Emergency Management
Emergencies can happen anytime, anywhere. It is important our community be prepared in the event of a serious emergency. While the City plans for various types of emergencies, residents can also take steps to ensure they are preparing themselves.
Stay informed during an emergency by checking out:
- Our Facebook, Instagram, and X accounts
- The Government of Yukon’s Wildfire Hub
- The Government of Yukon’s Flood Atlas
- Road conditions at 511 Yukon
Get prepared:
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.
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.
The first step to prepare for emergencies is to know what hazards we can face in Whitehorse. Understanding the risks can help you effectively get ready ahead of potential emergencies.
Wildfire
Wildfires are common in the Yukon from May to September. Learn about how you can make your home FireSmart here. Learn more about reducing wildfire risk from the Government of Yukon here.
Floods
Due to rapid snow melt and ice jams on rivers, floods can occur in the Yukon in the spring and summer. If you live in a flood-prone area, learn about steps you can take to prevent damage to your home here.
Severe weather
Severe weather events are common in the Yukon. It is important to check for special weather alerts from Environment Canada and road conditions before you travel, and ensure your vehicle is equipped with an emergency kit.
Power and telecommunications outages
Power and telecommunications outages can take place as standalone events and alongside other emergency situations. To prepare, it is important to have a 72-hour emergency kit that includes a battery powered or hand-crank radio and a flashlight.
What if the phone doesn’t work?
If you or someone else is hurt or in danger and you can’t call 9-1-1 due to a telecommunications outage or other problem, send someone to report the emergency to the nearest RCMP station or Health Centre. Listen to the radio for important information including other locations where emergency personnel may be stationed.
CJUC: 92.5 FM
CBC Radio One: 94.5 FM
CHON: 98.1 FM
CKRW/The Rush: 96.1 FM
If we can’t reach you, we can’t alert you.
Whitehorse Alert is our mass notification system. It’s designed to quickly communicate time-sensitive information about events like fires, evacuation orders, road transportation emergencies or earthquakes.
When you register for Whitehorse Alert, you choose the best way to reach you when seconds count. That could be by text message, on your cell or home phone, or email. Read the Terms of Use.
Once registered for this service, it is important that you keep your account information up to date to ensure you receive all alerts that may affect you. This system is only as effective as the information entered.
Click on the image below to register today! If you would like more information or require assistance with creating an account, please email us at [email protected].
If you’re visiting Whitehorse, you can sign up to receive timely alerts for seven days by simply texting the keyword whitehorsealert to 67283. Message and data rates may apply.
Emergency Management Plan
A guiding document to provide the earliest possible coordinated response in order to protect the community.