Emergency Preparedness

Emergency preparedness begins with you! Meet with your family and those you live with to create a family emergency plan. Some considerations include:

• Emergency contacts – Choose an out-of-area contact to check in with.
• Evacuation – Decide where you would stay temporarily.
• Pets – Arrange care, as some shelters/hotels do not allow animals.
• Communication – Plan how to stay in touch with family members.
• Health records – Keep copies of prescriptions and medical information.
• Inform others – Share your plan with extended family or caregivers.

Your emergency kit should help you be prepared and self-sufficient for a minimum of 72 hours. Some items to consider for your kit include:

• Backpack or duffel bag
• Blankets or sleeping bags
• Candles and matches or lighter
• Clothing and footwear
• Extra car keys and cash
• First aid kit
• Flashlight and batteries
• Food and bottled water
• Important documents
• Medication
• Pet food
• Playing cards or games
• Radio and batteries
• Toilet paper and other personal supplies
• Whistle

In an emergency, you'll find updates from the Township on our website news page. We also share flood messages provided by our conservation authority as part of their flood forecasting and warning program.

Check out these other important resources:

• Alert Ready in Ontario is part of a national service designed to deliver Canadians' critical and potentially life-saving emergency alert messages. Check your phone’s compatibility.
• Environment Canada shares weather alerts so you can take quick action during severe weather.
• If there is a power outage, find updates and estimated recovery times from Hydro One's outage map and sign up to receive outage alerts by text. Rideau St. Lawrence Distribution customers (Cardinal) can report an outage using their emergency line 1-866-276-1400.
• Learn more about how to be prepared for different types of emergencies from the Province of Ontario.