From natural disasters such as floods and tornados to infectious diseases and water contamination – all situations are critical and life-threatening. Disaster can strike out of nowhere, which is why the Municipality has developed an Emergency Management Program to ensure that we are prepared for any potential emergency. The program includes an Emergency Management Plan, along with public education activities, training and exercises.
Be Prepared
Follow these steps to make sure your preparations check all the boxes.
Make a Plan
During an emergency, traditional forms of communication may be an issue, as reception or internet access may be unavailable. Identify several out-of-town contacts whom you and your household members can call or message, those located a fair distance away so they will likely not be affected by the same emergency. Ensure these emergency contacts are posted somewhere easily visible in your household.
In the event of an evacuation, choose two safe locations, one of them close to home and the other located outside of your neighbourhood.
If you have pets, designate someone who can look after your furry friends if you have to evacuate your home, as only service animals are often allowed at reception centres.
Ensure that all of your family members are informed, and are well-versed in:
- Utility shut-off procedures, including how to turn off main utilities such as water valves and electrical panels
- Evacuation routes, whether that is exiting your home through a main exit or alternate one such as a window
- Fire and safety measures, including smoke alarms, carbon monoxide detectors and fire extinguishers
- A list of emergency numbers, including a family doctor and police
Make a Kit
Your emergency kit should hold everything you and your family would need to be safe and self-sufficient for at least three days (72 hours) immediately following an emergency. Make sure yours includes these essentials:
- Food (non-perishable and easy-to-prepare items, enough for 3 days) and a manual can opener
- Bottled water (4 litres per person for each day)
- Medication(s)
- Flashlight
- Radio (crank or battery-run)
- Extra batteries
- First-aid kit
- Candles and matches/lighter
- Hand sanitizer or moist towelettes
- Important papers (such as identification, contact lists, and copies of prescriptions)
- Extra car keys and cash
- Whistle (to attract attention, if needed)
- Zip-lock bag (to keep things dry)
- Garbage bags
Discover more information and helpful tips.
Stay Informed
Things may change quickly during an emergency, so it is important to stay tuned to local news channels. As power outages are always a possibility, be sure to have a portable, battery-operated or crank radio in your emergency kit. Stay informed with these resources:
Preparing for Severe Weather
Thunderstorms & Flooding
Did you know that in Canada each year, there are between two and three lightning-related deaths and 180 lightning-related injuries, on average?
As the costliest natural hazard in terms of property damage, floods can cause power outages, shoreline erosion, and damage to roads and infrastructure.
Learn what to do during stormy weather.
Winter Weather
Did you know that winter storms are more responsible for more deaths in Canada than tornadoes, thunderstorms, lightning, floods and hurricanes combined?
Discover how to stay safe during the winter months.
Extreme Temperatures
Extreme Cold
Before heading outdoors, plan ahead. Listen to the weather forecast, and dress in warm layers with a wind-resistant outer layer and warm, waterproof footwear. Wear appropriate clothes such as a scarf or facemask to cover as much exposed skin as possible.
Warming and cooling centres available at the community centre and the library, open during business hours.
Learn how to stay warm, including health risks and what to watch out for, so you can enjoy the winter weather.
Extreme Heat
Climate change is expected to bring heat waves that are more frequent, intense, and longer lasting. This may increase the risk of heat-related illnesses, especially among the most vulnerable. Know how to stay safe, and stay cool.
Everybody is at risk during these extremes, though the individuals at the highest risk include:
- Infants and young children
- Older adults
- Those with chronic medical conditions (such as heart disease, respiratory conditions, diabetes) or mental illnesses (such as schizophrenia, depression, dementia)
- Those on certain types of medications (such as high blood pressure)
- Outdoor workers (depending upon length or time and exertion levels)
Learn more about heat-related illnesses, including symptoms and prevention.
Municipal Emergency Management Plan
Meaford’s Emergency Management Plan helps us protect residents, businesses and visitors in the case of an emergency. We coordinate our emergency response with a number of agencies under the direction of the Municipal Control Group.
The Plan provides key officials, agencies and departments with important emergency response information, and outlines everyone’s roles and responsibilities in the event of an emergency. It helps us provide a centralized, controlled and coordinated response to emergencies that might happen in the Municipality of Meaford, and meets the legislated requirements of the Emergency Management Act.
A hardcopy of the plan is available at the Meaford Fire Hall. The document is also available in other accessible formats and with communication support by request.
Our Country’s Plan
How does emergency preparedness work, nation-wide?
In Canada, emergency management is treated as a shared responsibility, relying on communication between all levels of government. As part of this integrated approach, emergencies are first handled at the municipal level, then scale up to the provincial/territorial level, and finally to the federal level if a Request for Federal Assistance (RFA) is made. In Canada, the majority of emergencies (more than 90 percent) are handled locally or at the provincial/territorial level and do not require direct federal involvement.
