Emergency Preparedness

Know the risks

In Ontario, we can face a number of natural hazards. Risks may include flooding, severe storms, forest fires, ice storms and pandemics. Be prepared and know what to do in advance. This could save your life and those of your loved ones.

Make a plan

In an emergency, your family may not be together, or you may be asked to evacuate your home. Thinking about what you would do in different situations and preparing a plan with every member of your family is the first step to being prepared.

Get a kit

In an emergency, you will need some basic supplies. You may need to get by without power or tap water. Be prepared to be self-sufficient for at least 72 hours.

Emergency Preparedness Guide

Peterborough County Emergency Preparedness Guide

When a severe storm is on the horizon the Environment Canada issues advisories, watches, and warnings through the Public Alerts website, automated telephone information lines and Environment Canada’s Weatheradio Network

Special Weather Statements

Issued for weather events that are unusual, cause general inconvenience or public concern, and cannot adequately be described in a weather forecast.

Watches

Issued when favourable conditions exist for a possible summer or winter storm. In the summer, a watch is issued up to 6 hours before a storm. In the winter, a watch can be issued up to 12-24 hours in advance.

Warnings

Issued when severe weather is happening or will happen. Severe summer storm warnings may be issued less than an hour in advance of the storm.
Take warnings seriously! Seek shelter and prepare to activate your emergency plan.

Floods are among the most frequent and costly natural disasters in Canada. Take steps to protect your property.

Stay informed with Kawartha Conservation Flood Forecasting and Warning Webpage and Otonabee Conservation Webpage.

The Ministry of Natural resources and Forestry's (MNRF) website has resources for you to reference including a forest fire map, FireSmart, emergency preparedness tips, fire restriction zones, and links to informative social media accounts. Learn more on their Forest, wildland, and outdoor fire webpage.

Visit Fire Smoke Forecast website if you would like to follow along with the fire smoke forecast.

For tips on how to stay safe and protect your property in the even of a forest fire warning in your area read the following:

Insurance Bureau of Canada's (IBC) Top 10 Wildfire Safety and Prevention Tips.

Firesmart Canada Home Ignition Zone Poster

Tips for Dealing with Forest Fires

Windstorms and down bursts can sometimes cause as much damage as a tornado.

This severe weather should be taken seriously.

Potential dangers in a windstorm:

• Debris and falling trees cause severe damage to buildings and vehicles, and can cause fatalities.
• Fallen power lines can cause widespread power outages.
• Loose window frames are especially vulnerable during severe windstorms.
• Light metal buildings, such as garden sheds, can collapse completely.

What to do during a windstorm:

• Remain calm.
• If you are inside, move away from windows and exterior walls.
• If you are outdoors, move into a safe building and avoid downed power lines.
• If you are driving, pull off the road and stop away from trees and power lines. Avoid overpasses. If possible, walk quickly into a safe building.

Power Advisory: Issued when electricity is in tight supply and all consumers are asked to voluntarily reduce their electrical consumption.

Power Warning: Issued when levels of electrical supplies become concerning and all consumers are asked to immediately reduce their consumption. A further increase in electrical demand may result in the need to implement load shedding.

Power Emergency: Issued when load shedding must be implemented.

Preparing in advance of a power outage

• Be sure to include a flashlight, batteries and a portable radio in your emergency preparedness kit.
• Back-up critical electronic files.
• Ensure there is at least one analog telephone in your home. Analog phones do not require an electrical outlet and you will be able to make calls to emergency services, if necessary, during a power outage.
• Keep the fuel tank in your car at least half full since gas stations rely on electricity to power their pumps.

Hydro One

Hydro One Power Outage Checklist