Emergency planning for residents

The City of Vaughan wants to ensure the safety of all residents. Emergencies and disasters can happen anywhere and at any time – prevention and preparation are essential. The following information will help with creating an emergency plan.

Be prepared

Step 1: Plan

 

Creating an emergency plan (PDF) with every family member is the first step to being prepared.

 

Identify two extended family members as the family’s emergency contacts. Make sure these contacts:

  • live far away enough so they will most likely not be affected by the same emergency.
  • know how to fully use mobile devices including voicemail, email and text messaging.
  • know where all Vaughan emergency shelters and cooling centres are located.

 

Step 2: Prepare

Build an emergency kit

Gather enough supplies to last 72 hours. Having these items stored together beforehand can help prepare for an emergency and minimize panic in case one occurs.

Home
  • Backpack or duffel bag or storage bin
    (to keep emergency kit items)
  • Blankets or sleeping bags
  • Candles and waterproof matches/lighter
  • Canned food (soups, stews, pasta, etc.)
  • Change of clothes (one per person)
  • Colouring books, games and playing cards
  • Crackers and biscuits
  • Duct tape and aluminum foil
  • Flashlight
  • First aid kit
  • Important papers (identification, passports, etc.)
  • Manual can opener
  • Non-prescription medications
  • Old cotton bed sheet
  • Peanut butter, jam, instant coffee, tea,
    granola bars, trail mix (or any high protein snacks)
  • Permanent markers
  • Plastic garbage bags
  • Radio
  • Spare batteries
  • Toilet paper and hygiene supplies
  • Water (four litres per person per day)
  • Whistle

 

Car
  • Blankets and extra clothes
  • Booster cables
  • Car fire extinguisher
  • Emergency flares
  • First aid kit
  • Flashlight and spare batteries
  • Food and water (non-perishables)
  • Ice scraper, brush and shovel
  • Maps
  • Matches and survival candle
  • Small tool kit
  • Tow chain
  • Traction mats/sand/salt
  • Vehicle fluids (windshield washer, anti-freeze)

 

Bonus items for car:

  • Axe/hatchet
  • Four litres of gasoline in an approved container
  • Mini air compressor to inflate tires
Safety tips for your car

Step 3: Be Informed 

Know the risks

Annually, Vaughan Fire and Rescue Service’s Emergency Planning division develops strategies to address potential hazards and threats specific to Vaughan. Visit risks to Vaughan and get tips on how to be prepared in the event of an emergency.

 

Other emergency planning considerations

Contact Information

Emergency Planning

Joint Operations Centre
2800 Rutherford Rd.
Vaughan, ON L4K 2N9
Canada

Mailing Address

Vaughan City Hall
2141 Major Mackenzie Dr.
Vaughan, ON L6A 1T1
Canada