Institutional links

• What you need to know

  • Know the risks
  • Make a plan
  • Prepare a kit
  • During an emergency
  • After an emergency
  • Who does what

• Services

  • Safety tip service
  • Share your story
  • E-mail a friend
  • Order publications

More resources

• Safe Canada
• Public Safety Canada
• EP Week
• Our Partners

 

• Proactive Disclosure

Know your region

Canada has varied landscapes and diverse climates that mean different considerations in preparing for emergencies. Knowing the risks specific to your region can help you and your family prepare better. Find out more about the hazards in the province or territory you live in:

• Alberta
• British Columbia
• Manitoba
• New Brunswick
• Newfoundland and Labrador
• Northwest Territories
• Nova Scotia
• Nunavut
• Ontario
• Prince Edward Island
• Quebec
• Saskatchewan
• Yukon

Alberta

In Alberta, a tornado can strike quickly with significant damage. Wildfires can threaten communities and restrict movement. Heavy rains can cause flash flooding.

Alberta municipalities respond first to local emergencies. Alberta Municipal Affairs, through Emergency Management Alberta (EMA), is also there to help when needed. EMA assists Alberta communities to mitigate, prepare for, respond to and recover from major emergencies and disasters.

For more information on risks in Alberta and how to prepare, visit Emergency Management Alberta.

British Columbia

British Columbia faces many hazards, including forest fires, landslides, floods, extreme weather, earthquakes and tsunamis. Some dangers are difficult to foresee, like hazardous material spills, disease outbreaks or the threat of terrorism. There are also risks when people enjoy the outdoors where they may become lost, injured or encounter dangerous wildlife or sudden storms and snow avalanches.

For more information on risks in British Columbia and how to prepare, visit the British Columbia Provincial Emergency Program site.

Manitoba

In Manitoba, rivers can pose a risk of flooding, and thunderstorms and tornadoes can occur anywhere. All regions are vulnerable to wildfires.

For more information on risks in Manitoba and how to prepare, visit the Manitoba Emergency Measures Organization.

New Brunswick

In New Brunswick, river valleys and flood plains can pose a risk because of ice jams, harsh weather and the floods of annual spring thaw. All of these can cause a threat of flooding. Hurricanes, tropical storms, erosion or harsh seasonal weather events may cause tidal and ice surges in coastal areas. Forest fires are also a risk in all regions of New Brunswick.

For more information on risks in New Brunswick and how to prepare, visit the Department of Public Safety's New Brunswick Emergency Measures Organization.

Newfoundland and Labrador

In Newfoundland and Labrador, adverse weather and its impacts are a major concern. Municipalities, home and business owners are encouraged to take every precaution to prevent damages caused by any potential flooding and high winds and seas. The public should listen for updated forecasts and follow any special instructions.

For more information on risks in Newfoundland and Labrador, and how to prepare, visit the Newfoundland and Labrador Emergency Measures Organization.

Northwest Territories

From the boreal forest to the arctic taiga, the Northwest Territories have several geographical zones, each with its own set of risks.

Flooding can occur along rivers and delta areas. Blizzards are also realities, and all communities south of the treeline are vulnerable to fires.

For more information on risks in the Northwest Territories and how to prepare, visit the Northwest Territories Emergency Measures Organization.

Nova Scotia

In Nova Scotia, severe and unpredictable weather such as blizzards and hurricanes can pose a risk, as well as flooding.

The provincial Emergency Management Office uses the four pillars of emergency management -- mitigation, preparedness, response and recovery -- to ensure a prompt and coordinated response to an emergency. This is accomplished through training and planning before an emergency occurs and by coordinating provincial resources during an emergency.

For more information on risks in Nova Scotia and how to prepare, visit the Nova Scotia Emergency Management Office.

Nunavut

Although the consequences of disasters can be similar, knowing the risks specific to your region can help you to prepare yourself better. For more information on risks in Nunavut and how to prepare, contact:

Nunavut Emergency Management
Department of Community Government and Transportation
P.O. 1000, Station 700
Iqaluit, NU X0A 0H0

Tel: 867-975-5300
Fax: 867-979-4221

Ontario

In Ontario, your Community Emergency Management Coordinator has identified the hazards that exist in your municipality. Coordinators are working closely with other municipalities, provincial ministries and stakeholders to develop an emergency management program that addresses these identified hazards.

For more information on risks in Ontario and how to prepare, contact your Community Emergency Management Coordinator through your local municipal office or visit Emergency Management Ontario.

Prince Edward Island

In Prince Edward Island, coastal areas are subject to flooding and storm surges. Each season also brings with it specific hazards. In the fall, Islanders are vulnerable to hurricanes; in the winter, blizzards and ice storms are a reality. All regions are vulnerable to fires at any time of the year.

For more information on risks in Prince Edward Island and how to prepare, visit the Prince Edward Island Emergency Measures Organization.

Quebec

Although the consequences of disasters can be similar, knowing the risks specific to your region can help you to prepare yourself better. For more information on risks in Quebec and how to prepare, visit Quebec’s Civil protection organization.

Saskatchewan

The Saskatchewan Department of Corrections and Public Safety is the lead agency for the province on public safety and security. It works closely with local authorities, as well as the federal and other provincial and territorial governments, to share information and develop emergency plans and strategies to ensure the safety and security of communities.

For more information on risks in Saskatchewan and how to prepare, visit the Saskatchewan Emergency Management Organization.

Yukon Territory

Throughout the Yukon, there are a number of different risks and potential hazards. Some locations may experience earthquakes or landslides and avalanches. Rivers and lakeshore areas are at risk of flooding while almost all regions are at risk of forest fires. Power failures during winter months, severe snow or ice storms, and loss of critical infrastructure are all potential emergencies.

For more information on risks in the Yukon and how to prepare, visit the Yukon Emergency Measures Organization.