Do not move injured or trapped people unless they are in immediate danger. Seek immediate medical assistance by calling 9-1-1. Administer First Aid when appropriate.

Survey the interior and exterior of your home for damage or hazards if it is safe to do.

Staying informed can keep you and your family safe and can prevent further injury or damage to your property. If you were evacuated, only return home when officials say it is safe to do so.

Check in at any reception or emergency centres that have been set up so you can be accounted for and reunited with any missing family members.

Injuries due to emergencies and disasters are often caused after the event has ended, when people are walking among debris. Be sure to wear proper personal protective equipment, like gloves, boots, goggles and a mask when in contact with debris. Do not go into damaged areas until it is safe to do so. Watch out for:

• sharp objects like nails and glass
• downed power lines or electrical wires
• ruptured gas lines (if you smell gas, get away from the source and call 9-1-1)

Contact your insurance broker to find out what is covered in your policies. Assess and document any property or vehicle damage. Be as detailed as possible when providing information and report all damages or losses. If possible, assemble proofs of purchase, photos, receipts and warranties. Take pictures of the damage to your home and its contents. Keep all receipts related to cleanup and living expenses if you have been displaced. Your insurance representative can provide advice and instructions on what expenses you may entitled to and for how long.

If you want to help others, reach out to a trusted community organization that is trained and can support volunteer operations or donations. Of course, reach out to your own neighbours and friends to offer assistance first. If you are assisting your neighbours or families with clean-up efforts, please be careful and use proper safety equipment like gloves, masks and proper footwear.

Replenish supplies like food and water you may have used during the emergency. Review your Emergency Action plan and make any updates needed, like changing contact information, and share the plan with others.

Does your roof require repairs to improve its integrity for future storms? Is there an item you wished you had had in your emergency kit? Do you need additional insurance coverage added to your policies? Are there items that should be stocked in your car in the event of another emergency or disaster?

In the period following an emergency or disaster, individuals start to deal with the impacts of the event and process the outcomes.  Some of the common signs of stress include:

• Physical signs, such as headaches, sickness, low energy
• Emotional signs, such as irritability, feeling of helplessness or guilt
• Withdrawal, isolation
• Problems with sleep
• Substance abuse

If you’re spotting these signs in yourself or others, please reach out for help by accessing a support agency below.

After an emergency, you may need help restoring essential services, or getting emotional or financial support. The programs and services below can assist you, your family, and your business when recovering from an emergency.