Every emergency is different. Since we can’t anticipate the exact nature of an emergency, we all need to prepare for a range of emergency situations.
Be prepared to shelter in place for 72 hours.
1. Know the risks
You will be better prepared when an emergency happens if you know the risks. Some risks are seasonal, like winter storms, flooding, wildfires, and hurricanes.
NS Emergency Preparedness Information
2. Make a plan
An emergency plan helps everyone in your family know what to do in an emergency, how to contact each other and where to meet.
- Get Prepared
- Emergency Preparedness Guide for Persons with Disabilities and Older Adults in Nova Scotia
- Emergency Preparedness Guide for People with Disablilities and Special Needs
3. Prepare an emergency kit
Your emergency kit should have everything you need to keep your family healthy for at least 72 hours. The kit should be easy to carry. Check your kit twice a year and replace anything that is out of date.
pdf Emergency kit checklist en(61 KB)
Storm Preparation 101
- Track bad weather by following local radio and television weather reports or visiting Environment Canada online.
- Have an emergency kit with flashlights, a battery-operated radio and fresh water.
- Charge your electronics before the storm hits.
Hurricane disaster supply kit
- Canned goods and nonperishable foods that do not need cooking:
- Canned meats and fish
- Canned fruits and vegetables
- Canned soups and puddings
- Canned fruit juices
- Dried fruit and nuts Bread, cookies and crackers
- Peanut butter and jelly
- Coffee and tea
- Manual can opener
- Bottled water (one gallon per person/per day)
- Prescription medication (two-week supply)
- Pet food/supplies
- Water purification tablets
- Disposable plates, cups, and utensils
Infant care items
- Disposable diapers
- Baby wipes
- Baby food /Formula
Other useful items
- First Aid Supplies
- Masking and duct tape
- Flashlight or lantern, with extra batteries
- Battery-operated radio, with extra batteries
- Watch or battery-operated clock
- Ice chest
- Matches
- Canned heat (sterno)
- Portable outdoor camping stove or grill with fuel supply
- A certain amount of cash
- Plastic trash bags
- Plastic sheeting or tarp
- Personal hygiene items
- Work gloves
- Sun lotion
- Insect repellent
- Hammer
- Screwdriver
- Pliers
- Wrenches
- Handsaw
- Razor knife Ax or chainsaw
- Rope caulking
- Nails and screws
- Rope and wire
- Broom, mop and bucket
- All-purpose cleaner
- Ladder
- Sandbags
- Portable generator
- Shovel, rake and wheelbarrow
- Sheets of plywood