Emergency preparedness

Stay safe and help minimize inconvenience during a power outage.

Prepare by following these steps:

  • Print and keep a copy of our Emergency Preparedness Guide (PDF, 285 KB)
  • Make a 72-hour emergency kit
  • Update your emergency contact numbers
  • Set a meeting place in case you need to evacuate
  • Understand what equipment you have and how to protect it. This includes hot water radiators, water pipes, etc.

Our Emergency Preparedness Guide is also available in the following languages:

Note: You can also translate the tips on this page into additional languages using Google Translate (select your preferred language from the bottom left corner of our website).

Emergency kit

Every household should be prepared to be without power for at least 72 hours. We’ve put together a list of basic supplies to include in your emergency kit. You may need to add additional items, depending on your household members’ needs.

  • Bottled water (4 litres per person per day)
  • Non-perishable foods
  • Manual can opener
  • Disposable plates, glasses and utensils

  • First aid kit
  • A one-week supply of critical medications and copies of all prescriptions
  • Cooler bag and ice packs to keep medications cold

  • Flashlights and fresh batteries
  • Matches and lighters
  • A wind-up or battery operated radio
  • Car chargers or power banks. These are great for charging electronics
  • Basic tool kit that includes a utility knife, pliers, screwdriver, duct tape and a wrench
  • Garbage bags, aluminium foil, paper towels
  • Needle and thread
  • Paper and pen
  • Fire extinguisher
  • Signal flares, whistle
  • Cash (ATMs may not work during an outage)

  • Sturdy bucket that can be used as an emergency toilet
  • Powdered chlorinated lime, household disinfectant, insecticide
  • Household liquid bleach or water purifying tablets
  • Resealable plastic bags
  • Hand sanitizer

  • Formula and bottles
  • Diapers and wipes
  • Medication

  • Food, water and bowls
  • Leash, harness and muzzle
  • ID tags and licences
  • Medications and vaccination records
  • Local animal shelter phone numbers

Emergency resources

There are many resources to help you prepare, respond and cope with emergency situations in Toronto:

911
Call 911 for police, fire or medical emergencies. Downed powerlines can also be reported to 911, but only if you’re unable to contact Toronto Hydro.
311
24/7 information on non-emergency city services, including trees and warming centres.
Electrical Safety Authority
Information about electrical safety.
Emergency Management Ontario
Province-wide updates about emergencies or disasters in your region.
Public Safety Canada
Information and resources about safety and emergency preparedness.
Environment Canada
Weather forecasts and alerts.
Canadian Red Cross
Offers assistance to communities affected by emergencies.
St. John Ambulance
Emergency care through first aid and medical transportation.
Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation
Information on reoccupying your home after a prolonged winter outage.
Insurance Bureau of Canada
Types of insurance policies and what they cover.

Life support and special needs

During an emergency, you may need to make special arrangements for those requiring extra care.

Medical equipment

If you or your loved one depend on electrically powered medical equipment, such as a ventilator or kidney dialysis machine, please register for our Life Support Notification program (PDF, 56 KB).

When you register for the program, we'll do our best to notify you of planned outages so that you have time to prepare.

Other tips

  • Create a list of facilities that provide life-sustaining equipment
  • Make sure your emergency kit is always full
  • Find an evacuation route in case elevators are not working
  • Keep a cell phone or flashlight handy
  • Ask your doctor how to properly store medication that you would normally refrigerate
  • Consider purchasing a backup power supply
  • Make arrangements to stay with a friend or relative nearby during extended outages

Related content

Stay safe during outages

Learn what to do and not to do during an outage

Outage safety

Emergency preparedness for businesses

Preparing your business for power outages

Prepare your business

Electrical safety

Stay safe inside and outside your home

View tips and information