Emergency Preparedness Week

May 5 to 11 is Emergency Preparedness Week!

Emergencies can happen any time of the year – be prepared and plan for every season.

Safety starts with being prepared and having a plan. All Ontarians have a part to play in preparing for emergencies. Emergency Preparedness Week (EP Week) is a national event that educates communities across the province about actions people can take to prepare for emergency situations. This annual event has taken place for over 25 years.

This year, the theme is “Plan for every season”. This theme reflects the unique challenges facing Ontario on a seasonal basis and is to encourage year-round readiness and ensuring Ontarians are planning for every season. Ontario’s theme complements the national theme released by Public Safety Canada.

As we head into a warmer season, swap out your emergency hot packs and ice scrapers for bug spray and sunscreen.

Add seasonal essentials to keep your kit personalized and up-to-date every season.

Adult applying bug spray to child, both standing on a path in a forest, trees and foliage in the background.

Share your emergency communications plan with your friends, family, neighbours and coworkers to keep each other informed during an emergency.

A group of people sitting at a table with their phones out.

Making a plan is an important part of being safe during emergencies. Talk to your family, friends and loved ones about how you will prepare for and respond to an emergency.

Learn more: ontario.ca.

Two people together outside on a balcony hugging. The text reads: Keep your loved ones safe during an emergency.

Along with year-round essentials, stock your emergency kit with seasonal items like sunscreen, bug spray, extra hats and gloves.

For a list of kit essentials, visit ontario.ca.

Emergency kit items on counter. The text reads: Stock your emergency kit with seasonal essentials.

Make emergency preparedness part of everyday life. Talk to your household often about how the weather, seasonal changes or upcoming events might impact your emergency plans.

A family sat around a table ready to eat. Two small children sitting beside a woman, a man sits across from them serving food. The text reads: Discuss your plan for every season.

Stay up-to-date on local weather and dress for the elements – whether it’s snow or sun. Be prepared for anything!

(Image 1) A close up image of a foot in a boot on a snowy bench, and a pair of hands tying the laces. (Image 2) A sun hat with sunglasses balanced on top, a blurred image of people walking past on the beach in the background. The text reads: Plan for every season: dress for the elements year round.

If you have a child with a disability, prepare a list of any allergies, medications and medical contacts and provide it to their caregiver, school and emergency contact members.

Learn more: ontario.ca

A young person in a wheelchair next to an adult. The adult is kneeling down and smiling at them. The text reads: Prepare & share your plan for every season.

Involve kids in fun activities that teach them about your emergency plans, including seasonal considerations, your communications plan, and what to do if an emergency occurs while school is in session.

Learn more: ontario.ca.

Two smiling adults sat on either side of a child who is laughing. They are reading a book together. The text reads: Get kids involved in emergency preparedness.

Every household is different. Your emergency plan should consider everyone’s needs and divide up responsibilities to help keep your household safe during an emergency.

Learn more: ontario.ca.

An older man and a child sitting on a couch reading a book. The text reads: Customize your household’s emergency plan.

This spring, make preparedness a priority!

Ontario has both seasonal-specific and year-round hazards. For preparedness tips and advice for Ontario’s top hazards, visit ontario.ca.

Grass with drops of dew and a yellow flower in the middle. The text reads: Spring into year-round preparedness.

Being prepared will help you enjoy the outdoors at any time of year.

For day trips, pack your car kit and talk to your travel companions about how they can support you during an emergency.

For more: ontario.ca.

Woman with spinal muscular atrophy, sitting in a wheelchair, posing on a hiking path with green folliage lining the path. The text reads: #BePrepared to enjoy the outdoors.

During periods of extreme heat, spend the hottest parts of the day in air-conditioned buildings and check in on those who may be vulnerable during severe weather conditions.

For more extreme heat tips: ontario.ca/.

An older adult and a child playing with a soccer ball indoors. The text reads: Be prepared for extreme heat.

Some jobs involve being outdoors in extreme conditions. When it’s hot, it may put stress on your body’s cooling system.

Learn how to recognize and mitigate signs of heat stress in the workplace.

Learn more: ontario.ca/page/managing-heat-stress-work.

Construction worker leaning on a truck at a sandy constuction site. They are holding a hard hat in their hand and wiping sweat from their brow. The text reads: Manage heat stress at work.

During periods of extreme heat, you may be at higher risk of dehydration. Drink water regularly to avoid heat illnesses like heat exhaustion and heat stroke.

For more extreme heat tips: ontario.ca.

Woman drinking from a waterbottle, with the sun in the background creating a lens flare. The text reads: When temperatures rise, stay hydrated.

Heat waves can have a more severe impact on seniors. Check in on those who are more vulnerable to see if they need assistance during extreme heat or power outages.

Use our guide to help plan for emergencies: ontario.ca.

Senior woman smiling while looking at her phone. The text reads: Keep others safe throughout the year.

Keep pets safe throughout the year. Pack seasonal necessities in their emergency kit in case you need to leave your home suddenly.

A cat peeking out of a suit case. The text reads: Pack your pet’s emergency kit.

Emergency kits should include comfort items. From a favourite snack to a small family heirloom or your pet’s most treasured toy – include items that will keep everyone in your household calm and comfortable during an emergency.

A golden lab with a backpack, inside the backpack is a teddy bear with his head sticking out beside the lab’s head. The text reads: Everyone’s kit should include comfort items.

Pets can be impacted by the heat and some may have a hard time cooling down. This summer, keep everyone cool, comfortable & hydrated.

For extreme heat tips: ontario.ca.

A brown dog in a children’s pool. The text reads: Plan for every season: stay cool during an emergency.

Township of Hornepayne
68 Front Street
P.O. Box 370
Hornepayne, ON P0M 1Z0
Ph: (807) 868-2020
Fax: (807) 868-2787
info@hornepayne.ca