Know the Risks in Your Community

Lakeside house damaged by ice storm <

Floods, wildfires, severe storms, extreme heat and power outages impact people across Canada every year. The risks are not the same everywhere, which is why understanding your local hazards is the first step in being prepared. Knowing the risks in your area helps you make informed decisions about your safety and the safety of those around you.

What does “Knowing the risks” mean?

Knowing the risks means understanding:

what types of emergencies are most likely to occur in your region
how those emergencies could impact your household, workplace or neighbourhood
who in your household or network may be more at risk

Different communities face different hazards. Coastal areas may face flooding and storm surges. Rural communities may face wildfires. Urban areas may experience extended power outages or extreme heat events. Start by learning what hazards are most likely to occur where you live.

How to learn about your local risks

Understanding your risks

Your level of risk from hazards in your area depends on the type of hazard (such as fire, flood or tornado), how exposed you are to it (for example, living in a flood‑prone zone) and your capacity to manage or adapt to potential disruptions.

These risks can be lowered by strengthening your capabilities (such as through training or insurance) and by increasing your resilience, for example, by keeping people and property out of harm’s way.

Some practical ways to learn about the hazards in your community include:

Visit your municipality’s website or contact your local emergency management office. Many communities publish hazard information, evacuation routes, the community’s emergency plan, location of emergency shelters, and emergency alerts.

Consider your location and living situation. Do you live in a high-rise building, near a river or in a wildfire-prone area? Your living situation will influence what you need to know, how you plan and what you need in your emergency kit. For example, do you rely on medical equipment that requires electricity? Are there a lot of stairs in your building that could make evacuation difficult?

Think about children, older adults, pets or individuals with medical or mobility needs. Some emergencies may impact them differently.