Why Preparedness Matters

Emergencies can happen with little or no warning. Depending on the situation, residents may need to manage without power, tap water, phone service, road access, or immediate access to supplies. Local authorities and first responders will respond as quickly as they can, but they may not be able to reach everyone at once.

Prepared households help reduce pressure on emergency services and allow first responders to focus on the most urgent calls first. Taking a few steps now can make a major difference for your family, pets, neighbours, and community.

Watch and Learn

These short Government of Canada videos can help residents take practical action during Emergency Preparedness Week. Watch the videos below, then visit the official pages for more details and printable guidance.

Three Steps Every Household Can Take

What to Include in Your Emergency Plan

A household emergency plan does not need to be complicated. The important thing is that everyone in your household knows what to do, where to go, and how to stay in contact.

• Safe exits from your home and neighbourhood.
• Meeting places where family or roommates can reunite.
• A designated person who can pick up children if you are unavailable.
• Local and out-of-town emergency contacts.
• Health, insurance, and important document information.
• Pet arrangements, including places your pets can stay.
• Risks that are more likely in your area.
• Locations of your fire extinguisher, water valve, electrical panel, gas valve, and floor drain.

Build a Kit Before You Need It

In an emergency, you may need to get by without basic services. Canada recommends being prepared to be self-sufficient for at least 72 hours. Your kit should be stored somewhere accessible, such as a front-hall closet, and everyone in the household should know where it is.

Water is one of the most important items. Canada recommends about four litres of water per person, per day for drinking, cooking, and sanitation. If your kit becomes too heavy, consider separating supplies into smaller backpacks so each person has a grab-and-go bag.

• Water and non-perishable food.
• Manual can opener.
• Battery-operated or wind-up flashlight.
• Battery-operated or wind-up radio.
• Extra batteries and phone chargers.
• First aid supplies and medication.
• Copies of important documents.
• Cash, keys, and comfort items.
• Baby supplies, pet food, or special medical items if needed.
• A backpack, duffle bag, or wheeled suitcase to keep items together.

Use Trusted Yukon Emergency Updates

During an emergency, information can change quickly. Residents should use official sources for updates about wildfires, floods, earthquakes, road closures, travel advisories, weather alerts, and air quality advisories.

Help First Responders Find You

When seconds matter, clear directions and a visible civic address can make a real difference. Make sure your civic address number is posted clearly and can be seen from the road.

• Use reflective material or lighting so your address can be seen in the dark.
• Place your address high enough for drivers to see it.
• Keep snowbanks, brush, or other obstructions away from your address sign.
• If calling 911, be ready to describe your community, civic address, kilometre marker, landmark, or nearest intersection.
• Clear the driveway for emergency vehicles.
• Keep stairs and entryways free of snow and ice.
• Turn on outside lights.
• Secure pets and clear space around the person who needs help.

Learn more from the Government of Yukon: Help first responders get to you.

A Prepared Community Starts at Home

Emergency Preparedness Week is a good reminder, but preparedness is something we can work on all year. Take one practical step today: make a plan, check your kit, save official emergency links, talk to your household, make sure your address is visible, or check in on a neighbour, elder, or someone who may need extra help during an emergency.