May 4 to 10 is Emergency Preparedness Week — a national awareness initiative encouraging people, families, and communities across Canada to take steps to ensure they’re prepared in the event of an emergency or natural disaster.

There has never been a more important time to be prepared. Climate change-related disasters are becoming increasingly frequent in Canada — from wildfires to floods, heat events to life-threatening storms — and we know that people experiencing vulnerability are disproportionately impacted.

When an emergency strikes, individuals and families struggling with poverty, homelessness, food insecurity, and other challenges are less likely to be able to access the support they need in a timely way.

We’ve always been in the mission to help ensure everyone in Canada can stay safe, find help, and move forward in the wake of disasters of all kinds.

This year, UWCs have invested more than $2.7M to help communities manage the effects of emergencies and disasters, including $800K in related mental health support and $600,000 to support communities to plan for future emergencies.

Over 14,000 people experiencing local emergencies will access supports as a result of this investment.

This week, we’re highlighting just a few of the emergency preparedness initiatives across the network to help people and communities thrive in a changing climate.

Supplying community groups with emergency kits in Prince Edward Island (PEI)

United Way PEI, part of United Way Maritimes, has partnered with the provincial government to prepare and distribute emergency kits to people experiencing vulnerability — helping ensure Islanders are ready in the event of an emergency.

A collaborative initiative with the Provincial Major Incident Readiness Team, the United Way PEI staff team and Kays Wholesale worked together to assemble and deliver 1900 kits to 26 partner organizations across the island. Partner organizations then distributed them to clients in need. Among the groups receiving kits were Lennox Island First Nation, The Autism Society of PEI, BGC Charlottetown, PEI Transgender Network, and more. Learn more and view the full list of partner organizations! Learn more and view the full list of partner organizations!

Providing comprehensive support in the wake of unprecedented wildfires in Nova Scotia

In 2023, major wildfires broke out in Shelburne County, Upper Tantallon, and Hammonds Plains, Nova Scotia. It was the first time many Nova Scotians had ever experienced widespread fires, and many were unsure what to do or how to access help.

That’s when United Way Halifax (now part of United Way Maritimes) stepped in.

Within three days of the fires starting, United Way Halifax had launched the Wildfire Recovery Appeal. With the support of generous individuals and partners from across the province and beyond, the team was able to provide a wide range of supports to those impacted — from grocery gift cards to transportation, appliance replacement to mental health support and more.

In total, 4,842 individuals and 1,644 families were helped in the aftermath of the fires with the support of 113 volunteers. Read more about the impact of this incredible effort!

Creating emergency preparedness resources for people experiencing vulnerability in British Columbia

With wildfires, flooding, and heat events increasingly on the rise in British Columbia, United Way British Columbia has released important resources designed to help seniors and other communities experiencing vulnerability prepare for future emergencies.

Made available in 2024, the resources — in the form of digital guides for seniors and families and individuals —  provide information on how to create a plan in case of extreme weather. They share guidance on what to have on hand in case of an emergency, how to navigate power or utility loss, insurance considerations, and more.

To help communities navigate emergencies, United Way British Columbia also recently released a resource for host communities — a step-by-step guide providing structure for a coordinated social response to disasters.

Read more and access the guides here!

Helping Albertans access critical support through 211

211 Alberta is a vital part of Alberta’s emergency response network, helping people navigate complex systems and access timely, accurate information about available resources and supports. Delivered in partnership by United Way Alberta Capital Region, Distress Centre Calgary, and CMHA Edmonton, the service is available 24/7 by phone, text, and chat, and supported by an evolving online resource hub tailored to current events. During the 2023 Jasper wildfire, the team also responded to a local request for in-person support, providing direct assistance to residents navigating evacuation, housing, and financial concerns.

By bridging individuals with community and government resources during times of crisis, 211 Alberta plays a key role in reducing pressure on emergency systems and supporting coordinated community responses. To learn more or explore how 211 is integrated into Alberta’s emergency preparedness efforts, visit ab.211.ca.

United Way Centraide Canada is proud to be a founding partner of 211 in Canada.

Meeting urgent and immediate needs right across Canada

United Way Centraides are helping community members prepare for future emergencies and providing vital support for people impacted by disasters across the country.

Mobilizing and distributing funds to help meet the immediate disaster-related needs of individuals, families, and communities, we support those who have been displaced from their homes through emergency housing, access to basic necessities, mental health services, and more.

As the unifying force for social change in local communities, we support emotional and physical recovery in the wake of disasters and the rebuilding of social infrastructure after an emergency has passed.

Thank you to the countless volunteers, donors, staff teams, and community members who have come together to help people across Canada find hope and healing after experiencing a major disaster. Together, we are improving lives and building stronger communities.