Emergency Preparedness

The Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act (2006) requires every Ontario municipality to implement an emergency management program.

Emergency Management Ontario (EMO) monitors compliance and supports municipalities in maintaining the required program. Requirements of the program include the designation of an Community Emergency Management Coordinator (CEMC), the development of an Emergency Response Plan and the formation of a Community Control Group to implement the plan if an emergency is declared.

In Algonquin Highlands, the Community Control Group is made up of elected officials and staff who work with and receive input from a range of services including police, fire, ambulance and social services. If an emergency is declared, these people meet at the designated Control Centre and follow a prescribed process for managing the emergency situation. Training sessions with mock emergencies are held annually, not only to meet compliance but also to ensure that the Control Group remains familiar with the process.

As a resident, it's important to be prepared for an emergency. Please visit the Emergency Management Ontario website, to learn how to be prepared at home, at work and in your car. There's also a link for helping those with disabilities to be safe and prepared.