A new national survey released for Emergency Preparedness Week offers a stark reminder of how unprepared many Canadians remain for disasters. As wildfires, floods, and severe storms become more frequent, the ability to respond quickly and safely has never been more important—for both residents and the properties they occupy.
“The steps taken before a catastrophic event can define the recovery,” said Jim Mandeville, SVP at First Onsite Property Restoration. “An emergency kit, a plan, knowing your route—these are not dramatic measures. They are what separate preparedness from panic.”
Despite years of climate‑related disasters dominating headlines, only a small share of Canadians have taken even the most basic steps to prepare. Just 28 per cent of survey respondents reported having an emergency kit, and fewer than 40 per cent consider themselves prepared for a weather‑related emergency at all. For rental property owners, one of the most concerning findings is that only a third of Canadians know their local evacuation routes—information that becomes critical when minutes matter.
The survey also points to declining confidence in public systems. Two‑thirds of respondents believe governments could be doing more to prepare for disasters, and fewer than half feel confident in their local emergency response. When tenants are unsure whether help will arrive quickly, they turn to the people closest to them for guidance—often their landlords or property managers.
What Canadians say they would take during an evacuation further underscores the preparedness gap. Pets, phones, and wallets top the list, far ahead of emergency kits, food, or first aid supplies. This reflects a modern reality: connectivity has become the lifeline people depend on when everything else breaks down. A charged phone can help tenants receive alerts, contact emergency services, and reach their landlord. But that lifeline only works if tenants already know who to call and what steps to follow.
For landlords, the groundwork laid before a disaster often determines how smoothly recovery unfolds. Tenants who understand evacuation procedures, know how to report damage, and have a basic plan in place are less likely to panic and more likely to help protect the property.
Emergency Preparedness Week, running May 3 through 9, is an ideal moment for landlords to start—or renew—these conversations. Sharing evacuation routes, outlining building‑specific procedures, reminding tenants who to contact in an emergency, and encouraging them to assemble a simple emergency kit can make a meaningful difference. Even small actions, such as posting information in common areas or sending a seasonal reminder email, help close the gap between awareness and action.
For tips and resources, visit: https://firstonsite.com/en-CA
