Emergency Management

It is important to know what kinds of hazards we face in Whitehorse. Understanding the risks can help you prepare effectively ahead of potential emergencies. Hazards in the Whitehorse area include: 

Landslides 
A landslide is the sudden movement of soil, rock or debris down a slope. Landslides can happen in Whitehorse, especially during the spring along the escarpment as snow melts and the ground becomes saturated. 

Hazardous Materials Event (Hazmat)
A hazardous materials (hazmat) event is when dangerous substances are spilled, released, or at risk of being released into the community. These substances can pose a serious risk to people’s health, safety, and the environment.

Wildfires and wildland urban interface fires 
Wildfires are common in the Yukon from May to September, especially during hot, dry and windy conditions. In Whitehorse, fires near homes can threaten homes, infrastructure, air quality, transportation routes, and public safety. 

Extreme Weather Events 
Extreme weather events can include heatwaves and cold snaps. Extreme weather events can take place alongside other emergency situations or as standalone events. They can affect power, transportation, communications, water systems and more. 

Telecommunications outages  
Telecommunications outages, when internet and/or phone services aren’t working, can take place alongside other emergency situations or as standalone events. 

Earthquakes 
Earthquakes can result in many types of emergencies, including initial danger from the event to serious damage and dangerous conditions associated with buildings and other infrastructure. 

Floods 
Due to rapid snow melt and ice jams on rivers, floods can occur in the spring and summer. Flooding can affect homes, roads, infrastructure, and access to essential services, especially in low-lying areas.  

Road Closures 
Road closures can happen suddenly due to a variety of factors, including collisions, wildfires, landslides, extreme weather and more. In and around Whitehorse, some key routes have limited or no detour options, so prolonged closures can disrupt travel, delay emergency response, interrupt access to services, and affect the movement of people and goods throughout the community.  

Structural Fires and/or Explosions 
Fires, and in rare cases, explosions, can occur in a variety of settings from homes and small businesses to public buildings and essential infrastructure. Even a relatively small fire can have a significant impact, sometimes forcing people to leave their homes temporarily while repairs are made. Larger or more complex incidents may extend beyond a single property, affecting surrounding areas and, in some cases, disrupt services, close roads or limit access to important community facilities. 

An emergency plan is a document that outlines what you and the people you live with will do in the event of an emergency. Having a plan for what to do, where to go, and who to reach out to will reduce stress and help keep everyone safe and focused.

There are many guides for creating an emergency plan. Here are a few to get started with:

• Yukon Government’s Make an Emergency Plan
• Government of Canada’s Make an Emergency Plan
• Government of Canada’s Emergency Preparedness Guide for People with Disabilities/Special Needs
• Yukon Government’s Make an Animal Emergency Plan

Once you’ve created your emergency plan, make sure to keep it in an easy-to-find and easy-to-remember place that everyone in your household is aware of. Since an emergency can occur anytime, anywhere, it is also a good idea to keep copies of your plan in your vehicle(s), at your workplace, and on your computer and phone. Review your emergency plan every year with your household to refresh your memory and ensure that it is up to date.

Put together an emergency kit and keep it somewhere easy to find. Keep your kit in a backpack, suitcase, or tub that is light enough to carry. Make sure to always keep your vehicle’s fuel tank at least half full.  

Items to take at the last minute  

• Wallet (identification, credit or debit cards and cash)  
• Cell phone and charger  
• Glasses and contacts  
• Medications 
• Car keys  

Items to put in your emergency kit 

• Six litres of water per person  
• Copy of your emergency plan, including emergency contact numbers  
• Prescription record from your pharmacist  
• Three-day supply of non-perishable food per person (replace yearly)  
• Change of clothing, including extra warm clothing (hat, mittens, socks)  
• Extra set of car keys  
• First aid kit  
• Flashlights for each family member  
• Battery-powered radio and extra batteries, or wind-up radio  
• Copies of important documents (birth certificates, passports, insurance and bank records)  
• Pet food and water, leash, collar, a kennel or crate, and medicine if necessary  
• Cash in small bills 

Additional supplies to consider  

• Candles and matches or lighter 
  
• Toiletries and personal hygiene items  
• Hand sanitizer, toilet paper and garbage bags  
• Activities for children like books or toys  
• Basic tools and duct tape  
• Other camping supplies such as a tent and a camp stove with fuel 
• Blankets or sleeping bags  
• Extra warm clothes (warm pants, sweaters, jackets)  
• Small battery bank
  
• Phone chargers 

In an emergency, your greatest resource might be just next door. Creating a support network with your neighbors is an important step to take when you’re creating an emergency plan. Connecting and building relationships with them today can mean a better response for everyone in the event of an emergency.

There are many guides for creating an emergency neighbourhood support network. Here are a few that you can base your own on:

• PreparedBC’s In It Together: Neighbourhood Preparedness Guide
• City of Surrey’s Neighbourhood Emergency Preparedness Guide
• Comox Valley Regional District Neighbourhood Emergency Preparedness Program Guide
• City of Brampton Neighbourhood Emergency Preparedness Guide and Emergency Plan Template

A neighbourhood emergency support network can look different for every area, but in general they will work together to develop: a safe meeting place, contact lists and a phone tree, and responsibility lists. They can also include a list of neighbours with unique needs and a list of who has skills and resources that may be useful in an emergency.

When neighbourhoods are prepared, individuals are all more resilient in the face of an emergency.

Emergency Management Plan

A guiding document to provide the earliest possible coordinated response in order to protect the community.

• Click here to view the Public Safety Protection Plan
• Click here to view the Emergency Management Plan