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Moving back into your home after an emergency

Whether the damages to your home were large or small, your continued health and safety are most important. Your insurance company, contractor or building inspector can help you make sure your home is safe to live in.

Although we hope you never face another home emergency, the best thing you can do is be ready for the future. It is important to know the risks, make an emergency plan and build an emergency kit.

Prepare for next time

  • Refill any emergency supply kits and review your Emergency Action Plan with your family.
    • Set aside emergency evacuation kits for family members and pets
    • Create a buddy system with your neighbours and plan a support network for family members and pets
  • Think about what kinds of things you can do to prevent this from happening again.
    • Do you have working smoke alarms?
    • Could you make any home improvements that would reduce the risk?
    • What kinds of items would be helpful in an emergency kit?
    • Where should you keep an emergency kit?
    • What additional insurance coverage should you buy?
  • Think about what you can do to prepare your pets for an emergency. See more tips.
    • Keep copies of your pet’s ID tags and photos of them
    • Keep a list of their medications, veterinarian phone number, animal shelter phone numbers and kennel phone numbers
    • Make sure you have at least three days of food and water on hand

Learn more about preparing for different types of emergencies.

Take care of your mental health and wellness

Even after you move back into your home, past events can impact your emotions or the emotions of your family members. The road to recovery can be long and difficult.

  • Talk to loved ones about how you are feeling.
  • Practice healthy habits: get enough rest, eat nutritious food, take time to do the things you enjoy.
  • Continue to seek mental health help and/or spiritual support (as needed).
  • Talk to your family doctor or call 211 for a list of resources.
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