Prepare your family and home for an emergency

Being prepared can go a long way in assisting you, your family, and community when an emergency event occurs. Knowing what to do beforehand can help reduce the stress of an emergency situation. Knowing what types of disasters can affect your area will help your plan.

When planning you should know what types of emergencies or disasters can occur where you live. We have put together a list of the types of disasters that affect Calgary.

When planning you should know what types of emergencies or disasters can occur where you live. We have put together a list of the types of disasters that affect Calgary.

​Reduce the hazards in your home before an emergency occurs. Begin with these simple steps and learn more through our Home Safety Program.

• ​Keep a fire extinguisher on every floor of your home and an extra one in the kitchen.
• Smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms should be outside of every bedroom and on every level of your home.
• Know how to turn off utilities. This includes the power, gas, and water supplied to your home.
• Ensure there is proper drainage around your home to help reduce the possibility of flooding. Learn other tips to help prepare your home for flooding.
• Identify the potential hazards on your property. Secure unstable materials around your property, such as bikes, patio furniture, potted plants and fuel tanks. Keep your roof clean and free of debris, and check for loose shingles on a regular basis.
• Install surge protectors or unplug devices before a storm to prevent damage to electronic devices. Have at least one corded landline phone, as cordless handsets will not work during a power outage. If applicable, make plans for any assistive technology or medical devices you use.

​Property damage can be devastating. Having adequate coverage can help you recover as quickly as possible. Remember that your insurance broker and claims representatives are there to help you and to answer your questions.

• For homeowners: Homeowner insurance policies normally cover the building and its contents for direct loss or damage caused by insured perils. Knowing the types of risks that could occur will help you ensure adequate coverage when reviewing your home insurance policies annually with your carrier.
• For renters and tenants: Landlord’s insurance almost never covers the tenant’s possessions (such as furniture, clothing, electronics, and other personal items). If you are a tenant, purchase insurance to protect your personal possessions. Tenant insurance is far less costly than paying to replace all your belongings. An insurance carrier can confirm the wide variety of insurance policies and coverage available.
• Additional coverage: Your insurance policy may cover “additional living expenses.” This coverage applies when your dwelling is damaged by an insured peril, and when the damage is sufficient to make the dwelling unfit for occupancy, or requires you to move out while repairs are being made. Ask your adjuster if this applies to you.​

During an emergency, responders may be busy assisting those in immediate need. Building a 72-hour emergency kit will enable you to better manage an emergency situation. This kit holds supplies to support you, your family, and pets in the event of an emergency. Include any food tailored to dietary restrictions, and make sure that your kit is wheeled and easily accessed.

Being prepared for an emergency situation leads to stronger, more resilient communities. Download our Community Preparedness booklet and learn some simple, easy ways to help your neighbours.

Preparedness is a shared responsibility – everyone needs to do their part to ensure their and others’ safety. The safest and most resilient communities:

• Know what risks exist in their communities
• Have residents who can help themselves and each other
• Are prepared to build back after a disaster to reduce the impact of future disasters
• Know that safety and resiliency is a long-term strategy and a shared responsibility

We offer an emergency management program called Ready Calgary that is designed to educate, engage and empower Calgarians to take action in regard to emergency preparedness in order to be resilient during times of stress caused by emergencies and disasters.