The Real-World Importance of Emergency Kits: Lessons from Canada’s 2023 Disasters
In recent years, Canada has been marked by a series of unprecedented natural disasters, from devastating wildfires to severe flooding, resulting in multi-day disruptions for hundreds of thousands of people. These events underscore a crucial point: preparedness, particularly having an emergency kit and food storage, is not just a theoretical precaution—it’s a real-world necessity that can make the difference between comfort and chaos when disaster strikes.
Unprecedented Wildfire Disasters
The Canadian wildfires of 2023 were nothing short of historic, becoming the country’s top news story for the year. Across multiple provinces, including Alberta, British Columbia, Quebec, and the Northwest Territories, a staggering 17.5 million hectares of forest were consumed by fire, making it the worst wildfire season on record. The scale of these fires was immense, displacing more than 200,000 people and blanketing regions in thick, hazardous smoke that reached as far as the United States.
One of the first communities to be impacted was Evansburg, Alberta, where residents were evacuated as early as April 29 due to fires rapidly advancing through dried-out forests. Within weeks, major cities like Halifax and Yellowknife were facing their own existential threats from the flames. On August 16, 2023, Yellowknife’s 20,000 residents were ordered to evacuate as wildfires closed in on the city. This mass exodus led to airport lines filled with people waiting for emergency flights, while others embarked on marathon road trips to safety in Alberta. These residents were only allowed to return three weeks later when the immediate threat had passed, but the emotional and economic toll would take much longer to heal.
Nova Scotia’s experience was particularly alarming. On May 29, wildfires erupted around Halifax, Canada’s East Coast capital. The rapid spread of the fires caught residents by surprise, many of whom fled as fast as possible, only to find themselves stuck in traffic jams while flames approached. John Vaillant, an author and expert on wildfires, noted that the situation sent shockwaves through the country: “If Halifax can burn, any place can burn, and that blows all our minds.”​
Many people received evacuation orders without much warning, needing to pick and choose what they took and what they might never see again. In these cases, having a stocked emergency kit can bring a lot of peace of mind. Keeping copies of important documents, family photos (usually on a USB stick), and changes of clothes already packed and ready to go saves a lot of time.
Having emergency food and water with you when you evacuate is wise too. Evacuations can cause traffic jams and jam-packed reception centres. Having something to eat and drink during these hours’ long waits can be a major relief.
The Toll of Wildfire Smoke
While the wildfires themselves posed immediate threats to communities, the secondary effect of smoke was far-reaching. In Quebec, over 700 fires ignited in the summer of 2023, burning more land than had ever been recorded in the province’s history. The smoke generated by these fires didn’t just affect local communities; it traveled hundreds of kilometers, shrouding cities like Toronto and Montreal in thick, hazardous clouds. Air quality levels in Toronto ranked among the worst globally in early June, with residents advised to stay indoors due to the risks of respiratory issues​.
Residents were warned to limit outdoor activity, underscoring how even when far from the flames, preparedness is key. Those with respiratory issues especially needed to limit trips – even for necessities. Having supplies on hand, especially emergency food, can be a great way to ensure you always have a meal, even when sheltering in place.
Flooding and Infrastructure Disruptions
In July 2023, Nova Scotia faced an atmospheric river event that brought more than 250 mm of rain in less than 24 hours. The resulting floods washed out roads, damaged homes, and caused the loss of life. Over $170 million in insured damage was reported, and more than 80,000 people lost power. Significant infrastructure damage, including the destruction of bridges, made it dangerous for residents to move around, prompting authorities to issue stay-at-home warnings. This event demonstrated the necessity of being prepared to shelter in place with supplies, as damaged infrastructure cut off essential services for days. The flooding highlighted the unpredictable nature of climate events and the critical need for emergency food, water, and first aid​.
During the summer of 2024, Ontario experienced record rainfall and flash floods that caused over $1 billion in insured damage. A July flash flood partially shut down the Don Valley Expressway in Toronto and submerged neighborhoods. The damage extended to Mississauga and Etobicoke during an August thunderstorm that left hundreds of homes flooded. The extent of the flooding led to days-long recovery efforts, with many residents either evacuating or being forced to stay home due to damaged infrastructure. As in the Nova Scotia floods, residents who had emergency kits with food, water, and medical supplies were better able to cope with the uncertainty and disruptions caused by these floods.
The Role of Emergency Preparedness
In the wake of these crises, Canadian authorities, including the federal government, emphasized the need for improved preparedness. The Government Operations Centre reported coordinating over 230 requests for federal assistance between January 2020 and August 2023—an unprecedented level of emergency response coordination. Communities across Canada, especially those in rural or high-risk areas, were encouraged to bolster their preparedness for future emergencies, from stocking emergency kits to building resilient homes that can withstand fire and flood.
Organizations such as the University of Waterloo’s Intact Centre on Climate Adaptation released reports highlighting how wildfire seasons are lengthening, and storms are increasing in intensity. These reports point to a future where natural disasters like those of 2023 may become more common, further stressing the importance of personal preparedness.
Conclusion
The natural disasters of 2023 serve as a stark reminder that emergencies can strike anywhere and often without warning. Whether it’s wildfires threatening entire cities, flooding isolating communities, or smoke rendering outdoor activity unsafe, the need for preparedness is undeniable. Emergency kits, stocked with essentials like non-perishable food, water, first-aid supplies, and even air filtration devices, are not just for hypothetical scenarios. They are vital tools that help individuals and families weather the storm—literally and figuratively—until help arrives or conditions improve.
For Canadians, the lessons of 2023 are clear: being prepared for emergencies isn’t optional; it’s essential. Whether you’re in a wildfire-prone area, a floodplain, or even a major city, having an emergency plan and the necessary supplies can make all the difference when disaster strikes.
