‍This article is powered by our valued partner, Definity, in collaboration with Windmill Microlending in support of public safety.

Emergencies can happen anywhere, anytime. Whether it's wildfires in British Columbia, flooding in Alberta or severe storms in Ontario, natural disasters are becoming more frequent across Canada. According to Public Safety Canada, nearly 47% of Canadians live in areas where severe weather events are a growing risk.

For newcomers to Canada, preparing for emergencies is not only smart but essential. Major disasters can strike in any region, so understanding risks and having a plan can protect you and your family. This guide provides comprehensive steps to help you prepare for emergencies, drawing on trusted insights and recommendations from the insurance experts at Definity.

Understand the risks in Canada

Canada faces a range of natural emergencies. Floods can happen year-round in any province. They are often caused by heavy rainfall, rapid snowmelt in the spring or the failure of dams and water infrastructure. Flooding can occur along rivers and lakes (riverine floods), in cities due to overwhelmed drains (flash floods), or in coastal areas during storm surges. Wildfires are another common threat, particularly from late spring through fall when forests and grasslands can become very dry. While lightning strikes spark some wildfires, the majority are caused by human activity (such as discarded cigarettes, campfires or outdoor burning). Wildfires can force entire communities to evacuate; in 2023, unprecedented wildfires led to evacuation orders for nearly 200,000 people across Canada. 2024 has been the largest loss years on record in Canada, with insured losses from weather disasters exceeding $7.7 billion. Extreme weather is also on the rise – severe thunderstorms can bring tornados or hail, winter ice storms can knock out power, and summer heatwaves or blizzards pose risks to health. No matter the season or region, being aware of these hazards is the first step to preparedness.

Prepare before an emergency

Taking proactive steps before a disaster strikes will help ensure you and your household can cope with emergencies. Planning ahead can significantly lessen the impact of a disaster. Key preparedness steps include:

• Make a family emergency plan: Discuss with your household how you will respond to different scenarios. Choose a safe meeting place in case you get separated and designate an out-of-town contact person everyone can reach. Ensure all family members know how to dial 911 for emergencies and understand the plan.
  

• Build an emergency kit: Put together a supply kit with essentials to sustain your family for at least 72 hours. Include water (approximately 4 litres per person per day), non-perishable food, a manual can opener, flashlights and batteries, a first aid kit, extra clothing, and copies of important documents (passports, health cards, insurance papers). Don’t forget necessary medications and some cash in small bills. Store your kit in a grab-and-go bag that’s easy to carry if you need to evacuate. Keep supplies like water, food and emergency provisions in a secure place that won’t get flooded.
  

• Stay informed: Sign up for local alert systems or download a trusted emergency alert app. Authorities in Canada use the Alert Ready system to broadcast urgent warnings (for example, tornado or wildfire evacuation alerts) to mobile phones, radio and TV. Get to know the types of risks in your region – for instance, if you live near a river, monitor weather reports in heavy rain; if you live in a wildfire-prone area, stay aware of fire danger ratings, especially in summer.
  

• Prepare your home: If you own or rent a home, take steps to mitigate potential damage. Ensure that eavestroughs and storm drains are clear of debris to help rainwater drain away and reduce the risk of flooding. If you live in a house, consider installing sump pumps or backwater valves to prevent sewer backup during floods. In wildfire-prone areas, keep your yard clear of dry leaves and brush, and follow local fire bans. It’s also wise to know how to shut off your utilities (water, gas, electricity) in an emergency.
  

• Review your insurance coverage: Standard home insurance policies in Canada often do not automatically cover certain disaster-related damage, such as overland flood damage. Check your policy and talk to your insurance provider or broker about coverage for specific risks like floods or earthquakes. The financial stakes are high severe weather events caused over $3 billion in insured losses in Canada in 2023. Having the right insurance can help you recover financially if your home or belongings are affected.
  

Stay safe during an emergency

When an emergency is unfolding, your priority is to protect yourself and others from harm. Always follow the instructions of local authorities and use common sense. Here are important tips for staying safe during a crisis:

• Heed evacuation orders: If officials order an evacuation due to flooding, wildfire or any hazard, leave the area immediately. Delaying could put your life at risk. Grab your emergency kit and any essential items you can safely take, and follow designated evacuation routes to a safe location or emergency shelter.
  

• Avoid dangerous areas: Steer clear of floodwaters, fire zones and damaged structures. For example, do not walk or drive through floodwater, even as little as 30 cm (one foot) of moving water can sweep away a vehicle. During wildfires, stay far from the fire line and beware of flying embers and thick smoke. In storms, keep away from windows and potential debris.
  

• Shelter safely: If you are instructed to stay at home (for instance, during a severe storm or blizzard), take refuge in the safest part of the building. In hurricanes or tornado warnings, move to a basement or an interior room without windows. In chemical spills or poor air quality from wildfire smoke, close all windows and doors; seal gaps to prevent smoke or fumes from entering.
  

• Use emergency resources: Rely on your emergency kit supplies if the power is out or you cannot leave your home. Use battery-powered flashlights for light (not candles, which can pose a fire hazard). Tune in to battery-powered radios for news updates if internet or phone service is down. Conserve your phone’s battery life for critical communications.
  

• Keep in contact if possible: If you have cellular service, let a friend or family member know where you are and that you are safe, especially if you evacuate. Use text messages or social media to communicate when networks are busy – texts often go through when calls cannot. However, avoid clogging emergency lines; reserve 911 for immediate danger only. ‍

‍Recover after an emergency

Once the immediate danger passes, the recovery phase begins. Returning to normal can be challenging, but taking careful steps will ensure a safer and smoother recovery:

• Wait for the official all-clear: Only return to your home or neighbourhood when local authorities say it is safe to do so. Even after a flood recedes or a wildfire is contained, there may be hidden dangers such as contaminated water, downed power lines or unstable building structures.
  

• Prioritize safety during clean-up: Wear sturdy boots, gloves and if necessary, a face mask when cleaning debris or water damage. Floodwater can carry sewage or chemicals, and fire-damaged areas can have sharp debris and ash. Avoid wading into water until you’re sure there are no electrical hazards. If you smell gas or see electrical damage, leave immediately and inform the authorities.
  

• Document the damage: Take clear photos or video of damage to your property and belongings as soon as possible. This evidence is important for insurance claims. Save receipts for any emergency repairs or replacement purchases. (If you have insurance, do not discard damaged items until an insurance adjuster has seen them, unless they pose a safety risk.) Start your claims process early: contact your insurance broker or company right away to report the loss and get guidance on next steps.
  

• Clean and repair with caution: Dispose of any spoiled food or items that have been soaked in floodwater. Disinfect surfaces that were in contact with floodwater, it may contain bacteria or mold. For fire-damaged homes, do not turn on utilities until systems have been inspected. Consider hiring professionals for tasks like electrical work, mold remediation or structural inspections.
  

• Seek assistance and support: Major disasters can be overwhelming. Local governments and relief organizations (such as the Canadian Red Cross or settlement agencies) may set up reception centres or provide aid for those affected. Don’t hesitate to ask for help, whether it’s temporary housing, food and clothing, or emotional support to cope with trauma. Community services are there to support you after an emergency.

Being proactive and prepared can make the difference between a minor disruption and a major setback. By understanding the risks and knowing what to do before, during and after a disaster, newcomers to Canada can protect their loved ones and livelihoods.  

Windmill Microlending is committed to helping immigrants and newcomers in Canada not just through financial support but also educating you on topics that help you settle faster and better. So, this is us saying - your safety is as crucial as building successful careers in a new country!