Weather & Emergency Preparedness

In the event of an emergency, it is important to be prepared to take care of yourself and your family for a minimum of three days (or 72 hours).

Learn what you need to build an emergency kit by visiting Get an emergency kit – Canada.ca, and find out how to create an emergency plan by visiting Make an Emergency Plan – Canada.ca.

In any major emergency call 911

Some examples of major emergencies could include:

  • A fire
  • A serious car accident
  • Someone is badly hurt or very sick (like chest pain, trouble breathing, or unconscious)
  • A crime happening right now (such as assault, robbery, or break-in)
  • Dangerous situations that put people’s safety at risk

The 911 call taker (operator) will notify emergency responders, like fire, police or ambulance.

Tips for Calling 911:

  • Stay calm and speak clearly.
  • Give your location. Say your address, nearby landmarks, or the closest intersection.
  • Say what the emergency is. For example: fire, serious injury, or crime happening now.
  • Answer all the operator’s questions. They need details to help you.
  • Follow instructions carefully. The operator may guide you on what to do until help arrives.
  • Do not hang up until the operator tells you it’s okay.

Learn more at novascotia.ca

If you’re not sure if your situation is an emergency, call 911. They will determine if you need immediate help.

Non-emergency calls

Non-emergency phone numbers are to be used for general questions about services, lost property, noise complaints (music, dogs barking,) or neighborhood problems, minor thefts such as a stolen bicycle or car break-in, and other non-emergency issues. You can learn more at novascotia.ca.

Non-emergency phone numbers: RCMP (1-800-803-7267), Cape Breton Regional Police (902-563-5151). Province Wide Ambulance 1-888-346-9999.

If you have to go the emergency room, be sure to have your Nova Scotia Health Card with you.

For a helpful guide on what to expect during your first winter in Unama’ki – Cape Breton, download this and visit our Climate page.

Weather Emergency Preparedness

Similar to many locations across the world, Unama’ki – Cape Breton may from time to time experience weather events that ar more extreme than what is experienced the rest of the year. This may sometimes include significant wind and snowfall or rainfall that can impact travel conditions, localized flooding, home and property damage issues, and more. In most cases, residents are made aware of approaching weather systems via the local news, Environment Canada, and various contacts through the local, provincial, and federal governments.

It is important to become familiar with your own Municipality’s Emergency Managaement System’s plans, processes, and contact information to be able to prepare accordingly in the event of extreme weather systems.

Hurricane Preparedness

The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June to November, with September being the most active month historically. Please see below for useful supports and resources related to local hurricane preparedness:

Wildfire Preparedness

Wildfires are the second most costly natural disaster in Canada and they happen in every part of the country. Hotter weather and drier land are causing wildfires to happen more often and burn more strongly. Not all communities are affected the same way when wildfires happen.

Burn Restrictions

Fire restrictions are updated daily at 2 pm. You must check the fire restrictions online or call 1-855-564-2876 to see if burning is allowed. Contact your municipality to know if their bylaws are different. If the municipality’s fire restriction is more limiting than the provincial, you must follow the municipal restriction. You can learn more by clicking Here.

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Last Modified: October 8, 2025