Emergencies can happen anytime – at home, at work or when you’re away. Being prepared helps reduce stress, protect what matters most and keeps you connected to the right information and supports when you need them.
In the Halifax Regional Municipality emergency preparedness starts at home. A simple plan and a well-stocked emergency kit can make a meaningful difference for you, your household and first responders during an emergency.
Every household is different, here are some points to consider:
- Who lives in your home (including children, seniors, roommates, and pets)
- Health needs, medications, or mobility considerations
- Where people spend time during the day (work, school, childcare, activities)
- How you’ll stay connected if you’re separated
Understanding your household’s needs helps you plan realistically for emergencies like power outages, severe weather, flooding, or evacuations.
Every household is different, here are some points to consider:
- Who lives in your home (including children, seniors, roommates, and pets)
- Health needs, medications, or mobility considerations
- Where people spend time during the day (work, school, childcare, activities)
- How you’ll stay connected if you’re separated
Understanding your household’s needs helps you plan realistically for emergencies like power outages, severe weather, flooding, or evacuations.
Every household is different, here are some points to consider:
- Who lives in your home (including children, seniors, roommates, and pets)
- Health needs, medications, or mobility considerations
- Where people spend time during the day (work, school, childcare, activities)
- How you’ll stay connected if you’re separated
Understanding your household’s needs helps you plan realistically for emergencies like power outages, severe weather, flooding, or evacuations.
Stay prepared by knowing the risks
While emergencies can take many forms those triggered by environmental conditions are often the easiest to prepare for. In the Halifax Regional Municipality the following conditions can be anticipated with a good emergency plan:
- Severe winter storms and freezing events
- Hurricanes and tropical storms
- Extreme heat
- Flooding, especially in coastal and low-lying areas
- Wildfires, particularly in forested or wildland–urban interface areas
Knowing the types of emergencies that can affect your area helps you tailor your plan and kit effectively.
While not common, any of the environmental conditions outlined above or other scenarios could lead to evacuation orders depending on the circumstances. In these situations, have a grab-and-go bags (based on your home emergency plan) ready will be very valuable.
Knowing where to get accurate and timely information is critical during emergencies. The municipality shares emergency information through:
- halifax.ca and our official Bluesky, Instagram and Facebook social media channels;
- hfxALERT the municipality's opt-in notification system for urgent emergency and operational updates; and,
- Provincial and federal mass notifications systems.
Some residents may need additional assistance during emergencies due to medical conditions, disabilities, or mobility challenges.
The Voluntary Vulnerable Persons Registry (VVPR) helps emergency responders identify and support residents who may require extra help during a crisis.
Prepared households help reduce pressure on emergency services and support faster recovery for the whole community.
You can also get involved by supporting local emergency response efforts through Joint Emergency Management (JEM) teams, which help staff comfort centres and support residents during major incidents.