Emergency Preparedness

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Grand Erie Public Health works closely with local municipalities and community partners to prevent, respond to, and recover from emergencies that may impact the health and safety of residents across our region.

Emergencies such as extreme weather events, floods, power outages, and infectious disease outbreaks can disrupt daily life and pose serious health risks. Our role is to help communities stay safe through emergency response planning, public education, and on-the-ground support during critical situations.

What we do

  • Work to prevent emergencies by protecting health through inspections, immunizations, education and early action
  • Monitor and identify public health risks through a 24/7 on-call system
  • Collaborate with Emergency Operations Centres, emergency relief centres, and high-risk residential areas during active emergencies
  • Support outbreak management and infectious disease control
  • Assist with inspections of affected facilities (for example, restaurants and community centres) during and after community emergency events, ensuring public facilities are in compliance with applicable legislation prior to reopening to the public
  • Share information and resources with the public based on the type of emergency event (for example, safe cleanup, water safety, and safe food handling information)
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Taking steps to prepare for emergencies can help keep you and your family safe. Follow these three essential actions:

1. Know the Risks

Knowing what to do is an important part of being prepared. Learn about different emergencies and how to be prepared at Emergency preparedness | ontario.ca

2. Make a Plan

Planning ahead is an important step in preparing for an emergency. Visit Make an Emergency Plan – Canada.ca to prepare an emergency plan of your own.

3. Get an Emergency Kit

If an emergency happens, it may take emergency workers time to reach you. It is important to have basic supplies to keep you and your family safe until help arrives. Learn how you can purchase an emergency kit or make your own here.