You can help keep your family and community safe by planning ahead. Here are some steps to take to make sure that you're prepared for an emergency in St. Catharines:
- Prepare an emergency kit
- Create a plan in case of emergencies
- Follow local news updates from credible sources
Emergency preparedness guide
You can create a plan in case of an emergency. A plan will ensure you and your family know what to do. Prepare yourself by:
- Reading and filling out the Home Emergency Preparedness Guide
- Including a copy of the guide in your emergency supply kits
- Identifying two gathering points for your household after a disaster: one near your home and one outside your neighbourhood
- Designating an out-of-town contact that household members can call if separated during an emergency
- Planning around the specific needs of those in the household (i.e., elderly relatives, children, pets, etc.)
- Taking a CPR or First Aid course
Read our Home Emergency Preparedness Guide
Emergency kits
You should update household emergency kits twice a year. A great reminder is to check your kits when you change your clocks for daylight savings time.
Every kit should include:
- Enough bottled water and food for 72 hours
- A first aid kit
- Necessary prescriptions for household members
- Flashlights
- Basic tools
- A battery-operated or crank radio to receive updates and news during an emergency. Stock extra batteries in the kit, and place batteries in reverse inside the radio when not in use to conserve battery life.
- A list of emergency contact numbers such as family, friends and neighbours
You can find a full checklist for emergency kits, including for pets and vehicles, in our Home Emergency Preparedness Guide