Understanding your own risks is one way to prepare for an emergency

Winnipeg, MB- The City of Winnipeg's Office of Emergency Management reminds Winnipeg residents to plan ahead for emergencies as we mark Emergency Preparedness Week, May 4-10, 2025.

"While the City is always there to help residents in an emergency, knowing your own risks and what you can do to address them is critical to ensuring the best possible outcome for you and your family during an emergency or disaster," said Mayor Scott Gillingham.

Residents can learn more about how to prepare for possible emergencies by taking the City of Winnipeg's free, online Ready Winnipeg course. Participants will learn about the various hazards that can affect Manitobans, the main hazards facing Winnipeggers, and what steps they can take to prepare.

Teachers and community groups can also request a customized in-person presentation from the City of Winnipeg's Office of Emergency Management. Last year, the City hosted 33 presentations for a total of 636 people, from children to seniors.

"Making a plan for your needs and being prepared can help you face less impacts when an emergency happens," said Mike Olczyk, the City's Emergency Management Coordinator. "Think about everyone in your household, what you would need in an emergency or disaster, and what you can do to prepare now so you aren't caught off guard if you are forced to leave your home during an emergency or disaster."

After you've learned about the risks, make sure to:

1. Assess any special needs for accessibility or medical care
2. Make a plan

• Build an emergency kit
• Talk to your support network of family, friends, neighbours, and caregivers

• "In an emergency things move quickly," said Jason Shaw, Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service Deputy Chief of Safety, Emergency Management and Public Information. "Building a strong support network of family, friends, neighbours, and caregivers can help you stay safe."

  Emergency preparedness habits to try:

  • Make and update an emergency kit for your household. Consider adding a few items each month so you don't have to build it all at once.
  • Have a go bag that has less items that you can take if you have to leave in a hurry. Include prescriptions, baby supplies, pet items, and important documents.
  • Create an emergency plan and update it regularly. Include details like key phone numbers, documents, identification, and how you and your family will respond in an emergency. Think about how you would get in touch with your family if something happens while they're at school, daycare, or work.
  • If you have pets make sure to think about them when you develop your family's emergency plan. They will need food, water, and a place to stay.
  • Create a home escape plan and practice it often. Involve everyone in your household.
  • Whether you live in a house or apartment, you should have either property or tenant insurance. Check your insurance to make sure it is up to date.
  • Take the free, self-led Ready Winnipeg course onlineand invite your family, friends, and colleagues to do the same. This course covers Winnipeg-specific hazards, how you can prepare for an emergency, and what the City can do during a disaster.
  • Follow the City of Winnipeg and other trusted sources on social media. In an emergency, social media is one way the City will communicate with residents.
  • Think about your current situation and what you would need in an emergency.

  For more information on how to prepare for an emergency, including items you should include in your household's emergency kit, see: winnipeg.ca/emergencypreparedness.

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