Get Prepared - Emergency Preparedness Week

Did you know we see the highest rainfall during hurricane season between June and November? Due to the high amount of rainfall and wind we experience, it is important for City residents to be prepared for 72 hours in the event of an emergency.

The City of St. John’s is committed to being a sustainable city. This includes acting to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, which drive climate change, and working with our community to adapt and be prepared for what’s currently happening and for future changes in climate. A key component to adapting to climate change is working with our community to be prepared for extreme weather.

The City of St. John’s works to ensure that preventative measures, response and recovery plans are in place for all. City staff regularly train and exercise with our emergency partners to ensure a constant state of readiness. It’s important that you and your family are also prepared for this upcoming hurricane season and other extreme weather events by following three simple steps.

3 steps for Preparation

Be Informed
Knowing the risks in St. John’s can help you better prepare for an emergency. We may face several hazards, such as flooding, freezing rain or ice storms, power outages, windstorms, snowstorms, and other types of hazards. During an emergency listen to local news outlets for updates an follow any special instructions.

Make a Plan
Every household needs an emergency plan so you and your family know what to do. It should only take you 20 minutes to create your plan that can be very useful should you find yourself in an emergency. Consider safe exits, meeting places, emergency contacts, important documents, and emergency kit location.

Get a Kit
An emergency kit should have the supplies that your household needs to survive for at least 72 hours. You may need to get by without power or tap water. A kit with essential items will help you. Make sure your kit is easy to carry, easy to access and everyone knows where it is.

Basic Emergency Kit

• First aid kit
• At least two litres of water per person per day
• Food that won’t spoil
• Manual can-opener
• Crank or battery-powered flashlight
• Crank, battery-powered radio or Weatheradio receiver
• Portable charger or power bank to charge your phone
• Extra keys to your car and house
• Some cash in smaller bills
• A copy of your emergency plan and contact information 

There are other great resources available at the Government of Canada website GetPrepared.gc.ca.