Emergency Preparedness

The City of St. John's ensures that mitigation measures, response and recovery plans are in place for emergencies. We plan for all hazards including natural, technological and human-caused disasters. Our staff train and exercise with our emergency partners to ensure a constant state of readiness.

Being prepared is a shared responsibility. Residents and businesses can help by making sure that they are ready for 72 hours. By taking the three simple steps below, you and your family will be prepared for the first 72 hours of a disaster.

Know the Risks

Knowing the risks in Eastern Newfoundland can help you better prepare. Across Canada, we face many hazards, from floods to earthquakes, blizzards and tornadoes. Besides natural disasters, there are other types of risks like power outages and industrial or transportation accidents.

Learn more about common Newfoundland and Labrador hazards.

Make a Plan

Every Canadian household needs an emergency plan. It will help you and your family know what to do in case of an emergency. It will take you about 20 minutes to make your plan.

Your family may not be together when an emergency occurs. Plan how to meet or how to contact one another and discuss what you would do in different situations.

• Emergency preparedness plan: Government of Canada
• Protect your property from flooding
• Hazard preparedness for pet owners

Get a Kit

In an emergency, you will need some basic supplies. You may need to get by without power or tap water. Be prepared to be self-sufficient for at least 72 hours.

You may have some of the items already, such as food, water and a battery-operated or crank flashlight. The key is to make sure they are organized and easy to find. Would you be able to find your flashlight in the dark?

Make sure your kit is easy to carry and everyone in the household knows where it is. Keep it in a backpack, duffle bag or suitcase with wheels, in an easy-to-reach, accessible place, such as your front-hall closet. If you have many people in your household, your emergency kit could get heavy. It's a good idea to separate some of these supplies in backpacks. That way, your kit will be more portable. Each person can personalize his or her own grab-and-go emergency kit.

Find our what you need for a basic emergency kit from the Government of Canada.