Prepare/Aware

Prepare at Home

Emergencies and disasters can strike at anytime, anywhere, including in your community. Local authorities and emergency services will react as quickly as they can, but it is up to you, the individual, to do your part to ensure you are prepared.   

Home Emergency Supplies  

All households should have at least 14 days of emergency supplies on hand in the event you are unable to leave your home. It is important to note that you can build these kits slowly throughout the year, and as you can afford them. Review this list every six months and replace any items that have been used or have expired. 

Home Emergency Supplies Fact Sheet (PDF)

Emergency Go Kits  

In the event you need to leave your home quickly due to an emergency or disaster, all members of your household should have Emergency Go Kits stored in an easily accessible location in your home. Your Emergency Go Kit should contain essential items to sustain you and your family for up to 24 hours. Review the items in your kits every six months and replace any items that have been used or have expired. 

Remember to prepare Emergency Go Kits for others in your family that have different needs. It is recommended you create Emergency Go Kits for each child, pet, and anyone in your family with additional needs.

Emergency Go Kits Fact Sheet (PDF)

Emergency Vehicle Kit  

Every vehicle in your household should be equipped with emergency supplies in the event your vehicle breaks down, you get into an accident, or your smart phone doesn’t work. Review the items in your kit every six months and replace any items that have been used, expired, or compromised due to extreme heat or extreme cold.

Emergency Vehicle Kit Fact Sheet (PDF)

First Aid Kit

All households and Emergency Go Kits should contain a comprehensive first aid kit to be able to immediately treat minor injuries and illnesses during an emergency or disaster.

First Aid Kit Fact Sheet (PDF)


Prepare – Farm & Business

At work, emergency plans should include procedures to see the business through most emergencies, identify how specific hazards could impact your business and plan to ensure the safety of your employees and clients. Preparedness and mitigation are essential to business continuity.

Commercial or farm operations should have a preparedness and mitigation plan in place will make sure the safety of staff and clients, impacts are minimized and everyone can get back to work sooner.

Hazard Specific Emergencies

Flood

The most severe and widespread emergencies in Manitoba have been floods. Floods in 1950, 1997 and 2011 resulted in extensive property damage, evacuations, and emergency operations to protect people and communities. Overland flooding is a regular annual occurrence in many areas of Manitoba and has resulted in a significant investment in mitigation and planning.

Pre-flood - Assess your home and property for previous water damage, low-lying areas and access routes prone to flood waters to see how you can mitigate the risk before an emergency happens. Consider what can be done to reduce damages and protect your home and property. Communicate and practice an evacuation plan for your home, farm and business if a severe flood occurs. While municipal and provincial assistance will be available in such cases, planning ahead is valuable and necessary.

During a flood – Monitor conditions and follow the instructions of local officials.

Function Partner Contact Information Links
Preparedness, Response Mitigation, Recovery Planning and Operations Local Authority
  • Your local municipal office
  • PP – Manitoba Parks
 
Flood forecasting and  information Hydrological Forecast Centre   Manitoba Flood Information
Flood resources requests Manitoba EMO General information – Emergency reporting  
Preparedness Information PSC   www.getprepared.gc.ca/index-en.aspx

Severe Storms (Thunderstorms, tornados, blizzards, etc)

Severe weather, in any season, has the potential to close roads and facilities, damage our utilities, and severely damage property. Severe weather, including blizzards, tornadoes, heavy rain, windstorms, hail, and thunderstorms, can present a serious threat to life and property.

Prepare for a severe weather as the seasons change; know the risks for your area, monitor current and forecast weather conditions. The Alert Ready system will issue severe weather warnings to Manitobans as they occur.

Function Partner Contact Information Links
Preparedness, Response Mitigation, Recovery Planning and Operations Local Authority
  • Your local municipal office
  • PP – Manitoba Parks
 
Severe weather forecasting and  information EC Weather Conditions/Forecast EC Weather Radio Info MB Severe Weather Information

 

Environment Canada Weather Conditions and Forecast
Environment Canada
Manitoba Severe Weather website
Alert Ready ECCC    
Power outages/damage Manitoba Hydro  
Local Authority support and reporting EMO   General information – Emergency reporting
Preparedness Information PSC   www.getprepared.gc.ca/index-en.aspx

Power Failures

The failure of any utility could result in severe disruptions, particularly during the winter months. While there have been investments to protect these systems and extensive planning to manage emergencies, the unpredictable nature of severe weather and wildfires, mean failures are still inevitable.

Function Partner Contact Information Links
Preparedness, Response Mitigation, Recovery Planning and Operations Local Authority
  • Your local municipal office
  • PP – Manitoba Parks
 
Outage response and preparedness communications Manitoba Hydro Emergency Preparedness Handbook
Extended Outage Coordination EMO   General information – Emergency reporting
Preparedness Information PSC   www.getprepared.gc.ca/index-en.aspx

Wildfires

Severe weather, in any season, has the potential to close roads and facilities, damage our utilities, and severely damage property. Severe weather, including blizzards, tornadoes, heavy rain, windstorms, hail, and thunderstorms, can present a serious threat to life and property.

Prepare for a severe weather as the seasons change; know the risks for your area, monitor current and forecast weather conditions. The Alert Ready system will issue severe weather warnings to Manitobans as they occur.

Wildfire season in Manitoba is typically April through September. Always be wildfire aware when the weather is warm, dry and windy. People living, working or recreating in wildland areas (grassy fields or forested areas) should be aware of the local fire danger and forecast weather to prevent igniting a wildfire and staying safe.
Human caused wildfire - Most common during the spring before green up when vegetation has very little moisture. Human caused wildfires are preventable and put people and communities unnecessarily at risk.
Lightning caused wildfires - Most common in July and August. Lightning fires can appear up to a week after the storm has passed, if the conditions are right. 

Wildfire Prevention Tips:

  • Know your local fire danger.  Outdoor activities are safest when the fire danger is low or moderate. 
  • Avoid outdoor burning when it is warm, dry and windy, especially if there has not been widespread and continuous rain in the preceding days.
  • Comply with any provincial or municipal burning restrictions for the area.
  • Do not build fires close to homes or other property
  • Build fires away from trees and dry vegetation, ensure there is an adequate fuel break and have water and a shovel near by
  • Never leave a fire unattended
  • Always make sure a fire is completely extinguished before leaving

Be Prepared.

Make sure your 72 hour preparedness kit is ready for sheltering in place or evacuation and review your family's emergency plan and contact information.

  • Battery-operated radio, working flashlights and spare batteries
  • First aid kit and essential medication
  • Emergency food and water
  • Children's emergency supplies (e.g. formula and diapers)
  • Charge phones and pack extra phone chargers and power bank devices
  • Have important documents ready

During a Wildfire Incident

If a wildfire is close-by or there is a real risk of a new wildfire impacting your home and property:

  • Be prepared to evacuate all family members, including pets
  • If there is time and it is safe to do so, clean and prepare the home ignition zone.  Put away or move any flammables (patio furniture, potted plants, firewood, fuel) away from the home (>10m). Anywhere leaves and debris collect is where embers will collect. 
  • Minimize smoke inhalation in the home by closing all windows and doors. A wet towel along the window and door seams will minimize smoke.
  • Keep the radio on and listen for emergency messages
  • Keep phones and power bank devises fully charged
  • Follow reliable sources of emergency information for your area on social media
  • Pre-register for evacuation and follow directions provided by your local emergency management office

If you must evacuate:

  • Take only the necessities
  • Follow all instructions provided by local authorities
  • Contact absent family members and let them know the evacuation information
  • Confirm and follow the safe evacuation routes
  • Confirm the evacuation reception center location before you leave (listen for media announcements)
  • If there is time, shut off the water, gas and electricity and ensure all windows and vents are closed.
Function Partner Contact Information Links
Preparedness, Response Mitigation, Recovery Planning and Operations

Local Authority
  • Your local municipal office
  • PP – Manitoba Parks
  •  
    Wildfire response (crown land) Manitoba Wildfire Service

     

    Manitoba Wildfire Service
    Manitoba Wildfire Information
    Wildfire response (municipal/First Nation boundary) Local Fire Department

     

     

    Wildfire response (mutual aid support & coordination) Office of the Fire Commissioner  

     

    IEPC Coordination EMO  
    Preparedness Information PSC

     

    www.getprepared.gc.ca/index-en.aspx

    Wildfire Mitigation/Preparedness Information MWS
    FireSmart Canada

     

     

    Bomb Threats and other threats of civil unrest

    Bomb threats require immediate action. Take note of any important information, call 911, follow the fire evacuation plan and listen to first responder instructions.

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    Function Partner Contact Information Links
    Emergency Response RCMP
    Fire Department
    911  
    Preparedness, Response Mitigation, Recovery Planning and Operations Local Authority Your local municipal office or other local authority  
    Preparedness Information

    Get Prepared (PSC)

      www.getprepared.gc.ca/index-en.aspx

    Hazardous material spills and chemical releases

    Chemical releases and hazardous materials incidents can happen anywhere and at any time.  The response and impacts will depend on what the material is, how much spilled, and where it spilled or released. Being familiar with some of the potentially hazardous substances near your home or office, and what actions might be required to protect yourself is a start. If you handle hazardous materials, know what should be reported and how to clean or prevent its spread until it can be remediated.

    Function Partner Contact Information Links
    Preparedness, Response Mitigation, Recovery Planning and Operations Local Authority

    Your local municipal office or other local authority  
    Emergency Response RCMP
    Fire Department
    911

     

    Environment Reporting EERT
    CANUTEC

     

     

    Preparedness Information PSC

     

    www.getprepared.gc.ca/index-en.aspx

    Pandemic and other public health emergencies

    While all public health emergencies are cause for concern, the current COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the importance of pandemic preparedness and business continuity planning activities. The Government of Manitoba has developed a number of tools to guide individuals, schools, and businesses in pandemic influenza planning and response.

    Function Partner Contact Information Links
    Preparedness, Response Mitigation, Recovery Planning and Operations Local Authority Your local municipal office or other local authority  
    Public Health guidance and Information

     

     

    Province of Manitoba COVID-19
    Preparedness Information Health Canada

     

    Preparing for Pandemic Influenza 
    Pandemic Influenza 

    Preparedness Information PSC  

    www.getprepared.gc.ca/index-en.aspx