Emergency Prepardness

Emergencies can happen at any time. We are committed to ensure the safety of our residents in the event of an emergency. The Municipality has an Emergency Plan which details how the Municipality will respond to various emergencies.

The Township of Hamilton is a safe place to work and live. Most incidents that do occur are handled by well-trained emergency responders. In the event of a larger incident, the head of Council may decide to declare an emergency and assemble local officials at the municipal Emergency Operations Centre. This approach ensures a coordinated and effective strategic response to mitigate the emergency.

Emergency preparedness is everyone's responsibility. The Township of Hamilton and its residents each have roles to play in preparing for emergency. Learn how you can be prepared for emergencies by making an emergency plan and kit.

Making a 72 Hour Kit

Every citizen has a responsibility to be prepared for an emergency. Just as the Municipality has a plan and equipment to carry out the plan, every family should have a plan and sufficient supplies to last for a minimum of 72 hours.

Emergency Kit Suggestions:

Food, bottled water, juices, instant drinks
Manual can opener
Warm clothing and footwear
Blankets and/or sleeping bags
Flashlights and batteries
Radio with spare batteries or crank radio
First-aid kit
Candles and matches
Car keys and cash
Toilet paper and other personal items
Medications
Important papers: Passports, Health cards, SIN cards and personal phone numbers
Whistle to attract attention if necessary
Playing cards, games, etc.
Backpack/duffle bag to hold survival kit items

The Township of Hamilton Emergency Response Plan

This emergency plan assists Municipal Officials in carrying out their responsibilities during an emergency.

The purpose of an emergency plan is to outline arrangements for dealing with the early stages of the emergency in order to reduce the impact of such incidents on the life and livelihood of the community and its citizens.

Read the Emergency Response Plan

Preparing for Emergencies

Be prepared to take care of yourself and your family for at least 72 hours. If a disaster happens in our community, it may take emergency workers some time to get to you as they help those in desperate need. By taking a few simple steps today, you can become better prepared to face a range of emergencies.

Here are some tips on preparing for an emergency.

Be sure to consider any special accommodations that may need to be made for family pets, and/or yourself or a loved one with a disability.

What3Words

Emergency services providers in are encouraging people to download the what3words app, which uses an innovative grid-based address system to help first responders pinpoint a caller’s exact location and reach them with minimal delay.

what3words is being adopted by emergency services around the world as a tool to dispatch first responders to the precise location of a caller in need of help. 9-1-1 callers simply give their what3words address from the app, and first responders will immediately be dispatched to their exact location. Every 3-metre square in the world has been given a unique combination of three words: a what3words address that never changes.

The app works both on- and offline, with the offline functionality making it ideal for use in rural areas that might have a poor internet connection, such as remote nature areas that are enjoyed by hikers and tourists. All the app requires to display a what3words address is a GPS signal, with a phone’s location services switched on and a clear line of sight to the sky for a GPS lock.

The free what3words app can be downloaded from app stores for iOS and Android.

Preparation

Here are some suggestions to help you prepare for a power outage:

Have a plan to help you manage without power.
Ensure you have a 72- hour kit.
Invest in infrastructure such as backup generator.
Ensure proper installation, testing and maintenance of smoke and carbon monoxide alarms.

During a Power Outage

Here are some suggestions that may help you during a power outage:

Conserve heat in your home – limit opening the doors/windows.
Conserve water, ensure you have an adequate amount of water for each person in your household for at least 3 days.
Do not use your oven or propane and other fuel-fired portable heaters to heat your home. If you are without heat and operating a generator, only use approved heating devices in the manner they are intended to be used.
Stay connected with Hydro One as the sole provider of electricity for the Township of Hamilton.
Charge phones at local businesses or libraries.
Visit a community centre during operating hours to shower.
Check on neighbours or family members.

After a Power Outage

Here are some suggestions to help you after a power outage:

Review and improve your plan to manage future power outages
Restock supplies as required

If the situation is a major weather event, emergency information will be available on the municipal website.

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Northumberland County Emergency Preparedness

Northumberland County Emergency Preparedness Guide

8285 Majestic Hills Drive
P.O. Box 1060 Cobourg, On K9A 4W5

Phone: 905-342-2810
Fax: 905-342-2818
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