Emergencies don’t always come with a warning. From severe weather to flooding or power outages, unexpected events can affect our homes, roads and essential services. Behind the scenes, Halton Region is always preparing—so that when something happens, our community and staff are ready.
Planning today for tomorrow’s emergencies
Halton’s Emergency Management team works year‑round to help protect residents, infrastructure and services. Their role is to plan, coordinate and support how the Region responds during large‑scale community emergencies. The team continuously monitors potential risks, updates emergency plans, and participates in regular training and emergency exercises to test how those plans work in real‑life scenarios.
This work doesn’t happen in isolation. Emergency Management partners closely with:
- Local Municipalities
- police, fire and paramedic services
- hospitals and health partners
- utilities and Conservation Halton
- community organizations like the Canadian Red Cross
Together, these partnerships ensure a coordinated response when emergencies affect our community.
Stay informed and ready to respond
A key part of emergency preparedness is staying informed before an emergency happens.
When an emergency does occur, you can find timely and accurate information through our @regionofhalton social media channels and our website, halton.ca.
Emergency response starts at home. Being prepared can help reduce stress, keep you safe, and allow emergency responders to focus on those with the greatest need.
The basics of emergency preparedness are simple:
Having a plan and an emergency kit ready, both at home and in your vehicle, can help you manage for at least three days during a power outage, evacuation or service disruption.
Top hazards in Halton and how to prepare
Here are three of the top risks in our community that are important to know and prepare for.
Severe weather
High winds, heat waves, ice storms, flooding and power outages can happen at any time of year.
What you can do:
- Monitor weather forecasts on Environment Canada Weather Conditions and Forecast webpage (external link) and by downloading Environment and Climate Change Canada’s WeatherCAN app (external link).
- Have an emergency kit ready for everyone in your household, including pets.
- Learn what to do during and after a severe weather emergency.
Flooding
Fast‑rising water and basement flooding can cause serious damage and safety risks.
What you can do:
- Monitor flood status updates from local conservation authorities and @regionofhalton social media.
- Take steps to protect your home from basement flooding and know what to do if you experience it.
Fire
Fires can happen anywhere, including at home, work or in the community.
What you can do:
- Install and maintain smoke alarms on every floor and outside all sleeping areas.
- Install carbon monoxide alarms where required to reduce the risk of serious injury or death.
- Make sure you have a home fire escape plan, and that everyone in your household knows exactly what to do when smoke alarms activate.
- Consider enhanced fire protection, such as residential sprinklers which can significantly reduce fire risk in new builds or major renovations.
For more resources on fire prevention, visit your local fire department’s website:
A shared effort
Emergency preparedness is a shared responsibility. Thank you to residents who take steps to prepare their households, and to the many partners who work alongside Halton Region to respond during emergencies and help people recover.
A little preparation today can make a big difference tomorrow—helping keep our community safe, resilient and ready, so everyone in Halton can live, grow and thrive.
Learn more and get prepared
- Download your 72 Hour Emergency Preparedness Personal Guide (PDF file)
- Access Emergency Preparedness tips and resources on our Emergency Preparedness webpage.
- Get information on subsidies and what to do in the event of flooding.
- Sign up for Regional news, media releases and notices.