Emergency Preparedness Week 2025
Sample quizzes

4. The arrangements for each household member to be at a specific location at a specific time may not be possible or useful under many conditions, as people may have to relocate or evacuate entirely during a disaster. Households should create an emergency plan and carry important information with them so they know how to get in touch and get back together during an emergency.

3. At least two litres of water are recommended per person per day. Be sure to include small bottles that can be carried easily in case of an evacuation order.

2. The Canadian Disaster Database contains references to all types of disasters in Canada, including those triggered by natural hazards, technological hazards or conflict (not including war). The database describes where and when a disaster occurred, who was affected, and provides a rough estimate of the direct costs.

5. EP Week is an annual event that takes place each year during the first full week of May. This year it takes place from May 4-10, 2025. EP Week is a national awareness campaign coordinated by Public Safety Canada and is about increasing individual preparedness - by knowing the risks, making a plan and preparing a kit you can be better prepared for an emergency.

5. While sturdy protective shoes are important during and after a disaster, they are not necessary for survival. You can learn more about the basics of survival by visiting GetPrepared.ca.

True - The most active period is from May through September, but hold-over fires can smolder throughout the winter. Wildfires can cause extensive damage and put lives in danger. Smoke from wildfires can be a significant health hazard.

True - Flood risk is more common than you may think. Floods can occur in any region and most of Canada's population lives in areas that are at risk of flooding. Floods are the most costly natural hazard in Canada in terms of property damage.

False - Storm shutters can be put into windows and exposed panes. This is the simplest and most economical way to protect your house.

False - Winter storms also create many personal health risks, including: cold weather injuries such as frostbite or hypothermia; personal injuries from slipping, falling, or vehicle accidents; and heart conditions from overexertion, such as from shoveling snow. Power outages often occur during winter storms and create additional risks, including: carbon monoxide poisoning from fuel burning equipment (camping stoves, gas powered vehicles and generators), and negative health effects caused exposure to extreme cold conditions.

True - Although the most powerful earthquakes occur near the Pacific Rim, there are a number of Canadian cities that are vulnerable to earthquakes, particularly Vancouver, Montreal, Ottawa, Victoria and Quebec City. Most of the injuries resulting from an earthquake are caused by falling objects. Use screw eyes and iron wire to hang frames and mirrors on walls.

False - Tornadoes occur most often in the spring and during the summer, but they may form any time of the year.

True - In June, most hail storms occur in southern Canada and the north central United States. Violent storms may deposit enough hail to completely cover the ground, damage crops or block storm sewers. Up to 2% of the value of crops is destroyed by hail every year.

True - In most avalanche accidents, the avalanche was triggered by the victim or someone in the victim's party. This is why it is crucial to take avalanche safety training if you are going into avalanche terrain.

False - There have been at least 810 recorded deaths due to landslides since 1771. Landslides are most common in mountainous areas, but they can also happen in river valleys, fjords, lakes, and on the seafloor at the edges of the continent. The largest Canadian landslide known occurred in 1894 at Saint-Alban, Quebec and caused four casualties.

True - Much of Northern Canada's infrastructure is built on and supported by permafrost. Degradation of permafrost, especially if it contains a lot of ice, can lead to ground shifting that can result in damage to existing structures including roads and buildings. Slopes can also become unstable as permafrost thaws, which can lead to landslides.

True - Space weather effects are larger and more common at higher latitudes.

False - Although the consequences of various disasters can be similar, knowing the risks in your region can help you better prepare. Across Canada, we face a number of hazards, such as floods in many provinces, earthquakes in British Columbia, blizzards in Nunavut, and tornadoes in Ontario. In addition to natural hazards, there are other types of risks, such as power outages and industrial or transportation accidents.