Emergency Management

The Town of Penetanguishene is committed to providing a safe community and part of this is through its Community Emergency Management Program. This program refers to the preparedness and response capabilities of the community in meeting the needs caused by wide-scale emergencies or disasters. It is the coordinated response of both municipal and non-municipal resources. Emergency Management encompasses planning, preparation, policy, education, and training for emergency personnel, Town Staff, and the public, and response to and recovery from an emergency.

What is an Emergency?

Emergencies are defined as situations or impending situations caused by forces of nature, an accident, an intentional act or otherwise, that constitutes a danger of major proportions to life and property. They affect public safety, namely the health, welfare, and property of those in the community, as well as the environment and economic strength of the area. Its nature and magnitude must be such as to require a controlled and coordinated response by a number of agencies, both governmental and private, under the direction of an Emergency Control Group, as distinct from routine operations carried out by an agency or agencies (e.g., firefighting, police activities, and hospital routines).
In your day-to-day living, disasters may seem a distant possibility, yet natural disasters such as power failures during the winter or tornadoes during the summer can strike any community at any time. Emergencies occur with some degree of surprise and require unusual and demanding response efforts.

There are many things you can do to prepare for a disaster. One of the best things is to create an emergency survival kit and keep it in an easily accessible area. You should also make a family emergency plan and practice it often to ensure that everyone (even young children) know what to do when disaster strikes.

Public Safety Canada has developed an Emergency Preparedness Guide to assist you in doing this; however, before you begin, take a few moments to consider the possible emergency situations or potential disasters you could face. These are situations and events that could impact you, your family or your neighbourhood or community. You may want to consider helping your neighbours do the same, especially those who are elderly or disabled. If you or members of your family have special needs or disabilities Emergency Management Ontario has developed an Emergency Preparedness Guide for People with Special Needs and Disabilities to also help you in your planning.