SIMCOE MUSKOKA – Each year, Emergency Preparedness Week is observed across Canada during the first week of May (4 to 10, 2025). The recent ice storm that resulted in extended power outages and flooding throughout Simcoe Muskoka are reminders that emergencies can affect everyone and can have long lasting effects.

From emergencies such as severe storms, flooding, and power outages to localized incidents like a watermain break, emergencies can happen anytime. The Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit encourages you to be aware of the potential risks in your community and to take steps to prepare so you know what to do before, during and after any emergency.

Preparedness goes a long way to help people cope better during and after both minor emergencies or major disasters. It can also help you reduce the impact on your family and property. By being aware of potential hazards and following a few steps, you can become better prepared to face a variety of emergencies ranging from natural disasters to infrastructure crises such as an explosion.

Be Prepared – Before an Emergency

• Know the risks specific to your community and region to help you be ready for different types of emergency situations. You can find information on your local municipality’s website to help you further understand the risks in your local area.
• Make a plan so that you and your family know what to do if an emergency occurs. This should include identifying a safe place for the members of your household to meet, emergency contact information for trusted neighbours and friends, and designating routes to evacuate your home and neighborhood.
• Prepare an emergency kit that includes an emergency food and water kit with some basic supplies that can get you by without power or tap water for a minimum of 72 hours. Your kit can include a flashlight, radio and extra batteries, a printed list of emergency and municipal numbers, bottled water, canned and packaged foods that won’t spoil, and prescription medications. Your kit should be easy to carry and be easily accessible and don’t forget to make a kit for your pets.

During and After an Emergency

• Depending on the type of emergency, your food/water supplies and immediate living space/environment may be negatively impacted, making them potentially unsafe. It is important to stay up to date on news/information and recommendations from local authorities and agencies.
• An emergency can have both short-term and long-term effects on individuals and their families, causing stress and trauma. Being aware of the available services in your community can help you during and after an emergency.

Additional information to help you and your family prepare for all types of emergencies, including a full list of items you should have in your emergency kit, is available at smdhu.org/BePrepared and getprepared.ca.