to do and are prepared.
• Buy or make an emergency kit, and keep it stocked. Families should be prepared to be self-sustaining for at least three days.
• If you have already dipped into your emergency kit and food supply while staying at home, consider safely getting the supplies to replenish it following your local public health authorities’ guidelines for leaving your residence.

During

• Listen to area radio and television stations for possible flood warnings and reports of flooding in progress.
• Be prepared to evacuate at a moment’s notice.
• When a flood or flash flood warning is issued for your area, head for higher ground and stay there.
• Turn around – don’t drown! Avoid walking and driving through flooded waters. They could be deeper than you think.
• Keep children and pets away from flood water.
• Be especially cautious at night when it is harder to recognize flood danger.

After

• Continue to take precautions and listen to and follow directions from local authorities.
• Be alert for further instructions from officials and community leaders - listen to the radio, watch your local news channels, and/or follow your local news outlet and/or emergency officials on social media.
• Do not return home until you are advised it is safe to do so. 
  Contact your insurance company and let them know what happened. They will want to know a record of damage to your home and belongings and may request photos or video. 
  Maintain good hygiene during flood cleanup by minimizing contact with floodwater or anything that may have come in contact with it.
• Wear protective clothing, including rubber boots or sturdy boots, safety glasses, hard hat, rubber gloves and a dust mask.
• Do not use water that could be contaminated.
• Discard any food items which may have been in contact with flood waters. When in doubt, throw it out!
• Do not use any appliances, heating, pressure, or sewage system until electrical components are dry and have been inspected by a qualified electrician.
• Check with local authorities or community leaders on how to properly dispose of damaged items from your home.

A pandemic occurs when an infectious disease spreads through the population. In Ontario, the Ministry of Health and Long-term Care will work with local public health officials to prepare for and respond to a pandemic event. This can include monitoring conditions in Ontario and the rest of the world, developing emergency plans for health care delivery, stockpiling drugs and equipment, and administering vaccines when they become available.

Some actions that you can take to protect yourself during a pandemic are to:

• wash your hands after you have been in a public place
• maintain a safe distance from others when in public
• cover your mouth when sneezing or coughing
• avoid close contact with people who are sick
• stay home from work or school if you are feeling unwell
• follow Public Health advice and guidelines

While Canada is often known for its winters, summer temperatures can soar—and prolonged heat can become dangerous for many people.

Extended exposure to extreme heat can lead to heat-related emergencies such as heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke. To help protect yourself and your family during a heat wave, follow these steps:

• Stay hydrated and keep cool.
• Check in on neighbours, friends, and others who may be at risk.
• Prepare for potential power outages and have an emergency plan in place.
• Review the contents of your emergency kit to ensure you’re ready if the power goes out.

Before a Heat Wave

Stay informed:

• Listen to local news and weather reports for heat warnings.
• A heat warning, as defined by Environment Canada, means daytime and nighttime temperatures or humidex values are expected to be higher than average for two or more consecutive days.
• Understand the humidex – it combines temperature and humidity to reflect how hot it feels.

Get your space ready:

• Arrange for fans or air conditioning to help keep your home cool.
• Identify public spaces where you can cool off, such as libraries, malls, or municipal cooling centers.
• Talk to your household about heat safety and develop an emergency planfor home, work, or school – including how to manage during power outages.

Be proactive:

• Identify neighbours or community members who may need assistance, such as seniors, children, or those with medical needs.

During a Heat Wave

Stay hydrated and cool:

• Drink plenty of cool fluids—even if you’re not thirsty.
• Check in regularly with children and seniors to ensure they’re drinking enough water.
• Avoid alcohol and caffeine, as they can cause dehydration.

Avoid peak heat times:

• Stay indoors during the hottest hours (usually 10 am - 2 pm).
• Dress in light, loose clothing to help air circulate.
• Wear a wide-brimmed hat and apply SPF 15+ sunscreen before going outside.

Care for pets and animals:

• Ensure pets have access to fresh water and shaded areas at all times.
• Never leave animals (or children) alone in a vehicle.

Check on others:

• Monitor how you and those around you are feeling.
• Reach out to vulnerable friends, family, and neighbours.
• Know the signs of sunburn and heat illness, including:
  • Dizziness or fainting
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Headache
  • Rapid breathing or heartbeat
  • Extreme thirst
  • Dark yellow urine
  • Behaviour changes in children
  • Muscle cramps, especially in arms, legs, or stomach

Heat Stroke is a Medical Emergency
Call 911 or your local emergency number if someone shows signs of:

• Heat illness (as above)
• Unconsciousness or confusion
• No longer sweating despite the heat

After a Heat Wave

• Open windows and blinds to let fresh air circulate.
• Check in with neighbours, friends, and family—especially those at higher risk.
• Continue drinking plenty of water to stay hydrated.

Power outages can happen in any place at any time, and can last a few hours or days. The best way to protect yourself and your family in case of a power outage is to follow these steps:

• Have at least three days of emergency supplies available - water, non-perishable food, medications and personal needs, etc.
• Never use charcoal or gas barbecues, camping heating equipment, or home generators indoors because they give off carbon monoxide.

Before

• The key to staying safe is to prepare and to have an emergency plan in place.
• Power outages are so closely tied to weather. Listen to local news and weather reports for information on changing weather conditions. You can stay informed by following storm warnings and weather forecasts through Public Weather Alerts Canada.
• Make a personalized preparedness emergency kit. Families should be prepared to be self-sustaining for at least three days.
• Kits should include practical items such as drinking water, food, cash, and a portable radio. However, they should also include items that are unique to your own families’ needs. This could include baby items, medical prescriptions, pet food, etc.
• If you have already dipped into your emergency kit and food supply while staying at home, consider safely getting the supplies to replenish it following your local public health authorities’ guidelines for leaving your residence.
• Plan for persons with functional needs such as essential medical equipment or mobility issues. Consider how they may be affected in a power outage – for example, if you are without elevator service. 
• Know where municipality shelters are located.
• Protect all your sensitive electrical appliances with a surge-protecting power bar. 
• If you are considering getting a generator, get advice from a professional, like an electrician. Make sure the generator you purchase is rated for the power that you think you will need. 
• Make sure your home has a working carbon monoxide detector. If it’s hard-wired to the house’s electricity supply, make sure it has a battery-power back-up.
• Make sure you keep a flashlight with working batteries in a place that is easily accessible and where everyone can find it. 
• Have a non-powered phone available. Landlines may still work without power.
• Keep your gas tank at least half full. 

During

• Listen to your battery-powered or wind-up radio for information on the outage and advice from authorities.
• Check whether the power outage is only in your home. If your neighbours' power is still on, check your circuit breaker panel or fuse box. Keep emergency numbers, like your power or hydro company, near your telephone.
• If your neighbours' power is also out, contact your power or hydro company. 
• Turn off all your appliances and electronic equipment, and turn your heating thermostats down to a minimum to prevent damage from a power surge when the power is restored.
• Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed as much as possible. An unopened refrigerator will keep foods cold for about 4 hours. A freezer will keep food frozen for 24 to 36 hours if the door remains closed.
• Turn off all your lights, except one inside and one outside, so that both you and hydro crews outside know that power has been restored.
• Never use charcoal or gas barbecues, camping heating equipment, or home generators indoors because they give off carbon monoxide.
• Use flashlights, not candles to reduce fire risk
• Eliminate unnecessary travel, especially by car. Traffic lights will be out and roads may be congested. 

If you need to evacuate
If you have to evacuate your home immediately, grab your emergency kit and listen to authorities or community leaders.

After

• Following public health guidelines in your province/territory, check on vulnerable family members, friends and neighbours who may require assistance. 
• Do not touch any electrical power lines and keep your family away from them. Report downed power lines to the appropriate officials in your area. 
• Check the outside of the house for any signs of damage or danger.
• When in doubt, throw it out! Check food supplies in refrigerators, freezers and cupboards for signs of spoilage. If a freezer door has been kept closed, food should stay frozen for 24-36 hours, depending on the temperature. When food begins to defrost it should be thrown out. 
• Turn on the main power switch and gradually turn on appliances and electronics to avoid damage as a result of a power surge. 

Thunderstorms typically happen in spring, summer and fall months, particularly in areas with high humidity, but can strike anywhere. The best way to protect yourself and your family in case of a thunderstorm is to follow these steps:

• Move to a safe place, away from windows and doors.
• Turn around, don’t drown – avoid flood waters.
• Prepare for secondary risks such as flooding, power outages, landslides and damaged buildings.

Before

• The key to staying safe is to prepare and to have an emergency plan in place.
• Listen to local news and weather reports for information on changing weather conditions.
• Pay attention to weather warnings. Thunderstorms are tracked before they occur. Visit Environment Canada for up to date information on thunderstorm conditions, storm maps and weather warnings. 
• There are two types of alerts to listen for when a thunderstorm is forming in your area:
  • Severe thunderstorm warning:  Developed storm is producing some or all of watch conditions. Tornadoes may also be produced in severe thunderstorm environment.
  • Severe thunderstorm watch: Favourable conditions for severe thunderstorms with large hail, heavy rain, intense lightning or damaging winds.
• Make a personalized preparedness emergency kit. Families should be prepared to be self-sustaining for at least three days.
• Kits should include practical items such as drinking water, food, cash, and a portable radio. However, they should also include items that are unique to your own families’ needs. This could include baby items, medical prescriptions, pet food, etc.
• If you have already dipped into your emergency kit and food supply while staying at home, consider safely getting the supplies to replenish it following your local public health authorities’ guidelines for leaving your residence.
• Keep trees and shrubs trimmed to make them more wind resistant, and remove any damaged branches.
• Power outages can occur during thunderstorms. Learn how to be prepared for one. 

During

• When thunder roars, go indoors! During a thunderstorm, immediately seek shelter or a safe place to wait out the storm. Watch for signs of a storm, like darkening skies, lightning flashes or increasing wind.
• Postpone outdoor activities if thunderstorms are likely to occur. Many people struck by lightning are not in the area where rain is occurring.
• If you count less than 30 seconds between lightning and thunder, seek shelter immediately.  

If you are inside:

• Avoid using electrical equipment and telephones. Use battery operated devices instead, like flashlights.
• Close outside doors and windows and keep away from windows.
• Stay inside for 30 minutes after the last thunder. 
• Do not take a bath, shower or use plumbing.

If you are outside:

• Avoid sheltering under trees, posts, fences, equipment as they attract lightning.
• Get out of open fields: If you are caught in an open field, do not lay flat on the ground. Seek shelter in a vehicle if at all possible. If you cannot seek shelter, kneel on the ground with your feet together, your hands on your knees and your body bent forward.
• Stay away from water: Water is an excellent conductor of electricity. If you are in a boat, get to land as quickly as possible, and avoid swimming. Be careful around creeks and rivers that may be subject to flash flooding during a severe storm.

If you are in your car:

• If you’re driving, find a safe place to pull over and park. Stay in the car, with your emergency flashers on, until the heavy rains subside.
• Avoid touching metal or other surfaces that conduct electricity inside or outside the vehicle.

After

• If someone is struck by lightning, immediately call for medical assistance and if trained in first aid, administer first aid treatment.
  Call 9-1-1.
• Check the area around the person for any dangers (live wires, broken class, debris). If there isn’t any, check the person for burns or other injuries.
• If the person is not breathing, start CPR. If the person is breathing normally, check for other injuries and care for them as necessary.

Continue to take precautions and listen to and follow directions from local authorities.

• Listen to local news and weather reports. 
• Turn around – don’t drown. Avoid driving through flooded areas. They could be deeper than you think. 
• Stay away from fallen power lines and report them immediately. 
• Avoid flooded waterways and keep your eyes on children and pets. 

In Canada, Tornado season is from April to September but can occur at any time of the year. Winds within a tornado can reach speeds of up to 500 km/h. Regardless of size, tornadoes have the ability to uproot trees, flip cars and damage homes. The best way to protect yourself and your family in case of a tornado is to follow these steps:

• Pay attention to weather watches and warnings.
• Move your family to a safe location on the lowest level of a building. Stay away from windows, outside walls and doors. 

Before

• Visit Environment Canada for up to date information on tornado conditions, storm maps and weather warnings. 
• Know the difference between a tornado warning and a tornado watch:
  • A tornado warning means a tornado is already occurring or will occur soon in your area. Evacuate if advised to do so.
  • A tornado watch means a tornado is possible in your area. Stay alert for more information.
• Pay attention to weather warnings.
• Pick a safe place in your home for household members to gather during a tornado, preferably a basement. Make sure it is away from external doors, windows and walls. 
• If you are in a high rise, pick a place in a hallway in the centre of the building. Talk to your building superintendent or manager and know your building emergency plan.
• Have practice drills with your family, so you know what to do and are prepared.
• Make a personalized preparedness kit. Families should be prepared to be self-sustaining for at least three days.
• Kits should include practical items such as drinking water, food, cash, and a portable radio. However, they should also include items that are unique to your own families’ needs. This could include baby items, medical prescriptions, pet food, etc.
• If you have already dipped into your emergency kit and food supply while staying at home, consider safely getting the supplies to replenish it following your local public health authorities’ guidelines for leaving your residence.

During

• If a tornado watch or warning has been issued, head to a safe location, like a basement or lower level of the building. Stay away from external doors, windows and walls. 
• Continue to listen to local news and weather reports for updates.

Watch for danger signs:

• Dark, often greenish or orange-grey skies.
• Large hail.
• Large, dark, low-lying, rotating or funnel-shaped clouds.
• Roaring noise – similar to the sound of a freight train.
• Wait for the all clear before leaving your safe location.
   
• Lie flat in a ditch or a low-lying area if you are outside and there is no shelter nearby.
• Get out immediately and head for safety if you are in a car or mobile home. It is unsafe to stay in your vehicle as it could be picked up, blown over or roll over you.

After

• Listen to the radio for further information and instructions.
  If you are away from home, only return home when it is safe to do so.
• Check on vulnerable family members, friends and neighbours who may require assistance.
• Stay away from damaged areas and fallen power lines.
• If you suspect your home is unsafe, do not enter. Rely on the professionals to clear your home for re-entry, if you are unsure.
• Once you return home, take the opportunity to review your family emergency plan and restock your personalized emergency kit. 
• Wear long pants, a long-sleeved shirt and sturdy shoes when examining your home for damage.
• Take pictures of damage, both of the building and its contents, for insurance claims.
• Check with local authorities on how to properly dispose of damaged items from your home.

Across Canada, winter storms or extreme cold can occur suddenly and last for multiple days. The best way to protect yourself and your family is to follow these steps:

• Have your emergency kit ready. Be prepared for power outages.
  Carbon monoxide kills: NEVER use a generator, BBQ, propane inside an enclosed area.
• Follow official instructions during snow removal and clean up.

Before 

• Listen to local news and weather reports for information on changing weather conditions.
• Winterize your home by insulating walls and attics; caulking and weather stripping doors and windows; and installing storm windows or covering windows with plastic.
• Winterize your home and car emergency kit with warm clothing and blankets. Buy rock salt and sand to melt ice and improve traction.
• Make sure you have shovels and snow removal equipment handy.
• Have an alternative heat source, such as a fireplace, wood burning stove, or a generator, so you are able to keep one room in your home warm and liveable.
• Keep fire extinguishers on-hand and make sure your family knows how to use them.
• Talk with your family about what you would do during a winter weather-related emergency, at home or in the car. 
• Make a personalized preparedness emergency kit. Families should be prepared to be self-sustaining for at least three days.
  Kits should include practical items such as drinking water, food, cash, and a portable radio. However, they should also include items that are unique to your own families’ needs. This could include baby items, medical prescriptions, pet food, etc.
• If you have already dipped into your emergency kit and food supply while staying at home, consider safely getting the supplies to replenish it following your local public health authorities’ guidelines for leaving your residence.
• Prepare your vehicle for winter weather and create an emergency kit for your vehicle. Keep the gas tank full. Always check local weather conditions before heading out on the road. 
• Install snow fences in rural areas to reduce drifting snow on roads and paths, which could block access to homes, barns, and animals’ feed and water. 
• Be prepared for secondary hazards such as power outage and flooding once snow melts.

During

• When a severe storm is expected, Environment Canada will issue a weather warning. Radio and television stations will also broadcast Environment Canada weather statements. Pay attention to that information. 
• Be alert for instructions from officials and community leaders – listen to the radio, watch your local news channels, and/or follow your local news outlet and/or emergency officials on social media.
• During the storm, avoid going outside or unnecessary travel. If you have to go outside, dress appropriately to protect yourself from the elements. Watch for signs of frostbite and hypothermia.
•  Use the “buddy” system if you can - bring someone outside with you. 
• Bring companion animals indoors. Create a place where other animals can be comfortable in severe winter weather. 
• Do not overexert yourself or work outside for extended periods of time.

After

• Continue to take precautions and listen to and follow directions from local authorities.
• Avoid travelling if possible and listen to local news and weather reports for current road and weather conditions. 
• Be aware of the wind chill. Avoid unnecessary exposure of any part of the body to the cold. 
• If you have to go outside, dress appropriately, and watch for signs of frostbite and hypothermia. 
• Be careful when clearing snow. Take your time and avoid overexertion. Take regular breaks to warm up and rest if needed.