After an emergency has occurred it is important to know how to start the recovery process. Recovering after an emergency is different for everyone, it is important to recognize that recovery is a process that takes time and requires patience and flexibility.

Being informed and prepared before an emergency occurs can help you recover faster after an emergency has happened.

Every emergency situation is different, but there are some general tips you can follow after many emergencies:

  • Check yourself and others for injuries, including your pets
  • Check on neighbours, especially the elderly or people with disabilities
  • Listen to local radio for instructions and information from local officials
  • Check your home for damage, if there is any damage contact your insurance provider
  • Do not turn off utilities unless they are damaged
  • Review your emergency plan
  • Restock any items that you used from your emergency kit

To learn more about what to do after specific types of emergencies visit GetPrepared.ca

Returning After an Evacuation

If you had to evacuate your home during an emergency do not return until authorities have said it is safe to do so, use extreme caution when returning to an evacuation area. When returning home after an evacuation:

  • Do not enter your home if an expert has deemed it unsafe or if any of the structure has collapsed
  • Walk around your property and assess any damage, document any damage
  • Use extreme caution when entering your property, assess any damage and document it for insurance claims
  • Look for any damage to the electrical system
  • Check for damage to utilities (water, sewage, gas)
  • Keep track of your expenses for clean-up activities, these records can be useful when making insurance claims or applying for disaster assistance

Disaster Recovery Assistance for Ontarians (DRAO) is a program that can help you recover costs after a natural disaster.

phone iconContact Us