Get prepared

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An emergency can happen at any time, anywhere.

Emergency preparedness is everyone’s responsibility. Some individuals may not have the support or the ability to appropriately respond to emergencies. Take some time to think about how you can reach out to neighbours, family, and friends who may be vulnerable or who are unable to support themselves during an emergency.

The Government of Canada’s Get Prepared site has helpful information on how to keep you and your family safe during an emergency.

The Toronto Community Housing Safety Guide includes information on how to get emergency ready, including grab-and-go bags and how to fill out an “In Case of Emergency” form. This guide has been translated into 18 languages.

The City of Toronto Office of Emergency Management (OEM) has recently released a “Get Emergency Ready High-rise Living” guide. This guide describes how high-rise tenants can protect themselves, their families and their property in the event of an emergency. This guide has been translated into 11 different languages.

The OEM has also outlined special emergency preparedness considerations for tenants with disabilities and/or special needs, including seniors with special needs.

In Case of Emergency form

You are encouraged to fill out an “In Case of Emergency” form and keep it somewhere visible in your unit where paramedics are likely to see it during an emergency. This form is only for you or your healthcare provider; do not give it to Toronto Seniors Housing staff. This form is a resource that makes it easier for healthcare providers to help you if they are unable to communicate with you because of illness, injury or language barriers.

You can download and print a copy of the In Case of Emergency form (PDF).

More about how you can Get Prepared

What else can you do to prepare for an emergency? Check out more details from the Government of Canada’s Get Prepared site.

Know the risks

In Ontario, we face a number of natural hazards, like winter storms or floods, which vary from region to region. Knowing what to do is an important part of being prepared.
Find out about the common risks in Toronto and how to prepare.

Make a plan

Do you know what to do during a flood, winter storm, or fire? Do you have everything you need during a major emergency?
This plan will outline what specific items you need to consider when preparing for an emergency, as well as general tips to prepare for emergencies that commonly happen or could happen in Ontario. It will save time and make real emergency situations less stressful for you and your family.
If you have special needs, need a support person, or use life-sustaining equipment, share your plan with your family or others in your network so that someone can check on you if there is an emergency.

Get a kit

A good rule of thumb is to have supplies for at least 72 hours.
Supplies should include everything you and your family would need to be safe and take care of yourself… you’d be surprised at how many of these items you already have!
Check and refresh your kit twice a year, making sure to keep an eye on expiry dates.

Important numbers and websites

If people or property are at risk, always call 9-1-1.

When should you call Toronto Seniors Housing’s Tenant Support Centre at 416-945-0800?

For help with emergency repairs: e.g. if severe rain causes your unit to flood or a branch crashes through a window.
To report a power failure in your building.

City of Toronto

Call 3-1-1 to:
- Get help finding city services.
- Find the non-emergency phone numbers for Toronto Emergency Services.

Weather warnings and updates:

The Weather Network

Emergency numbers

Toronto Hydro Power Disruption Hotline: 416-542-8000
Enbridge Gas Distribution Emergency Number: 1-866-763-5427
- ALWAYS call to report possible gas leaks (smell of rotten eggs).

Non-emergency phone numbers

Fire: 416-338-9000
Police: 416-808-2222

Call the Community Safety Unit at 416-921-2323 to report security issues or parking violations on Toronto Seniors Housing property.

Additional resources

Check out these sites for more information and tips on how to prepare for and deal with emergencies:

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