Civil Protection Week from May 4 to 10, 2025

Civil protection is a responsibility shared by citizens, municipalities and the government to ensure the safety of the population in the event of a disaster or emergency, i.e. a natural or man-made event that can cause damage and loss of life.

Make a family emergency plan and emergency kit

In the event of a disaster or natural catastrophe, you are the first person responsible for your own safety. It’s important to be prepared to stay in your home, ensuring your well-being and safety until the emergency services arrive, while being able to leave quickly if necessary.

To ensure you are well prepared, draw up a family emergency plan that includes :

• an emergency kit;
• a list of key contacts;
• an evacuation plan;
• instructions for cutting off water, electricity and gas;
• an inventory of your belongings.

Also be sure to check your home insurance coverage.

Always have the essentials in your home to last at least the first 3 days of a disaster, stored in a convenient, well-identified location. Inform your family of its location, check its contents annually and replace outdated or worn-out items as needed.

Here are 7 essential items to have in your home emergency kit:

• Drinking water (6 liters per person);
• Non-perishable food (for at least 3 days);
• Manual can opener;
• Battery-powered radio – spare batteries;
• Headlamp or flashlight – spare batteries or crank lamp;
• Lighter or matches and candles;
• First-aid kit – antiseptics, analgesics, adhesive bandages, sterile gauze pads, scissors, etc.

Also, plan an emergency kit to take with you in case you need to evacuate your home. Plan a route out of your neighborhood in case of evacuation. Plan a second route in case roads are impassable. Don’t forget to inform your friends and family and the municipality where you plan to take refuge.

Here are the essential items to have in your bag ready to go:

• medicines;
• hygiene articles;
• a change of clothes;
• blankets;
• cash;
• identification;
• car and house keys;
• games for fun and relaxation;
• electronic devices and the accessories used to connect them.

As required:

• the equipment your service dog or pet needs.
• milk, baby bottles and diapers;
• items required for the well-being of people with special needs;

Are you ready?

Useful links :
Prepare an Emergency Kit and an Household Evacuation Plan
What to do before, during and after an emergency or disaster
Semaine de la sécurité civile – Quebecers encouraged to be prepared in case of disasters (in French only)
Emergency Preparedness Week 2025 – Be Prepared. Know Your Risks