Prepare for an Emergency
Emergencies can happen at any time, and help may not arrive right away, so it is important to be ready to take care of yourself and your family for at least 72 hours. This guide explains the steps you can take to get prepared, including learning about local risks, making a plan, gathering supplies, and knowing what to do during an emergency.
Know the Risks
Different emergencies can happen in Saskatchewan, such as floods, severe storms, winter weather, and wildfires. Knowing which risks are most likely in your area helps you prepare ahead of time.
Flooding
Spring runoff can cause water levels to rise. Be prepared:
- Clear snow and ice so water drains away from your home.
- Extend downspouts at least 2 metres from your foundation.
- Check sump pump functionality or consider installing one.
- Protect your basement: install backwater valves, keep sewer caps in place, and consider a water-sensing alarm.
- Secure wellheads and electrical supplies if you use a private well.
For more on ways to prevent flooding, check out the following:
- Preparing for a Flood and Cleaning Up After a Flood are booklets from the Saskatchewan Ministry of Health that offer easy-to-understand information for homeowners and farmers on flood preparation and cleanup.
- Floods: What to Do document is provided by the Government of Canada that has a set of instructions to follow before, during, and after a flood.
- Sandbagging for Flood Protection is from the North Dakota State University. It explains how to fill, locate and stack sandbags to reduce the risk of flood damage.
Severe Weather
Severe Summer Weather
Includes thunderstorms, extreme heat, and tornadoes. Know the difference between an advisory, watch, and warning. Follow local forecasts via Environment Canada.
Tip: Shelter indoors and follow flood precautions for flash flooding.
Winter Storms
Blizzards, extreme cold and other winter storms are common occurrences on the prairies. That's why it's important to know what Environment Canada means when it forecasts severe winter weather. You may also wish to check the Highway Hotline before heading out.
Wildland or Forest Fires
Hot, dry, and windy weather increases the risk of wildfires—making them faster, more intense, and harder to predict. Preparation is key to protecting your health, home, and community.- Know what to do: Download our wildfire fact sheet to learn how to stay safe before, during, and after a wildfire.
- Stay informed: Check the active wildfires and incidents in Saskatchewan.
- Prevent wildfire: Everyone plays a role. Reduce the risk by following FireSmart principles for your home and community.
- Check before you burn: Always check if there’s a local fire ban in place by using our interactive fire ban map.
- Report Controlled Burns: Call 1-866-404-4911 before burning grass, bush piles or stubble. If you’re within 4.5 kilometres of a provincial forest, you will need to get a Burn Notification Number first.
There may be other risks that could affect you not listed here. For a full list of hazards ID tags, collar, leash, and recent photoand emergencies, visit the Get Prepared website.
Make a Plan
Having a family emergency plan ensures everyone knows what to do, where to go, and how to stay in touch during an emergency. Planning in advance helps reduce stress and keeps everyone safer.
Household Safety Plan
- Evacuation Routes: Draw a home floor plan with exits. Plan two ways out of every room. Use the stairs, not elevators.
- Meeting Places: Choose one near your home and one outside your neighbourhood.
- Neighbourhood Plan: Assign “block buddies” to help those needing assistance.
Evacuation Plan
Choose two destinations: one nearby (e.g., library) and one farther away. Plan how you'll get there. If you live in a high-rise or need extra help, inform building management or neighbours.
Utility Shut-Offs
Make sure all adults and older kids know how to:- Shut off water, electricity, and gas (only turn off gas if instructed).
- Locate your floor drain and keep it clear.
- Post instructions in visible places.
Important Documents
Make sure to keep copies of:- Identification (driver’s license, passport, etc.)
- Insurance, wills, certificates
- Medical information (see below)
Keep these in a safe place or share with a trusted out-of-town contact.
Special Considerations
Some people may need extra support—such as seniors, young children, or those with medical or mobility needs—so your emergency plan should include steps to keep them safe. Thinking about these needs early makes responding easier.Health Needs
Include the following in your plan:- Medical history and contact information
- Medications and extra supplies
- List of allergies, vaccinations, and surgeries
Create a support network that understands your needs.
Children
Ask schools or daycares:- About their emergency plans
- How they will contact you
- What they require to release your child to someone else
Keep all contact information up to date.
Workplace
Know your company's:- Emergency exits
- Fire and evacuation plans
- Designated safety personnel
Pets
Include pets in your emergency plan:- Contact hotels or friends who can house them in an emergency
- Ensure vaccines are up to date
- Pack pet food, water, leash, carrier, medications, ID, and litter box
Store basic supplies (water, snacks) at work in case you need to shelter in place.
Service Animals
Pack a separate kit with:- Food and water: 7-day supply in airtight, waterproof containers
- Medications, medical records, vet contact information
- ID tags, collar, leash and recent photo
- Blanket, toys, first aid kit
Assemble an Emergency Kit
An emergency kit provides the supplies your household needs to take care of yourselves for at least 72 hours. Having food, water, and essential items ready means you’re prepared if help can’t arrive right away.Basic Emergency Kit
- Water: 2L per person, per day (including small bottles)
- Non-perishable food
- Manual can-opener
- Flashlight (crank or battery-powered)
- Battery-powered or crank radio
- First aid kit
- Extra house/car keys
- Cash (small bills)
- Emergency plan and contact list
- Medications, medical items, infant formula, pet supplies (as needed)
Replace food, water and batteries once a year.
Additional Supplies for an Evacuation
- Clothing, shoes
- Blankets or sleeping bags
- Toiletries (soap, toothbrush, etc.)
- Games or toys for children
Vehicle Emergency Kit
A vehicle emergency kit helps you stay safe if you get stuck on the road during severe weather or an unexpected situation. It includes items that can keep you warm, visible, and able to manage minor problems.Vehicle Emergency Kit
- Blanket and extra clothes
- First aid kit with seatbelt cutter
- Flashlight and radio
- Candle in deep can, matches
- Food and water
- List of contacts
- Shovel, scraper, snow brush
- Whistle, flares or warning light
Additional Supplies
- Windshield washer fluid, antifreeze
- Fire extinguisher
- Road maps
- Tow rope, jumper cables
- Sand, salt, or non-clumping kitty litter (for traction)
Pet Emergency Kit
Pets also need supplies in an emergency, including food, water, medications, and comfort items. Preparing a kit ahead of time keeps your animals safe and reduces stress during an evacuation or crisis. Train your pets to be comfortable inside their carrier.Pet Emergency Kit
- Food and Water: 7-day supply in airtight, waterproof containers
- Bowls: Collapsible or portable food and water dishes
- Current Photos: You and your pet together, with breed, colour, and distinguishing details
- Documents and ID: Vaccination records, microchip information, extra ID tag with out-of-town contact
- Medications and Health Records: Extra supply of regular medication in waterproof container
- First Aid Kit: Tailored for pets. Visit the Saskatchewan SPCA website for information
- Collar and Leash: Include backups in your kit
- Crate or Carrier: Large enough for your pet to stand and turn around
- Blanket or Toys: Familiar items for comfort and warmth
- Sanitation: Litter and litter box, plastic bags, paper towels, bleach
In an Emergency
When an emergency happens, quick actions help keep you and your family safe. This section explains what to do so you can respond calmly and confidently.Calling for Help
- Call 9-1-1 for immediate danger
- Use non-emergency numbers for other services
- Give your exact location and nearest intersection
Evacuation Orders
Authorities will only ask you to evacuate if necessary. If ordered:
- Take your emergency kit, ID, and essential documents
- Bring your phone and charger
- Take your pets
- Lock your home
- Follow the designated evacuation routes
- Register at the evacuation centre or hotel
Do not return until it's declared safe.
This guide is your foundation for staying safe and prepared during emergencies. Update your plan and check your supplies once a year.