Prepare for emergency evacuation

Planning for an evacuation

• Register for Alertable

  During an emergency, authorities will provide clear and concise updates. Register now for Alertable, the North Shore’s free emergency notification system by going to nsem.ca/alertable or downloading the app.

• Make a plan

  • Write down phone numbers for family members including workplaces, school, daycare, and caregivers. 
  • Organize your ‘out-of-area’ contact (a contact who lives in a different province or time zone) to help you reach loved ones if cell networks or the internet is down. 
  • Decide on a pre-arranged meeting place. 
  • Engage with neighbours who might need extra support such as young families, seniors with mobility issues, and individuals without a vehicle.
• Prepare a Grab-and-Go Bag

  A grab-and-go bag is a small emergency kit that’s easy to take with you if you need to leave in a hurry. Every family member should have their own, customized for their needs. Prepare this in advance as part of your emergency plan.

  Include: 

  • Food (ready-to-eat) and water 
  • Phone charger and battery bank
  • Radio, hand cranked or battery operated
  • Flashlight, plus extra batteries 
  • Personal medications and small first-aid kit 
  • Personal toiletries 
  • Copy of your emergency plan 
  • Copies of important documents i.e. insurance papers / identification 
  • Cash in small bills 
  • Local map with your family meeting place identified 
  • A change of seasonal clothing 
  • Pen, notepad & whistle
• Know your neighbourhood and best routes out

  Practice taking alternate routes in advance.

• Understand your transportation options. How will you leave?

  Vehicle? Keep your fuel tank at least half full (or vehicle charged) in case you need to leave quickly. Offer empty seats to others to reduce traffic congestion on evacuation routes. 

  No vehicle? Make a plan with friends and neighbours. Explore alternatives such as buses. 

  Specific needs? If you anticipate needing help during an evacuation, engage existing service providers, family, friends, or neighbours as part of your plan. Build a trusted support network.

• Prepare to care for your pet

  Your pet will be relying on you to help them during an emergency. Have a leash, food, and medications. Having a carrying case or crate will increase the chance of your pet being able to stay with you wherever you evacuate.

During an evacuation

• Receive instructions from emergency officials

  During an emergency, authorities will provide clear direction on where to go, when, and why. Receive instructions through the Alertable app, local official websites, social media, or radio.

• Follow your personal evacuation plan

  Implement your emergency plan utilizing the phone numbers, pre-arranged meeting locations, and out-of-area contact information contained in your emergency plan document.

• Get your Grab-and-Go Bag

  Be ready to go with this mini emergency kit; one for each household member.

• Leave the area

  Gather household members, including pets. Does anyone need your support? Consider assisting neighbours with their evacuation.

• Evacuate using any transportation available to you

  Vehicle, bus, or your pre-arranged support network. Offer empty vehicle seats to people needing transportation.

• Check in at a reception centre (when established)

  Emergency officials may identify safe locations to go in your municipality or area. These are usually community buildings such as libraries or community centres. Proceed as directed and check in.

• Monitor ongoing updates

  Monitor ongoing updates from emergency officials using nsem.ca, local authority social media and websites, radio, and the Alertable app.

After an evacuation