Prepare for an Emergency
In a disaster, help may not arrive immediately. Be ready to care for yourself and your family for at least 72 hours. Use this guide to understand risks, make a plan, and prepare your emergency kits.
- Know the Risks
- Make a Plan
- Special Considerations
- Assemble an Emergency Kit
- Vehicle Emergency Kit
- Pet Emergency Kit
- In an Emergency
- Get SaskAlert Notifications
1. Know the Risks
Knowing the most likely emergencies in your region helps you prepare effectively. Common risks include:
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.
Resources:
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 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.
Other Risks
There may be other risks that could affect you not listed here. For a full list of hazards and emergencies, visit the Get Prepared website.
2. Make a Plan
Create a plan that fits your home, family, and lifestyle. Review and update it once a year.
Household Safety Plan
- Evacuation Routes: Draw a home floor plan with exits. Plan 2 ways out of every room. Use stairs, not elevators.
- Meeting Places: Choose 1 near your home and 1 outside your neighborhood.
- 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 neighbors.
Emergency Contacts
Post a list of key numbers:
- 9-1-1
- Police, Fire, Doctor
- Friends and family
- Insurance, utility companies
Teach kids how and when to call 9-1-1.
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
Store copies of:
- IDs (driver’s license, passport)
- Insurance, wills, certificates
- Medical information (see below)
Keep these in a safe place or share with a trusted out-of-town contact.
3. Special Considerations
Health Needs
Include 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
Store basic supplies (water, snacks) at work in case you need to shelter in place.
Pets
Include pets in your 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
Include a training certificate and license (if applicable).
4. Assemble an Emergency Kit
Be ready to live without power, water, or access to stores. Keep your kit in a backpack, duffle bag, or wheeled suitcase in an easy-to-reach location. Each person in your household should have their own emergency kit.
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 Evacuation
- Clothing, shoes
- Blankets or sleeping bags
- Toiletries (soap, toothbrush, etc.)
- Games or toys for children
5. Vehicle Emergency Kit
Keep a kit in your car that includes:
- 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, snowbrush
- Whistle, flares or warning light
Additional Items
- Windshield washer fluid, antifreeze
- Fire extinguisher
- Road maps
- Tow rope, jumper cables
- Sand, salt, or non-clumping kitty litter (for traction)
6. 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
Train pets to be comfortable in their carrier ahead of time.
7. In an Emergency
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.