Emergency Preparedness Week - 2024

Consultation has concluded

For over 25 years, the first week of May has been identified as Emergency Preparedness Week across the country. During this week, government and private organizations take the opportunity to share information and awareness surrounding emergency preparedness efforts the community can take to ensure their family's safety. At the April 24th Regular Council Meeting, Council proclaimed May 5-11, 2024 as Emergence Preparedness Week in the Township of South Stormont, and encouraged community members to participate in the educational activities throughout the week.

This year, Emergency Preparedness Week spans May 5 - 11 and the theme for Ontario is to "Plan for Every Season." In our region, we recognize that emergencies can occur any time of the year, but there are certain types of emergencies associated with the seasons that we can try to effectively plan for.

Review some of the materials on the right side panel of this page for helpful advice, tips, and checklists to make sure your family is prepared for seasonal emergencies all year round!

Voyent Alert Emergency Notification System

In 2023, the Township partnered with Voyent Alert! an emergency notification system that residents can register for to receive notifications in the event of an emergency. Residents can register to be contacted by email, text message, alerts through the mobile app, or even a phone call to your landline.

The tool is free to register and is utilized for emergency events, such as flooding or other natural disasters, service outages, severe accidents, etc. However, the tool is also used for road closure notices and roadway advisories, curbside waste collection notices, tax and utility bill reminders, community events and more. You decide which notification categories you register for, so you only get the information you want!

Find more information about Voyent Alert and register today by visiting our Voyent Alert! Page.

Emergency Preparedness Week Contest!

Do you want a chance to win one of 3 $50 gift cards to a South Stormont business of your choice? Take a moment to read the information below and review the information on the side panel of this page. These will give you all the information you need to complete the quiz below to enter for your chance to win!

Please note that the contest is only available to residents of South Stormont and winners will be contacted by email.

Be Prepared for Seasonal Emergencies!

We've provided some typical emergencies you may encounter during the changing seasons in South Stormont. Be sure to read through these tips and put them into practice at your home to ensure your family is as prepared as possible in the event of an emergency!

Spring - Be prepared for Spring flooding!

Ensure drainage spouts direct water away from the house
Ensure gutters are clear of any debris
Check to ensure your sump pump is functioning, and consider a battery back-up or generator to keep it running in the event of a power outage
Keep basement drain clear and unobstructed
Keep important documents out of the basement, or at the very least in watertight bins at a higher level
Keep storm drains clear of any debris and ice
Never cross or drive through flood waters, even in familiar areas, and follow routes specified by officials
Do not enter a previously flooded building prior to ensuring the building is structurally sound, and the walls and floors are not buckled

Summer - Be prepared for extreme heat and power outages

Stay hydrated by drinking cool water, do not wait until you are thirsty to rehydrate; ensure children and seniors are adequately rehydrating as they are at a higher risk of heat related illnesses, including dehydration
Wear light-coloured, loose-fitting clothing and a hat, if you must go outdoors
Prepare for power outages; if possible, open the windows at night to allow for a cross-breeze to help cool the indoors, and keep windows closed, and curtains drawn during the day, to keep heat and sunlight out
Avoid spending time outdoors during the hottest times of the day, typically between 10am and 2pm, and take regular breaks to rehydrate and seek refuge from the sun and heat
Protect family and pets by checking on them, preferably twice a day, especially in the event of a power outage

Remember, heat stroke is a medical emergency and to call 911 immediately

Fall - Prepare for harsh winter and spring

Have chimneys and other heating equipment inspected and cleaned
Trim any hanging branches on trees that may become weighed down with snow and ice, and cause potential hazards should they fall
Clear any leaf and yard waste out of ditches and away from storm drains to reduce potential flooding in the spring
Clear gutters to allow for spring melt to flow off and away from the building
Check your emergency kit and restock any items that are low or missing

Winter - Be prepared for severe winter storms and increased power outages

Avoid unnecessary travel before, during and after a winter storm
Listen to the weather forecast, and any advisories or warnings as the storm progresses
Have a car kit ready with warm clothing and blankets. Consider having a small shovel and some rock salt/sand to melt ice and improve traction should you get stranded in a winter storm
Consider alternate heat sources in the event of a power outage, such as a wood-burning stove, or a generator to run a heater
Never use a generator, BBQ, or propane device indoors, keep these items outdoors and well-ventilated
Be cautious with candles, and use flashlights as much as possible
Shovel snow away from the house, and take breaks while shoveling, do not overexert yourself

Pets - Do you know what to do with your pets in an emergency?

Ensure they are wearing a collar with a tag or have some sort of identification, such as a microchip, should you get separated during an emergency
Have a sturdy crate or carrier ready for transport, with a sturdy leash or harness; remember most emergency shelters will not accept animals, so it is best to have a few options for drop-off, such as a family member or friend from out of town, an animal shelter, or a hotel that is pet friendly
Make sure to have enough food and water for 72 hours (4L/day per average dog, 1L/day per average cat)
If your pet is on any medication, ensure to have an adequate supply, as well as dosage instructions
Toys and a blanket are always a good idea to distract and comfort your pet, as well as wet food, to help prevent dehydration if access to clean drinking water is limited

Build Your Own Emergency Kit

It is important to be prepared in the event of an emergency, and one of the best ways to help with that is to have an emergency kit put together and ready to go should you find yourself in an emergency.

The video below from the Government of Canada will help guide you in preparing a 72-hour emergency kit for you and your family.