Emergency Planning

A declared emergency situation or impending situation constitutes a danger of major proportions that could result in serious harm to persons or substantial damage to property that is:

• caused by the forces of nature;

• a disease or other health risk;

• an accident; or

• an act whether intentional or otherwise.

• Within the first 72 hours, the municipality shall attend to and protect all municipally-owned infrastructure and assets (roads, bridges, buildings and water and sewer)

• Municipal staff shall attend to and protect all municipally-owned infrastructure and assets. This could take up to 72 hours and therefore, individuals, families, and/or businesses are asked to prepare an Emergency Kit while the municipality attends to the emergency

The Town of Perth maintains a group of emergency management personnel including first responders, planners, administrators and support staff to identify and respond to various emergencies within the community. 

• Operational and political protocols and partnerships with our neighbouring communities and service providers are critical components of this process. 

• Members of the public generally identify emergency response with police, fire and ambulance services, however emergency management and preparedness plays a vital role in coordinating the response and recovery efforts on behalf of our community.

• The Town of Perth works towards the mitigation, planning and training for emergencies through its Community Emergency Management Program Committee (EMPC) and Community Control Group (CCG).

• Part of the EMPC's mandate is to educate the public on preparedness, coordinate emergency response and recovery efforts, collect and distribute critical information and research funding opportunities to support preparedness for the community.

The cooperation and participation of the citizens and volunteers collectively contributes to the excellent quality of life that we enjoy and our ability to effectively respond to the needs of the people who live, work, play, and learn within our boundaries.  Question or concerns about emergency planning should be directed to the Community Emergency Management Coordinator, Trevor Choffe at 613-267-5574. 

The Town of Perth has developed an Emergency Response Plan governing the provision of necessary services during an emergency and the procedures in which employees of the municipality and other persons will respond to the emergency. As part of its emergency management program, the Town has identified and assessed the various hazards and risks to public safety in the community that could affect a potential emergency and identified the other elements and facilities of the infrastructure that are at risk of being affected by emergencies.

Emergency Planning for Your Family: The 5-Step Guide

For more information on emergency preparedness, the following self-help advice brochures on the most common hazards of Canada are available at: www.emergencymanagementontario.ca

• 72 Hour Emergency Kit - Help Us, Help You

• Lanark County and Surrounding Municipalities - Emergency Preparedness Booklet

• Be Prepared Not Scared

• Boil Water Advisory Fact Sheet

• Prepare to Survive a Major Earthquake

• Floods, What to do Before and After

• Extreme Heat

• Thunderstorms

• Winter Storms

• Tornadoes

• Pets and Emergencies

• Emergency Survival Kit

• Emergency Preparedness Guide

• Business Flooding Tool Kit

• Leeds, Grenville & Lanark District Health Unit

• What You Should Know

• Handwashing Techniques

Emergencies can occur suddenly and without any advance warning. Across Canada, we face a number of hazards which vary from region to region. Learn more about what to do in specific emergencies;

• Hazards and Emergencies (GetPrepared.ca)
• Ontario Emergency Preparedness
• Current Emergencies in Ontario

Every household needs an emergency plan. It will help you and everyone in your household know what to do in case of an emergency. Putting together a plan will only take about 20 minutes.

• Make your emergency plan online
• Printable Emergency Preparedness Guide

You should be prepared to be self-sufficient for at least 72 hours, including getting by without power or tap water. Check out the links below for what to include in your kit. Alternatively you can buy an emergency kit or a car kit online and in various stores across Canada.

• Basic Emergency Kit Checklist
• Emergency Car Kit Checklist

Be sure to add items to your kit such as:

• Additional emergency supplies
• A copy of your emergency plan
• Photocopies of personal documents
• A household emergency contact list

Do you know who to call in an emergency? Depending on the situation, 9-1-1 isn’t always the answer.

Print our Emergency Contact List.

Ensure everyone's safety during an emergency. Learn how to develop you plan to ensure safety for all, and review the guides below.

• Emergency Preparedness Guide for People with Disabilities
• Emergency Preparedness Guide for Seniors
• Emergency Preparedness for Pets and Service Animals

• Games & Activity Book
• Activity Book