Emergency Preparedness Guide for People with Disabilities

Power outages can happen at any time.
Whether you’re without power for minutes, hours, or days, stay safe with the tips below:

• Keep your emergency kit stocked.
  Make sure you have portable light sources (flashlights, candles, glow sticks), extra batteries, non-perishable food, and plenty of potable water.

• Stay clear of downed power lines.
  There may be live wires in your area. Keep yourself and others at least 10 metres (about the length of a school bus) away. Be cautious — even wires that have been down for days may still be live.

• Keep food safe.
  Avoid opening refrigerator and freezer doors to help preserve food. Never use charcoal or gas barbecues, camping stoves, or generators indoors, as they pose serious fire and carbon monoxide risks.

• Know when to leave.
  If your home becomes too cold or too hot and it's safe to do so, go to an alternate location. Be sure to take all household members — including pets — with you.

For more information, visit ontario.ca.

Power Outage Safety

Pets and Emergencies

Pets are members of your household, and their safety should be part of your emergency planning. Making arrangements before an emergency increases your pet’s chances of survival and helps reduce their stress. Be ready to take your pet—and their emergency kit—with you if you need to evacuate.

Pet Emergency Preparedness Kit Checklist

Prepare a pet emergency kit and store it alongside your household emergency kit. Check and update the contents at least twice a year.

Recommended items for dogs and cats:

• Food and potable water

• Bowls, paper towels, and a can opener

• Blanket and a small toy

• Sturdy leash/harness

• Carrier for transportation

• Cat litter and pan (if needed), and plastic bags

• Medications and medical records (including vaccinations)

• Current photo of your pet (in case they get lost)

• Information on feeding schedule, medical or behavioral issues

• Up-to-date ID tag with your contact info and veterinarian’s details

• Copy of license (if required)

• Muzzle (if required)

🐾 Emergency kit contents may vary depending on the type of pet. Contact your veterinarian or visit OntarioSPCA.ca for specific advice.

Pets and Evacuations

If it’s too dangerous for you to stay, it’s too dangerous for your pet.

Do not leave pets behind during an evacuation. Plan ahead to ensure a safe place for them.

Before an emergency:

• Find out your municipality’s evacuation centre locations and pet policies.

• Contact hotels/motels outside your immediate area to check if they accept pets during emergencies.

• Ask friends or relatives outside your area if they can shelter your pet.

• Include your pet in household or local emergency drills.

If you're not home during an emergency:
Set up a buddy system with a trusted neighbor who can care for your pet in your absence.

Pets & Emergencies 

Emergency Preparedness Starts With You

Visit ontario.ca/BePrepared to create your Emergency Preparedness Action Plan.

Evacuation & Shelter-in-Place

In an emergency, you may be instructed to evacuate or to shelter-in-place. These orders will be broadcast via TV, radio, government websites, social media, or wireless public alerts.

Evacuation

• Only evacuate when instructed by emergency officials.

• If safety permits, take your pets with you.

• Bring your emergency kit and go to your designated meeting place or reception centre.

Shelter-in-Place

• Close and lock all windows and exterior doors.

• Turn off fans, heating, and air conditioning systems to prevent outside air from entering.

Household Emergency Plan

Why Plan Ahead?

Creating an emergency plan and discussing it with your household can reduce fear and anxiety during an actual event.

What to Include

• Review your emergency plan annually.

• Practice going to your designated meeting places.

Meeting Places

Identify two safe meeting spots in case you must leave your home or can’t return:

• One close to home

• One outside your neighbourhood

Stay Connected During an Emergency

• Keep calls and texts short to reduce network congestion.

• Only call 9-1-1 for life-threatening police, fire, or medical emergencies.

• Preserve phone battery by dimming your screen and avoiding non-essential apps and videos.

• Forward your home phone to your mobile if you evacuate.

Alert Ready

Canada’s emergency alert system delivers life-saving messages through:

• Television

• Radio

• Compatible LTE-connected wireless devices

Learn more at AlertReady.ca

Additional Resources

Learn more through your local municipal office or visit the following organizations for emergency preparedness and updates:

• Canadian Red Cross

• Environment and Climate Change Canada

• Hydro One

• Insurance Bureau of Canada

• Public Safety Canada

Emergency Preparedness Starts With You

Ontario Seniors: How to Be Prepared for an Emergency

ontario.ca/BePrepared

Emergencies in Ontario — from ice storms and power outages to tornadoes and industrial accidents — can happen at any time. While emergencies are a fact of life, being prepared can make them far more manageable.

It’s important to be able to take care of yourself for at least three days if help is delayed. Your emergency plan should reflect your personal needs and circumstances.

About This Guide

This guide is for:

• Seniors

• Caregivers

• Members of seniors’ support networks

The guide is divided into two sections:

1. How to create an emergency plan and preparedness kit

2. A personal emergency plan form to fill out and store with your kit

Step 1 – Make a Plan

In an emergency, you may not have access to basic services or may need to evacuate. Planning ahead is the first step.

Your plan should include:

• Two safe locations

  • One nearby (e.g., local library or community centre)

  • One farther away, in case of widespread emergencies

• A household communication plan

  • Local calls may be difficult during emergencies.

  • Texting, social media, or long-distance calls may be more reliable.

• A personal support network

  • Include family, neighbours, healthcare and support workers who can assist you during an emergency.

Planning Tips

• Contact service providers if you or someone you care for relies on regular treatments or home services.

• Have a buddy system. Give a trusted person an extra key and show them where your emergency kit is stored.

• Be ready to evacuate, including transportation plans.

• Plan for pets. Only service animals are allowed at most reception centres—identify someone who can care for your pets if needed.

• Consider your living situation, especially if you live in a high-rise or isolated area or have mobility challenges.

When Your Plan Is Ready

• Share it with family and friends.

• Teach your support network about your specific needs (e.g., medical equipment).

• Practice the plan.

• Stay informed and follow the instructions of emergency responders and officials.

Other Tips

• Find your municipality’s emergency contact number (e.g., 211 or 311).

• Ask if there’s a “vulnerable persons” registry you can join.

• Call 911 only in life-threatening situations.

• Stay informed with Alert Ready, Canada’s national emergency alert system: AlertReady.ca

Explore more senior-specific support:
Guide to Programs and Services for Seniors in Ontario

Step 2 – Build an Emergency Preparedness Kit

Be prepared to care for yourself and your household for at least three days. Store your items in an easy-to-carry bag or suitcase on wheels, and keep it in an accessible location.

Essentials

• Non-perishable food and manual can opener

• 4 litres of water per person, per day (plus water purification tablets)

• Medications

• Personal hygiene items (toilet paper, soap, shampoo, etc.)

• PPE (e.g., masks, respirators)

• Backup chargers/power banks

• Flashlight, headlamp, or glow sticks

• Battery-powered or crank radio

• Extra batteries

• First-aid kit

• Candles and matches/lighter

• Hand sanitizer or moist towelettes

• Important documents (ID, prescriptions, emergency contacts)

• Cash (small bills)

• Extra house and car keys

• Whistle (for attracting attention)

• Zip-lock bags and garbage bags

• Duct tape

Additional Items (Based on Needs)

• Items for babies and small children (diapers, formula, bottles)

• Sentimental items (e.g., photos)

• Prescription medication & footwear

• Assistive devices (walker, hearing aid & batteries, etc.)

• Extra glasses or contact lenses

• Pet food and supplies

• Dentures and supplies

• Any other unique household needs

Extra Supplies for Evacuation

• Seasonal clothing and accessories (e.g., hats, gloves)

• Sleeping bag or blanket

• Toiletries and personal items

• Lightweight dishes and utensils

• Multi-tool (e.g., pocketknife, screwdriver)

• Local map with meeting places marked

• Small games or activities

• Pen and notepad

For More Information

• Website: ontario.ca/BePrepared

Additional Resources

• ServiceOntario: 1-800-267-8097 | TTY: 1-800-268-7095

• Home and Community Care Support Services (HCCSS): Call 310-2222 (no area code needed)

• Health811: Call 811 | TTY: 1-866-797-0007

Ontario Seniors: How to Be Prepared for an Emergency

For information specifically about COVID-19 please call the Public Health Unit on 613-966-5500 or 1-800-267-2803. For COVID-19 related information about municipal services, public notices and facilities please do not hesitate to contact staff at 613-473-4030.

View Current Water Conditions Map.

Hastings Prince Edward Public Health: Low Water Resource for Homeowners with Private Wells

Quinte Conservation Conserving Water Info Sheet

Quinte Conservation Drought Management Plan

Quinte Conservation Drought Info

Conservation Ontario

Information on flood/sewer back up clean up, from Public Safety Canada: http://www.getprepared.gc.ca/cnt/hzd/flds-ftr-eng.aspx

How to prepare for and what to do during a power outage: Power Outages-What to do

Guides and Brochures:

Emergency Preparedness Guide 2023 booklet

Brochure Pets and Emergencies Tri-Fold Brochure 

Brochure Emergency Preparedness Pocket Brochure

Bookmark Emergency Survival Kit

Information Sheets:

Ready to Go kit                                                

How you Can Plan for Emergencies

1. Be Prepared

Make sure everyone in your family knows what to do before, during and after an emergency. As a family, make a plan and discuss how you can best prepare for the most likely hazards that will affect your home. If you live alone, make a plan for yourself and make sure you talk about it with your friends and neighbours.

2. Plan/Prep

Make sure you have supplies in your home to be self sufficient for at least 72 hours. You should have a list of emergency phone numbers handy and keep a copy in your Ready to Go kit. Select a family member or a friend who lives a distance away from you to be the contact person in the event that you get separated from your family. Make sure everyone in the family has this person’s contact information, put a copy in purses, briefcases, school backpacks etc. and make sure it is stored in electronic devices such as iPods, cellphones or laptops. You can also include floor plans that include where exits and escape routes from each room. Make sure your car has a Car Survival Kit in case you are stranded or need to travel a long distance.

Don’t forget your pets!! Make sure that you have a Pet Emergency Kit and have a list of pet friendly hotels, kennels, veterinarians or friends who can take your animal, or who you can stay with if you need to evacuate your home.

3. Know your Hazards

Make a list of all of the hazards that may affect you and your home. Contact your local Community Emergency Management Coordinator, Cathie on 613-473-4030, for information on the top local Hazards in your community. Find out how you can prevent, mitigate or prepare for these hazards to ensure that yourself, your family and your pets can remain safe and calm during an emergency.