Emergency Preparedness Week is a national event that encourages Canadians to take simple steps to be ready for emergencies. This year’s theme, Plan for Every Season, reminds us that emergencies can happen anytime , whether it’s storms, floods, wildfires, or other local events.
In Muskoka, we’re encouraging all residents to check their emergency plans, refresh their emergency kits, and make sure they're signed up for #AlertMuskoka.
Not sure where to start? Below you’ll find simple steps you can take to help you and your family stay safe, connected, and prepared.
Know the Risks
Muskoka is a vast area with drastically varying weather conditions and geological features. With these differences come several natural, manmade and technological hazards that you need to be aware of. Being prepared can make all the difference during severe storms, power outages, earthquakes or floods.
An emergency can force you to evacuate your home, school or place of employment; it could also require you to shelter-in-place as well. Be aware if you need to evacuate or shelter in place. Disasters can also leave you without basic services such as water, gas, electricity or a working telephone.
Individuals and families play a vital role in preparing for times of crisis when emergency services and other government resources may be strained. It is important for citizens to prepare to take care of themselves for at least three days.
Sign up to Muskoka's emergency alert system - Voyent Alert!
Preparing for an Emergency - 2025 Spring Freshet
The spring thaw, commonly known as the spring freshet, results from snow and ice moving and melting into our lake and river systems. This period lasts from March to May, when the snowpack melts, the ground thaws and the area receives periods of heavy rainfall.
Emergency preparedness is everyone's responsibility. Water levels can rise fast. Residents and visitors are encouraged to know the potential risks and hazards, and to plan ahead. Be prepared!
Follow these three easy steps toward emergency preparedness for your family and household.
STEP 1: Know the Risks
Risks and hazards may be imminent due to natural or manmade causes
Do you know what to do in the event of an emergency? Do you have the resources needed for your family in the event of an emergency?
Creating an Emergency Plan for your household will help your family be prepared for what to do, how to find each other, and how to communicate with each other in an emergency. To start: identify necessary steps to get prepared:
Know the potential hazards that may affect your community
Include information related to special needs you or your family may have (medication, individuals with disabilities, pets, etc.)
Decide where your household will reunite after a disaster. Identify two places to meet: one right outside your home and another outside your neighbourhood, such as a library, community centre, or place of worship
Identify all possible exit routes from your home and neighbourhood
Designate an out-of-province friend or relative that household members can call if separated during a disaster. If phone circuits are busy, long-distance calls may be easier to make. This contact can help you communicate with others
Practice your plan with all household members
STEP 3: Prepare an Emergency Kit
Your emergency kit should have items for your family to remain safe and taken care of for at least three (3) days immediately following an emergency
Kits can be purchased online or at many local businesses, including from the Red Cross, or make it yourself
Pack the contents of your kit in a carry-on bag or backpack, something you can carry or transport with ease
Check your kit twice per year for expiration dates, seasonal supplies, sizing of shoes and clothing packed, batteries that may need to be replaced, etc.
Store your emergency kit in an easily accessible, easy to reach dry location. Ensure that all members of your household know where your kit is located
Essentials you may need to include are non-perishable and easy to prepare foods, can opener, bottled water (4 litres per person per day), flashlights, candles and matches/lighter, crank radio, cell phone charger, batteries, blankets, whistle, extra cash and car keys, hand sanitizer, personal identification and important documentation (i.e. financial, mortgage and insurance records)
Special consideration may be given to babies and small children (diapers, baby food, etc.), medical supplies and equipment, people with disabilities, and your pets.
Extra supplies may be included in the event an evacuation is required. Items may include clothes and shoes/boots, seasonal clothing such as hats and mittens, sleeping bags and blankets, toiletries, and items for entertainment such as playing cards, colour books and crayons, travel games and books
Print materials like crosswords, word searches and card games are available from Emergency Management Ontario or from the District
Ideas for Ages 1-6: Sesame Workshop, along with its project partners has created Let's Get Ready! Planning Together for Emergencies with tips, activities, and other easy tools to help the whole family prepare for emergencies - together!
Ideas for Ages 9-16: The United Nations International Strategy for Disaster Reduction has developed Stop Disasters! a simulation for teens to learn about natural hazards and how to reduce their impact.
The American College of Emergency Physicians has developed the Disaster Hero video game to help kids learn how to prepare for natural disasters and emergencies
Stay connected with your local town or township on social media and check their website for updates specific to your area:
Residents who require power to operate medical equipment should contact their hydro provider and asked to be put on a list for priority restoration of their electricity following an outage. The District provides a service to residents who utilize home dialysis machines. By registering with the District Public Works department you can be provided with advance notice of scheduled service disruptions in your area
For further emergency planning and preparedness information is available from
Be Flood Ready - Plan, Prepare, Practice!
The Muskoka Emergency Response Committee (MERC) wants to remind residents to be prepared during the spring melt for rapid changes that could cause potential flooding in flood-prone areas. The MERC is comprised of the area’s six municipalities and the District of Muskoka. The MERC collaborates with the local area municipalities to protect the health and safety of residents and visitors to Muskoka in times of emergency.
Read the tips below to help you be prepared for flood events in Muskoka:
Be Flood Ready
Before a Flood:
Prior to the beginning of the snowmelt, consider the following if you believe your property or buildings may be subject to flooding:
Relocate items of value above the flood level. This may mean items in your basement, garage, shed, yard, boathouse or other structures.
Check your sump pump to ensure that it is working. Do you need an auxiliary pump to accommodate high water flows?
Do you have an adequate supply of sand bags and sand to build a dyke around your house? Do you know material suppliers? Have you considered portable or reusable water-inflated dams?
Locate alternative accommodation in the event that you are forced to leave, such as with friends or family.
Is your electrical panel above the flood elevation? Know where to shut off main electrical feed to the building to avoid an electrical shock or electrocution. Do not attempt to shut off electricity if any water is present. Water and live electrical wires can be lethal.
Securely tie off your dock to the land.
Remove lawnmower, snowmobiles, ATVs, boats, lawn furniture, etc. from flood prone areas.
Listen to the radio and television in addition to monitoring social media outlets for emergency information. The Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF), Towns, Townships or the District of Muskoka may issue high water safety bulletins, flood advisories, flood warnings and emergency statements. Follow directions for your safety.
After a Flood:
Restore your home to good order as soon as possible to protect your health and prevent further damage to the house and its contents.
Re-entering Your Home:
If you have been evacuated, do not return home until authorities have advised that it is safe to do so.
If the main power switch was not turned off prior to flooding, do not re-enter your home until a qualified electrician has determined it is safe to do so.
Appliances that may have been flooded pose a risk of shock or fire when turned on. Do not use any appliances, heating, pressure, or sewage system until electrical components have been thoroughly cleaned, dried, and inspected by a qualified electrician.
The main electrical panel must be cleaned, dried, and tested by a qualified electrician to ensure that it is safe.
Depending on where you live, your municipal or the provincial inspection authority is responsible for the permitting process required before your electric utility can reconnect power to your home.
Water:
Flood water can be heavily contaminated with sewage and other pollutants. It can cause sickness and infections.
If you are on a well or river/lake water, your well or source could be contaminated. Contact the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit for information on flushing your well and testing your water.
Household items that have been flood-damaged will have to be discarded according to local regulations.
Cleanup:
Maintain good hygiene during flood cleanup. Minimize contact with floodwater or anything that may have been in contact with it. Keep children away from contaminated areas during cleanup operations.
Recommended flood cleanup equipment:
Gloves
Masks and other protective gear
Pails, mops and squeegees
Plastic garbage bags
Unscented detergent
Large containers for soaking bedding, clothing and linens, and clotheslines to hang them to dry
Depending on your situation, you may need to rent additional equipment such as extension cords, submersible pumps, wet/dry shop vacuums, a carbon monoxide sensor and dehumidifiers, fans or heaters.
When using the equipment, keep extension cords out of the water.
Visit our floodplain mapping webpage for FAQs, floodplain maps and links to Muskoka GeoHub - Muskoka's web mapping portal allowing you access to flood plain maps and real time water levels!
Be Winter Ready
Muskoka winters can be unpredictable, but with the right preparation, we can all stay safe, prepared, informed, and ready for anything.
Muskoka winters demand respect. Snow can fall very quickly, roads turn icy in minutes, and power outages can leave you in the dark. Being Winter Ready isn’t just about staying safe—it’s about being proactive.
How are Muskoka winters different from other places?
Muskoka experiences over 300 cm of snow annually, with sudden snow squalls and lake effect snow that can make road conditions change in minutes. Freezing rain is also common, turning roads and walkways into ice rinks. These unique challenges demand careful preparation and respect for the weather.
What is an Emergency Preparedness Kit?
Your emergency kit should have everything you and your household would need to be safe and take care of yourselves for at least three days immediately following an emergency.
Water (2 litres per person per day)
Non-perishable food (for at least 3 days)
Flashlights and extra batteries
A battery-powered or hand-crank radio
Blankets and warm clothing
First aid supplies
Medications, baby items, and pet supplies if needed
Driving in Muskoka winters is different—here’s how to stay safe:
Slow down and increase your following distance.
Use winter tires—they’re a game changer for icy and snowy roads.
Keep your vehicle stocked with a snow brush, extra washer fluid, and an emergency kit with blankets, snacks, and a flashlight.
Allow extra time for travel, and never pass snowplows.
Clearing Snow: Pathways and Safety
Ensure pathways to your home are clear for emergency responders.
Keep your 911 signs visible after every snowfall—it can save precious time in emergencies.
Adopt a fire hydrant near your home and keep it free of snow.
Watch for Black Ice
Black ice is invisible and dangerous. Look out for:
Shaded areas and bridges where ice forms faster.
Early mornings or after temperatures drop overnight.
Parking lots and sidewalks that might look wet but are slick.
Tip: Wear boots with solid treads or grippy shoe covers to stay safe on icy surfaces.
Top 5 Winter Safety Tips from Muskoka Paramedic Services
Clear 911 Signs: After every snowfall, make sure your 911 address sign is visible. This small action can save paramedics valuable time in an emergency when every second counts.
Check on Neighbours: Winter can be tough for seniors and those with differences in mobility. Take a moment to check on neighbours who might need assistance, whether it’s clearing pathways or even helping with groceries.
Shoveling Safely: Shoveling is hard work and can put strain on your body. Don’t overexert yourself—take breaks, use proper technique, and dress warmly. If you’re feeling unwell, stop and rest. Safety comes first!
Drive Cautiously: Snow and ice can turn roads into hazards quickly. Reduce your speed, increase following distances, and avoid sudden stops. Keep your car Winter Ready with snow tires and an Emergency Kit.
Stay Alert to Conditions: Whether it’s black ice on the road or icy patches on walkways, always stay aware of your surroundings. Wear footwear with good treads, avoid rushing, and watch for hidden hazards.
The information presented on this page is for informational purposes only and is not to be considered as legal advice. For legal advice please contact a legal professional.
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