Emergency Preparedness Week is a national public awareness initiative that has been observed annually since 1996. The Ministry of Emergency Preparedness and Response has designated May 3-9, 2026, as Emergency Preparedness Week in Ontario. The initiative is a collaborative effort among provincial and territorial emergency management organizations, undertaken in concert with Public Safety Canada and its partners, with activities delivered at the local level.

What can you do to be prepared?

• Follow @Get_Prepared for helpful tips and info on what to do before, during and after an emergency
• Did you know that your area may be more at risk for one kind of disaster over another - find out which ones: Hazards and emergencies
• Knowing the risks specific to your area can help you prepare for emergencies - learn how here: Hazards and emergencies
• Every home needs an emergency plan. Complete yours here: Make an emergency plan
• Does your family know what to do if disaster strikes? Start planning now: Make an emergency plan
• Get prepared for any kind of emergency. Get a kit. Find out how: Get an emergency kit

Using Technology During a Disaster

We rely on technology more and more to keep in touch with our family, friends, and colleagues with a click of a button. But what happens in the event of a major emergency? Suddenly these tools can become vital in helping you and your family deal get in touch and stay informed. So here are some tips on the use of technology in an emergency:

• If possible, use non-voice channels like text messaging, email or social media. These use less bandwidth than voice communications and may work even when phone service doesn't
• If you must use a phone, keep your conversation brief and convey only vital information to emergency personnel and/or family. This will also conserve your phone's battery
• Unable to complete a call? Wait 10 seconds before redialing to help reduce network congestion
• Keep a charger for your mobile device in your emergency kit. Consider getting a solar-powered, crank, or vehicle phone charger. If you don't have a cell phone, keep a prepaid phone card in your emergency kit
• Keep your contacts up to date on your phone, email, and other channels. This will make it easier to reach important contacts, such as friends, family, neighbours, child's school, or insurance agent
• If you have a smartphone, save your safe meeting location(s) on its mapping application
• Conserve your smartphone's battery by reducing the screen's brightness, placing your phone in airplane mode, and closing apps you are not using. You never know how long a power outage will last!

Remember, in an emergency or to save a life, call 9-1-1 for help. You cannot currently text 9-1-1. If you are not experiencing an emergency, do not call 9-1-1.