Emergency Preparedness Week is a national initiative designed to help Canadians understand the significance of being ready for emergencies such as extreme weather, power outages, floods, or wildfires. Running May 4 through 10, this year’s theme is “Be Prepared. Know Your Risks,” encouraging residents to take essential steps to ensure their safety in case of a sudden emergency.
For rental housing providers, it’s a chance to remind residents about the importance of following key safety protocols and being aware of evacuation routes.
“During Emergency Preparedness Week, but really at all times, it’s essential to remind residents of evacuation routes and safety protocols,” says Jim Mandeville, SVP, First Onsite Property Restoration. “Clear, practiced situations and communication can save injury and even lives in high-stress conditions.”
Mandeville adds that in multi-unit buildings, emergencies like fires, power outages, severe weather, and infrastructure failures aren’t just possibilities—they’re eventualities. “Preparedness means having a plan, the right supplies, and clear communication to protect residents and respond effectively,” he says.
To make the most of this timely initiative, Mandeville urges landlords to post and distribute evacuation maps on each floor and in common areas as a reminder of the procedures; he also recommends hosting a brief safety walkthrough, or sending a digital reminder outlining steps to take during common emergencies like fire or power outages.
According to First Onsite’s latest survey, 31 per cent of respondents said they have experienced a weather-related disaster in past five years while only 35 per cent said they know their evacuation routes. If forced to evacuate in a hurry, residents who partook in the survey indicated they would be most likely to prioritize the following:
- Credit cards (54%)
- Pets (51%)
- Important documents (51%)
- Medications (45%)
- Pre-packed emergency bag (33%)
- Food (20%)
- First aid kits (16%)
- Heirlooms (11%)
- Electronics (10%)
- Clothing, footwear, and jewelry (9%)
