Associated with the page Public safety
What is a family emergency plan?
A family emergency plan is an essential step in preparing your family for emergencies. It’s a clear guide to what to do, where to go and how to stay safe in unexpected situations such as flooding, fire, major power failure or emergency evacuation.
A good family emergency plan includes :
- Important contact details and means of emergency communication;
- A meeting place in case of evacuation;
- Steps for leaving your home quickly and safely;
- A list of essential items to have in your 72-hour emergency kit.
Why prepare a family emergency plan?
Preparing for emergencies is a prudent and responsible thing to do. In the event of an incident, every second counts: having a plan reduces stress, facilitates decision-making and protects every member of the family.
Here’s why it’s crucial to prepare your plan:
- Ensuring your family’s safety in any situation;
- Act quickly without wasting time in an emergency;
- Reducing anxiety through better preparation;
- Increase your chances of reacting effectively in the event of a disaster.
A family emergency plan gives you peace of mind by letting you know, in advance, how to protect what matters most.
How do I get started?
Creating your emergency plan is easier than you think. All it takes is a few simple steps:
- Get your family together to discuss it;
- Determine a safe meeting place;
- Prepare a 72-hour emergency kit adapted to your needs;
- Keep your plan handy and update it regularly.
Visit the sites below to help you develop your plan:
Prepare your emergency plan now!
- Emergency: 9-1-1
- Info-santé: 8-1-1
- Québec Poison Control Centre: 1-800-463-5060
- Hydro-Québec: 1-800-790-2424
- Energir: 1 800 361-8003
- SOPFEU (forest fires): 1 800 463-3389
- Also note the following numbers:
- Your children’s school
- Daycare
- Doctor
- Pharmacist
- Home insurer
- Insurer (automobile)
- Contacts near you
- Contacts outside your locality
- Locate emergency exits for each room.
- Know how to turn off the water, electricity and gas, if necessary.
- In an emergency, avoid taking the elevator.
Designate two meeting places: one near your home and one outside your locality.
- Plan an itinerary to leave your home and reach a safe place. Plan an alternative route in case roads are impassable.
- Make your emergency plan known to everyone in your home.
- As soon as you suffer a loss, contact your insurer to inform them of the damage. They will be able to check the extent of your coverage and inform you of the steps to take.
- Make a list of damaged or destroyed goods and, if possible, take photos or video of them before disposing of them.
- Take the necessary steps to prevent any further damage, and keep receipts for expenses incurred to this end.
- Keep all receipts for expenses incurred for food and lodging outside your home. Depending on the nature of the claim and your policy, these costs may be reimbursed.
- If you have any questions about insurance, please contact the Insurance Bureau of Canada :
514 288-4321 or 1 877 288-4321 (toll-free)
infoassurance.ca
This information comes from the Insurance Bureau of Canada.
Following a disaster, the government may establish general or specific financial assistance programs to help people, businesses, municipalities and organizations that have suffered damage to their essential assets return to normal. Aid is also available for organizations that have provided aid and assistance to disaster victims.
For more information, visit the Disaster Financial Assistance Programs page of the Ministère de la Sécurité publique du Québec.
If you feel you have a complaint to make to the City, visit the Complaints page.