Skip to main content
Draft, not yet fully source-checked

Communication & Reunion Planning

Plan how you'll stay in touch during emergencies. Set up an out-of-area contact and reunion location.

Risk Tier A Reviewed: draft on 2026-10-31

Set up an out-of-area contact

During a local emergency, communication systems may be affected. Having an out-of-area contact helps coordinate information when local networks are congested.

  1. Choose one family member or friend who lives far away (different city or province).
  2. Give everyone in your household their phone number and write it down.
  3. Agree that this person is your "checkpoint"—everyone will try to contact them when separated.
  4. Tell them they might get multiple calls from family all at once; they should not call back.

Have contact information written down

Keep a printed list of phone numbers for family, workplace, neighbours, and your out-of-area contact. Include:

  • Full names
  • Phone numbers (cell and home)
  • Email addresses
  • Where each person works or studies

Store this list in your wallet, in your glove compartment, and at home.

Know about Alert Ready

Alert Ready is Canada's emergency alert system. Alerts are broadcast on:

  • TV (all channels interrupt programming)
  • Radio (all stations broadcast simultaneously)
  • Wireless devices (phones and tablets, if available)

Alerts tell you what to do right now (evacuate, shelter in place, boil water). Listen to official alerts and follow instructions.

Plan a reunion location

If family members are separated and cannot use phones:

  1. Agree on a primary meeting place (a park, community centre, relative's home in your neighbourhood).
  2. If that's unsafe, agree on a secondary location farther away.
  3. Decide how long each person will wait (e.g., 1 hour) before moving to the secondary location.
  4. Walk the route with children so they know how to get there.

Write these locations on your family plan card and keep it visible.

During an emergency

  • Listen for official alerts on radio, TV, or wireless broadcasts.
  • If told to evacuate, go immediately. Do not wait for official confirmation from your home.
  • If separated, go to your agreed reunion location. Do not try to cross active danger zones.
  • Try to contact your out-of-area contact and let them know you are safe.
  • Do not use cell phones for unnecessary calls (save bandwidth for emergency services).

Important

If local authorities give evacuation, shelter-in-place, or other emergency instructions, follow them immediately. This communication plan is for staying in touch with family when separated. Do not delay evacuation to wait for reunion or phone confirmation.