Halton Region, the Local Municipalities and first responders (including police, paramedics and fire) work together to plan for—and respond to—crisis situations. In recognition of First Responder’s Day (May 1) and Emergency Preparedness Week (May 5 – 11), the Region is encouraging everyone in Halton to create an emergency kit that can help them stay healthy.
“We all have a role to play in preparing for emergencies,” said Halton Regional Chair Gary Carr. “By taking steps that can keep you safe and healthy during a crisis situation, you help ensure first responders can focus their attention on those in immediate need. Remember, emergencies can happen at any time—plan ahead to help protect yourself, your family and your community.”
Steps to take to prepare for emergencies
- Know the risks close to home. Be aware of weather conditions and potential hazards that could lead to an emergency in your community.
- Make a plan for how you and your family would evacuate, communicate and stay safe during an emergency.
- Get or make an emergency kit that contains essential supplies that will keep you and your family (including pets) safe during an emergency.
Personal emergency kits should include identification and supplies for all members of your household, including older adults, people with disabilities and pets or service animals. Kits should include anything you might require if first responders ask you to “shelter in place” (stay indoors for at least 72 hours) or evacuate.
To find detailed information about what to include in your kit, visit halton.ca.
Keeping up-to-date during emergencies
You may be notified of nearby emergencies through alerts to your landline phone (eCNS) and your mobile device (Alert Ready (external link) system). You should also monitor local media (using a crank radio in the event of a power outage), police, fire and government websites and Twitter feeds for updates and instructions during a crisis situation.
Additional quotes:
- Greg Sage, Chief, Paramedic Services, Halton Region
“Halton’s paramedics train throughout the year to ensure we are ready to provide life-saving care in any kind of emergency. You can help keep our community safe by preparing the supplies your family would need to stay healthy—such as essential medications—for 72 hours.”
- Stephen Tanner, Chief, Halton Regional Police Service
"Through strategic planning and large-scale joint simulation exercises, the Halton Regional Police Service continues to collaborate with other organizations to ensure we are crisis-ready, and more importantly, positioned to prevent emergencies when possible. Help first responders keep you and your family safe by following instructions during an emergency."
- Brian Durdin, Fire Chief, Oakville and Halton Regional Fire Coordinator
“Fire safety and emergency preparedness are closely linked, and being prepared is an important practice that can help you stay safe. Refreshing your plans, kits and contacts helps first responders and can reduce the impact of anything from a house fire to a natural disaster.”
- Ralph Blauel, Chief of Emergency Management, Halton Region
“Our partnerships with first responders, relief organizations and other levels of government help keep Halton ready to respond. When you update your emergency plans and kits, we also encourage you to think about how you would stay up-to-date.”
The Regional Municipality of Halton serves 570,000 residents in the City of Burlington, the Town of Halton Hills, the Town of Milton, and the Town of Oakville. Halton Region is committed to meeting the needs of its residents through the delivery of cost-effective, quality programs and services, including water and wastewater; Regional roads and planning; paramedic services; waste management; public health; social assistance; children’s and seniors’ services; housing services; heritage programs; emergency management and economic development. For more information, call 311 or visit Halton Region’s website at halton.ca.
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