This unit works with Toronto's Office of Emergency Management (OEM), fire, police, public health, and other City services and community partners to help ensure readiness in the event of disaster. When disaster strikes we assist evacuees and their pets with shelter, food, clothing, registration and inquiry, and personal services.

In 2010, Emergency Human Service responded to 37 emergency situations where assistance for people and their pets was required. Those situations included power outages, fires, gas leaks, unsafe building conditions and a request from the province to assist with Haitian Canadians returning home after a devastating earthquake. 

We routinely provide key services to Torontonians such as opening cooling centres during episodes of extreme hot weather and administration of the extreme cold weather alert program. We have provided supports during blackouts, fires and building collapse including the hydro fire at 2 Secord Ave and the propane explosion on Murray Street.

The Emergency Planning and Management Unit is a member of the City's basic emergency management training program and conducts joint training and exercises with OEM and other emergency responders.

Contact the Emergency Planning and Management Unit at:
416-392-9206.