Preparedness for Every Household
Emergency plans work best when they reflect the people, animals and
property they are designed to protect. Consider individual needs,
practical support and the arrangements required before an emergency occurs.
Families with children
Help children recognize hazards and understand what to do.
- Teach the sound and meaning of smoke and carbon monoxide alarms.
- Practise the escape route and outdoor meeting place.
- Document home-alone emergency contacts and rules.
Older adults and people with disabilities
Make sure emergency arrangements reflect individual access and support needs.
- Ensure exits, alarms and communication methods suit mobility, hearing, vision and health needs.
- Identify medication, power-dependent equipment and support contacts.
- Include a backup plan for power or heating interruptions.
Pet and service-animal households
Plan for animals to be included in emergency arrangements.
- Include animals in evacuation and temporary accommodation planning.
- Prepare carriers, medication, identification and caregiver instructions.
Frequent travellers and snowbirds
Arrange for responsible oversight while the property is unattended.
- Confirm local access, insurer requirements, property inspections and emergency decision authority.
- Plan for water, heating, power, storm and security alerts while away.
Rural and acreage homeowners
Account for additional structures, equipment and access challenges.
- Include shops, barns, detached garages, pumps, wells and other buildings.
- Consider prolonged outages, access restrictions and local emergency response realities.
Seasonal-property owners
Prepare the property for periods of limited or no occupancy.
- Complete appropriate winterization, maintenance and inspection planning.
- Clarify insurance conditions for seasonal use and extended vacancy.
Important:
Home protection technology cannot prevent every loss or guarantee
detection, reporting or resolution. Insurance coverage,
deductibles, exclusions, endorsements, pricing and eligibility
vary by insurer and policy.