Emergency preparedness in Canada, 2014: highlights

Warning View the most recent version.

Archived Content

Information identified as archived is provided for reference, research or recordkeeping purposes. It is not subject to the Government of Canada Web Standards and has not been altered or updated since it was archived. Please "contact us" to request a format other than those available.

[Full article in HTML] [Full article in PDF]

  • For the first time in 2014, Statistics Canada surveyed Canadians about the types of precautionary and emergency preparedness measures that they have taken in the event of a natural or human-induced emergency or disaster. The survey also asked Canadians about their perceptions of the risks their community is likely to face and the potential sources they would turn to first for information or assistance.
  • A vast majority of Canadians, 98%, lived in homes with a working smoke detector; making it the most commonly reported type of precautionary measure taken, by far. Other types of fire safety measures were also popular though less common: 66% of individuals had a fire extinguisher and 60% had a carbon monoxide detector in their home. Still, fewer than half (42%) of Canadians lived in households that had all three of these fire safety devices.
  • Beyond fire safety measures, many Canadians employed a number of other precautionary measures. Nearly six in ten (58%) reported having a wind-up or battery-operated radio in their home, about half (48%) had an alternate source of heat, 43% kept an alternate source of water and just under one-quarter (23%) had a back-up generator. About eight in ten (82%) Canadians had implemented at least one of these precautionary measures.
  • In 2014, 98% of Canadians lived in households that had engaged in some form of emergency planning, such as preparing a list of emergency contact numbers (69%), or having an emergency exit plan (60%). Still, fewer than half (47%) lived in a household that could be characterized as having a ‘high’ or ‘moderately high’ number of emergency planning activities.
  • Provincially, emergency planning activities were most common in British Columbia, where 53% of individuals resided in households that had engaged in a high or moderately high level of emergency planning. Emergency planning activities were less common in Quebec (40%).
  • Certain segments of the population were found to use fewer fire safety and other precautionary measures, and participate in fewer emergency planning activities. For example, adults aged 25 to 34 and individuals from lower-income households as well as visible minorities, those with a long-term mental health condition, renters and individuals living in smaller households were more likely to live in homes that engaged in fewer emergency preparedness behaviours.
  • Despite some gaps in preparedness, most people (74%) felt confident about their ability to manage in an emergency. Individuals who displayed such confidence were also more likely to report that their household engaged in behaviours related to emergency preparedness.
  • Canadians believe a number of natural and human-induced disasters are events that their community is likely to face. Winter storms (86%) and extended power outages (76%), followed by outbreaks of serious or life-threatening disease (51%) and industrial or transportation accidents (50%) were the most frequently named events.
  • Individuals indicated that they would likely to turn to the news (via radio, television or Internet) as a first source of information and assistance in an emergency. However, this choice may vary depending on the type of event, the province where the individual lives and certain socio-demographic characteristics including age, immigration status, education, household income and previous experience with an emergency.
  • One in five (21%) Canadians had a high degree of social support, that is, more than five people they could turn to for help in an emergency for assistance with a physical injury, emotional support, a place to stay or financial help. Seniors, immigrants, people with a long-term activity-limiting health condition and those living in low-income households were less likely to have large social support networks they could rely on in an emergency.
Report a problem on this page

Is something not working? Is there information outdated? Can't find what you're looking for?

Please contact us and let us know how we can help you.

Privacy notice

Date modified: