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Emergencies and disasters can happen at any time. Utilities can be out, roads closed, and crucial supplies unavailable. While local, provincial and federal officials prepare for emergencies, individuals can plan to be prepared at home and at work.

With increased levels of fear and anxiety throughout Canada and the world, it makes sense to prepare for the unexpected. Everyone should be prepared to take care of themselves and their families for up to three days in the event of an emergency or disaster. For example, it could take that long to clear roads due to a severe winter storm.

The following are recommended guidelines to assist you in gathering items you should have on hand. Everyone in your family should know where these items are stored.

Finally, if you are ever in an emergency situation, Don't Panic. People have survived three days without water and three weeks without food. Your home can take three hours or more to cool off completely in the winter....More....

Canada is a vast country with extreme weather conditions and dramatic geological features. With its size, weather patterns and varied regions come several natural hazards. Learn about the natural hazards of your country and your region. More importantly, learn how to prepare for them – a natural hazard need not be a natural disaster. Being prepared can make a world of difference.

This information can help you use wood safely as an emergency heating fuel.

As most home heating systems need electricity to work, loss of power creates a heating emergency. Many householders use their wood burning stoves and fireplaces to heat their homes during a power outage.

A properly installed and operated wood stove or heating fireplace can be a safe and secure way to heat a home. But using wet wood, a makeshift, temporary wood stove installation or continuous use of a decorative fireplaces increases the risk of a house fire. If possible, get professional help from a qualified chimney installer, a chimney sweep or ask your local fire department for advice....
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In the winter, the power supply to your home can be interrupted from a few hours to several days by freezing rain, sleet, snow storms and/or high winds which damage power lines and equipment. This is the same power supply that you need to heat your home, be it electric baseboards or furnaces, or gas or oil furnaces (which use electric controls and distribution fans). If you encounter an extended period of time without power, the result can be a loss of heating, which in turn results in a cold home, severe living conditions, and possible damage to walls, floors and plumbing. Read article