In recognition of Emergency Preparedness Week (May 6 to 12), Halton Region is encouraging residents to plan ahead for emergency situations to help keep themselves and the community safe.
“Thanks to our community’s dedicated first responders, Halton continues to be one of safest large municipalities in Canada,” said Halton Regional Chair Gary Carr. “Emergencies can happen anywhere, at any time. I encourage all residents to take the steps required to be prepared—by ensuring first responders can focus on those in immediate need during crisis situations, we help build a more resilient community for everyone.”
This year’s theme for Emergency Preparedness Week, “Be Emergency Ready: Stay Connected” highlights how residents may receive notifications during a local emergency. On May 7, the Province will test one of these channels—the Ontario Emergency Public Warning System —by sending an alert directly to televisions, radios and supported mobile devices. This system is also available for Halton Region to use, alongside its enhanced Community Notification System (eCNS) for landline phones, to advise residents of potentially dangerous local conditions.
If a community emergency requires residents to leave their homes, the Region may open an evacuation centre in one or more of the following local facilities to provide temporary shelter:
Residents and businesses can do their part to reduce the impact of emergencies by following three simple steps:
- Know the risks—identify potential hazards in the community and sign up for emergency alerts from the Province or a local news provider.
- Make a plan—establish what all members of a household should do before, during and after various emergencies.
- Get a kit—assemble, buy or refresh the items required to stay safe and healthy for 72 hours, including supplies for older adults, children and pets.
To learn more about emergency preparedness, visit halton.ca/beprepared.
Additional quotes:
- Stephen Tanner, Chief, Halton Regional Police Service
“Our strong partnership with the Region, local organizations and the community helps us protect residents and businesses in an emergency. Through the Halton Community Safety and Well-Being Plan, we coordinate with other emergency services in a crisis to ensure vulnerable residents receive the right response, at the right time, by the right service provider.”
- Brian Durdin, Fire Chief, Town of Oakville; Halton Regional Fire Coordinator
“Being fully prepared for emergencies, from evacuation procedures to how we communicate with the public during an emergency, is critical during a fire or natural disaster. It is important as well to remind everyone that some personal emergencies can often be prevented or mitigated by practicing safe behaviours at home and in the community.”
The Regional Municipality of Halton serves more than 550,000 residents in the City of Burlington, the Town of Halton Hills, the Town of Milton, and the Town of Oakville. Halton Region is committed to meeting the needs of its residents through the delivery of cost-effective, quality programs and services, including water and wastewater; Regional roads and planning; paramedic services; waste management; public health; social assistance; children’s and seniors’ services; housing services; heritage programs; emergency management and economic development. For more information, call 311 or visit Halton Region’s website at halton.ca.
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