Emergency Preparedness

An emergency can happen at any moment.

Everyone should know the risk, be prepared and plan for any emergency. By planning and preparing, you will be able to better cope when an emergency arises. 

Here are a few tips, as well as links to resources, that will help you plan for the unexpected. 

Be Prepared Emergency Management Ontario Image: make a plan, build a kit, stay informed

Make an Emergency Plan

An emergency plan will help everyone in your household know what to do in the event of an emergency.

It should include information like:

  • Safe exits from home and neighbourhood
  • Meeting places to reunite with family or roommates
  • Designated person to pick up children should you be unavailable
  • Emergency numbers and contact information
  • Health and insurance information
  • Places for your pet to stay
  • Risks in the area
  • Location of your fire extinguisher, water valve, electrical panel, gas valve and floor drain

Learn more about creating an Emergency Plan

Build an Emergency Kit

Some items to have in your emergency kit include:

  • Food (non-perishable, 3 days) & manual can opener
  • Water (4 L per person/day) & purification tablets
  • Medications & first-aid kit
  • Personal hygiene items (toilet paper, soap, toothbrush, etc.)
  • PPE (masks, respirators)
  • Phone charger/power bank
  • Cash 
  • Light source (flashlight, headlamp, glow stick) & extra batteries
  • Radio (crank or battery)
  • Candles & matches/lighter
  • Hand sanitizer or moist towelettes
  • Important documents (ID, emergency plan, prescriptions, contacts)
  • Extra car & house keys
  • Whistle
Graphic of items to include within your emergency preparedness kit such as a flash light, water, toiletries, batteries, cash, medication, and non perishable food.

Stay Informed

There are many resources available online to help you stay informed before and during an emergency.

Winter weather in Northern Bruce Peninsula can bring heavy snow, strong winds, and extended power outages. Preparing in advance helps keep you and your household safe, warm, and informed during severe weather events.

Prepare Your Home

Take a few minutes before winter storms arrive to review your household emergency plan and make sure everyone knows what to do in case of an outage or emergency.

Winter Home Emergency Kit

In addition to your standard emergency kit, consider adding:

  • Extra warm clothing (socks, mitts, hats, scarves)
  • Thermal blankets or sleeping bags
  • Flashlights and extra batteries
  • Power bank or alternate charging options
  • Hand warmers
  • Snow shovel and ice-melt
  • Safe backup heating and lighting options (used with proper ventilation)

Power Outage Readiness

Winter storms can cause lengthy outages.

  • Choose one room to keep warm if heating options are limited.
  • Keep refrigerators and freezers closed to preserve food as long as possible.
  • Have extra blankets and warm layers accessible.
  • Test generators and ensure they can be operated safely outdoors.

Ensure generators are placed away from air intakes and windows that make could be opened well in use. 

Stay Informed

Monitor local weather alerts, winter storm warnings, and road conditions. Avoid unnecessary travel during heavy snow or low-visibility conditions.

Want timely updates? Sign up for our municipal newsletter to receive notices about weather-related service disruptions and other important updates straight to your inbox.

Stay up to date with these additional resources:

Prepare Your Vehicle

Keep a winter emergency kit in your vehicle that includes:

  • Warm clothing and blankets
  • Food and water
  • Flashlight and batteries
  • Ice scraper, shovel, and traction aids (sand or kitty litter)
  • Cell phone charger or power bank

Ensure your vehicle is winter-ready with proper tires, a full gas tank, and regular maintenance.

Check On Others

During extreme cold or after major storms, check in on neighbours, particularly seniors or individuals who may require additional assistance.

Emergency Preparedness Week

Emergency Preparedness Week (EP Week) is a national awareness initiative and an opportunity for you to take action to ensure you're prepared to protect yourself, your family and your community during an emergency. This year, the theme is Be Prepared. Know Your Risks. We encourage you to understand the risks in your area and learn what actions you can take to protect yourself and your household

Like every municipality, regardless of size and location, Northern Bruce Peninsula can be seriously disrupted by an emergency. This could take the form of a severe storm, flood, fire, extended power outages, or similar disaster.

All capable adults are responsible for being prepared for unforeseen emergencies. While nobody can predict an emergency, it is important to plan for a variety of possibilities. Your personal plan can make a significant difference to you and your family's well-being. Emergencies can and do occur without warning.

The resources on this page have been assembled to help you prepare.

Heat Related Illness Power Outage Safety Winter Weather Safety

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Municipality of Northern Bruce Peninsula
56 Lindsay Road 5
Lion’s Head ON N0H 1W0
1-833-793-3537
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