Emergency Preparedness Week 2026

As part of Emergency Preparedness Week (May 3-9), the Halifax Regional Municipality is encouraging all residents to take proactive steps in preparing for emergencies. The theme for Emergency Preparedness Week is: Be prepared. Know your risks. The theme emphasizes the importance of understanding potential hazards and taking proactive measures to protect yourself, your family and your community.

The devastating impacts of severe weather events continue to highlight the importance of emergency preparedness. The municipal Emergency Management team is focused on the safety and security of residents, their properties and the environment by providing a timely and coordinated response to crisis events through a number of programs and initiatives.

Be prepared

Have an emergency kit, create a home emergency plan and understand the needs of everyone in your household, including pets, medications and mobility supports. Residents are encouraged to view the updated home emergency plan template on our website to help prepare for emergencies.

Know your risks

Know what types of emergencies are most likely to occur in your community, such as floods, wildfires, etc. Understand how those emergencies could impact your household, workplace or neighbourhood. Understand who in your household or network may be vulnerable and at risk.

Voluntary Vulnerable Persons Registry (VVPR)

The Voluntary Vulnerable Persons Registry helps emergency responders identify and assist residents with mobility challenges, medical conditions or disabilities during an emergency. If you or a loved one would benefit from this service, register today at halifax.ca/VVPR.

Make an emergency plan

Every household should have an emergency plan that includes evacuation routes, emergency contacts, meeting places and a plan for pets and those with special health needs.

All residents should be prepared to be self-sufficient in their home for 72 hours in case of an emergency.

Create your home emergency plan using the updated Home Emergency Plan template on our website.

How residents can help their community

Emergency preparedness is a community effort. Consider volunteering with the Joint Emergency Management (JEM) team, which is activated during emergencies and provides support year-round through community emergency preparedness. JEM volunteers support local response efforts, assist at emergency shelters and offer education opportunities. Learn more about JEM and Ground Search and Rescue through our website.

Learn and connect at the JEM Jamboree

Join local emergency agencies, emergency management staff and community response teams at the Joint Emergency Management (JEM) Jamboree. At this event, you can learn about local risks, how to prepare your home and family for emergencies and how you can volunteer.

Date: Saturday, May 9

Time: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Location: Superstore parking lot | Porters Lake | 5240 Nova Scotia Trunk 7, Porters Lake, N.S. B3E 1J7

Stay informed

hfxALERT is the municipality's mass notification system for critical and non-urgent emergencies. Residents are encouraged to sign up for alerts to get real-time information from the municipality about severe weather, evacuations and emergencies. Learn more at halifax.ca/hfxALERT.

For more information on emergency preparedness, visit: halifax.ca/emo.