Make a Plan
Emergencies can happen at any time, and having a plan in place helps you and your family stay safe and connected when it matters most. Whether you live on reserve or nearby in the surrounding areas, being prepared ensures you’ll know what to do and how to stay in touch if something unexpected happens.
It’s especially important to plan ahead in case your family members are not together when an emergency occurs. Talk about how you’ll reach each other, where to meet, and what actions to take depending on the situation.
You can get started by using the federal government’s Make an Emergency Plan tool. It only takes about 20 minutes to complete and can be printed and saved for quick access.
Where to Keep Your Plan
Once you’ve created your emergency plan:
Keep a copy with your emergency kit
Post one on the fridge
Place copies in your car, your wallet or purse, and at your workplace
Share a copy with each family member
Step 1: Build a Communication Plan
Communication is key during an emergency. Cell towers can be jammed, power may be out, and loved ones might be in different locations. Plan now for how you’ll stay connected.
Know Your Contacts
Gather contact details for family, friends, and an out-of-town emergency contact.
List cell, home, and work numbers, plus emails and social media handles.
Save emergency contacts in your phone, and label them clearly (e.g., “In Case of Emergency”).
Print a copy to keep with your emergency kit and another in a wallet or bag.
For children, assign someone they can contact if a parent or guardian is unreachable.
If you’re new to Millbrook or to Canada, consider connecting with a trusted local organization or community contact to ensure someone knows how to reach you in an emergency.
Local Emergency Numbers
Make sure you have a written list of:
Police, fire, and medical services
Community safety contacts
Health centres and local emergency shelters
Save these numbers in your phone and keep a paper version in your kit in case phone services go down.
Step 2: Stay Informed
During emergencies, reliable information is essential. Stay connected to trusted sources:
Subscribe to Millbrook’s Everbridge emergency alert system, and opt in to receive texts and phone call notifications.
Monitor websites and social media channels for Millbrook First Nation, the Confederacy of Mainland Mi’kmaq, and Nova Scotia’s Emergency Management Office.
Download weather and road condition apps to stay updated on severe weather, flooding, or closures.
Step 3: Choose Meeting Places
Emergencies can separate families—so it’s important to decide ahead of time how and where to reconnect.
Physical Meeting Place: Choose a safe, nearby location where your family can meet if you’re unable to go home.
Virtual Meeting Place: Use voicemail, text groups, or social media platforms to leave messages or share updates.
Out-of-Town Contact: Pick someone outside the region who can act as a central contact if local phone lines are down. They can help relay messages between family members.
Step 4: Build a Communications Kit
Make sure your emergency kit includes tools to help you communicate and stay informed:
A copy of your emergency plan for each family member
A home phone that works without electricity (corded landline, if available)
Extra batteries for flashlights, phones, and radios
A non-electric phone charger (car adapter, solar-powered, or crank-powered)
A battery-operated or crank radio to hear public safety updates and evacuation notices
A back-up phone battery or power bank that is charged and ready
A flashlight or headlamp with fresh batteries
If you rely on newer internet-based phone services, talk to your provider about back-up power options
Planning ahead doesn’t take long, but it can make a big difference when facing power outages, severe weather, or community-wide emergencies.
Start your family emergency plan today and help build a safer, more prepared Millbrook.