A phone number supplied at registration can become outdated. A parent may be less available on the day of an outing. Before school, day camp or an organized activity, take a moment to check how staff would reach the right people.
Start with the organization’s records
Review the forms requested by the school or camp. Correct the numbers and confirm whom to notify if something changes during the session. Do not assume that an update made elsewhere will automatically reach the counsellor or teacher.
Public Safety Canada recommends knowing your school or daycare’s emergency policies and designating someone who can pick up your children. Follow your organization’s process: an emergency contact is not necessarily authorized to take your child home.
Choose contacts who can be available
Consider the activity’s hours when choosing contacts. Someone travelling or working may not be able to answer immediately. Ask for their permission and, where possible, provide another person to call.
- Check the name, relationship to your child and phone number together.
- Tell staff which person to call first, if their form allows it.
- Let your contact know the name of the camp or school.
- Tell staff directly about significant changes in your availability.
- Confirm pickup permissions separately.
Share particular needs before the activity
For a child with a food allergy, Food Allergy Canada advises providing the camp’s required forms and an action plan with a recent photo and emergency contact details. Discuss arrangements with staff before your child arrives.
A short profile can help someone find information; it does not replace the documents, permissions or instructions established with professionals. If health information changes, tell the responsible staff member directly.
Explain the tag’s role simply
A SOSCAN tag on a bag or wristband can complement this preparation by making your chosen contacts accessible to someone reading it. Show it to staff and check that its placement suits the activities. It does not replace supervision, forms or the organization’s emergency procedures. It cannot guarantee that a contact will answer. Anyone who reads the tag can view the information written on it. Carefully choose what you share about your child and their contacts.
Help your child identify the adult they can ask for help. Show them the tag without making them responsible for managing an emergency. In immediate danger, calling 911 must not wait for a parent to answer.
Before the first day, review the arrangements once more with the adults involved. A short conversation can reveal an old number or an assumption that needs clearing up.
Set up and check a SOSCAN tag · Why make emergency contacts accessible?
Sources and review
Sources consulted November 3, 2026. Follow your school or camp’s procedures and your child’s care team’s instructions.