Emergency Preparedness Week

Is Your Family Prepared for an Emergency?

Emergencies and natural disasters can strike without warning. Taking time to prepare now can make a big difference when it matters most.

Emergency Preparedness Week – happening from May 4 to 10, 2025 – is a reminder for Canadians to take simple steps to protect themselves and their families before an emergency happens.

Being ready doesn’t take much—just a bit of planning. Here’s how to get started:

STEP ONE - KNOW THE RISKS

Understanding the types of emergencies most likely to happen in your area is the first step. In Strathroy-Caradoc, we face a variety of risks, including extreme temperatures, tornadoes, snowstorms, power outages, and transportation accidents, among others. Knowing what to expect helps you prepare more effectively.

• Get Prepared: Hazards and Emergencies (Government of Canada)
• Extended Power Outages (County of Middlesex)
• Flood Ready (Government of Canada)

STEP TWO - MAKE A PLAN

Creating an emergency plan helps everyone in your household know what to do when disaster strikes. As you put your plan together, consider the following:

• Step-by-Step Guide to Making an Emergency Plan (Government of Canada)
• Emergency Preparedness Guide for People with Disabilities / Special Needs (Government of Canada)
• Emergency Preparedness for Children (Government of Canada)

If you have pets, service animals or livestock in your care, your plan should include how they'll be cared for during an emergency:

• Caring for your Pets in an Emergency (County of Middlesex)
• Emergency Preparedness for Pets (Government of Canada)
• Emergency Preparedness for Farm Animals (Government of Canada)

STEP THREE - PREPARE AN EMERGENCY KIT

In an emergency, services like gas stations, grocery stores, or banks might be unavailable. A well-stocked emergency kit can help you stay safe and comfortable for at least 72 hours.

• Get Prepared: Basic Emergency Kit Checklist (Government of Canada)

STEP FOUR - STAY INFORMED

In a crisis, staying informed is crucial. Follow trusted news outlets and official social media accounts for updates. Pay attention to alerts from Ontario’s Alert Ready System, which sends emergency messages directly to your phone, TV, and radio—ensuring you receive timely, life-saving information.