The Council and Staff of the Township of Billings and Emergency Management Ontario would like to invite all of the Township residents to recognize and join in some activities that promote the values of emergency preparedness that are important when it comes individual actions that can be taken for the protection of yourself, your family, pets and your property if an emergency arises. This year’s theme is "Plan. Prepare. Be Aware." — a timely reminder that disaster resilience begins at home.
The recent ice storm that hit Ontario should be a strong reminder of the importance of being prepared for the types of hazards that we can encounter in this part of the province. It is in situations, like the ice storm, where the hierarchy of the emergency management begins…and that is with you!
After the individual responsibilities, the Township of Billings also has its responsibilities for emergency preparedness as identified in the Emergency Measures and Civil Protection Act. Under the Act, the Township is required to have an Emergency Management Policy Committee and a Municipal Emergency Control Group that has taken the necessary steps pf preparedness through training and planning to be able to assist and lead in larger scale emergencies.
Next in the line of support in emergency situations is Emergency Management Ontario (EMO), EMO is the division of the Ontario Ministry of the Solicitor General responsible for coordinating the province's emergency management efforts. Established in 1980, EMO supports municipalities, provincial ministries, and Indigenous communities in preparing for, responding to, and recovering from emergencies. EMO operates under the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act, which mandates that all municipalities and provincial ministries have emergency management programs. The act outlines the responsibilities of local governments and ministries in preparing for and responding to emergencies.
One of the last groups in the line of providing assistance in an emergency are the Non-Governmental Organizations. NGOs (non-governmental organizations) are nonprofit organizations that respond to crises and disasters—whether natural, man-made, or complex humanitarian emergencies. Their primary focus is on providing immediate aid and relief to populations affected by events like natural disasters, epidemics, pandemics armed conflicts or other situations requiring their services.
We as residents of Ontario can feel reassured that we do have these layers of support in place in the event of an emergency arising, but one thing that you need to be prepared for is the first 72 hours of the emergency or until emergency services or supports can reach you.
Please review the attached information and start putting together the plan that will best assist you in the event of an emergency.
Every year, Emergency Preparedness Week (EP Week) is observed during the first full week of May. It's a nationwide initiative that encourages all Canadians to act to better prepare themselves and their families for emergencies. This year’s theme is "Plan. Prepare. Be Aware." — a timely reminder that disaster resilience begins at home.
Why Emergency Preparedness Matters
Natural disasters, extreme weather, power outages, pandemics, and human-caused emergencies can happen with little warning. When emergencies strike, being prepared can make a life-saving difference. The goal of EP Week is to empower individuals, families, and communities to:
• Know the risks specific to their region
• Make a household emergency plan
• Build an emergency kit
Know the Risks
Different regions face different risks. For example, British Columbia residents may be more at risk for earthquakes and wildfires, while those in the Prairies should prepare for blizzards and floods. Learning about the most likely hazards in your area is the first step toward readiness.
Make a Plan
Creating a household emergency plan doesn’t take long but can make a huge difference. It should include:
• A communication plan (how to reach family if cell networks are down)
• Designated meeting places
• Evacuation routes and shelter-in-place instructions
• Contact info for emergency services, family, and neighbours
Ensure every household member understands the plan — including kids and seniors.
Build an Emergency Kit
Every household should have a 72-hour emergency kit. Essentials include:
• Drinking water (2L per person per day)
• Non-perishable food
• Flashlight, batteries, candles
• First aid kit and medications
• Phone chargers, battery bank
• Important documents (ID, insurance, etc.)
• Extra cash, local maps, and emergency contacts
Bonus: Make a go-bag for fast evacuations and a pet emergency kit if you have furry family members.
Emergencies are inevitable — but panic doesn’t have to be. With a little preparation, you can reduce fear, minimize disruption, and protect what matters most. This Emergency Preparedness Week, take the time to plan, prepare, and be aware.
Because when disaster strikes, it's too late to prepare.