Emergency preparedness

Emergency preparedness is everyone's responsibility. Make sure your home and business are prepared in the event of an emergency. All levels of government have an important role to play in emergency preparedness and response. But emergency preparedness starts with the individual.

Knowing the risks and developing practical plans can help reduce fear and aid in recovery from an emergency situation. Ensuring business continuity, protecting information and updating emergency plans are all crucial in assuring community preparedness. Every household should be prepared to take care of itself for at least the first 72 hours of an emergency.

View our Emergency Plan

Prepare an emergency kit

You should be prepared to take care of yourself and your family for at least the first 72 hours (3 days) of an Emergency. Start by preparing an emergency kit and an emergency plan for your family.

You can download our helpful checklist from this website or contact the Township office for more information. You can also make use of the information on the Province of Ontario's website and the Government of Canada website.

Create an Emergency Plan

Do you know what do in a tornado, flood or winter storm? Do you have everything you need during a major emergency?

Emergency Management Ontario has an easy online tool that will help you create an Emergency Preparedness Action Plan for your family or household.  Your completed plan will:

  • List the specific steps you need to take to get prepared
  • Provide tips on hazards that might affect your community
  • Include information related to special needs you may have (for example, information for people with disabilities and pet owners)

Reach out to neighbours, family and friends who may be vulnerable or unable to support themselves during an emergency.  Get to know your neighbours who might need help in an emergency and make sure that you or someone on your street is partnered with them to make sure they are okay in an emergency.

You can't predict an emergency, but you can prepare for one. Take action today!

Flooding

Floods are the most frequent natural hazard in Canada and the most dangerous in Ontario in terms of property damage, civil disruption and even death. Floods are typically caused by seasonal melting snow, ice jams, heavy spring rains and summer thunderstorms. Flash flooding is often caused by violent rain storms or breaking dams, and usually occurs with little or no advance warning. When you are building your family emergency plan review and discuss the safety tips related to flooding with your entire household to make sure everyone understands what to do.

Please go to Ottawa River Floodplain for more information on these zones.

Municipal511

Municipal511 is a comprehensive map-based road information communications and management service for municipal public works departments.

It also serves as a common operating picture (COP) for emergency response teams and management, that gets used during emergencies because is it used every day. The web app works on mobile phones, tablets, desktops, and display walls – all without having to install and maintain software.

The Township, the County of Renfrew and many area municipalities use the tool to share information on road closures due to construction or as a result of emergency situations. Check it before you head out. During emergencies, the Township also uses Municipal 511 to post information such as sandbag depot locations or other location specific information.