What is the Office of Emergency Management?
The City of Toronto’s Office of Emergency Management (OEM)
is the coordinating agency for emergency and disaster activities
as part of the City’s Emergency Management Program. The office
is responsible for developing programs and plans to prevent disasters,
if possible, and for reducing the vulnerability of residents to
any disaster that cannot be prevented.
The OEM coordinates with lead agencies in developing capabilities
to protect citizens from the effects of disasters, and works with
first responders who take action during the actual occurrence of
disasters. In addition, the OEM coordinates plans which provide
for recovery in the aftermath of any emergency involving extensive
damage or other debilitating influence on the normal pattern of
life within the community.
Using the five phases of emergency management (risk identification,
mitigation, preparedness, response and recovery) the OEM joins
with City departments and outside agencies to ensure that a city-wide
emergency management awareness effort is developed for total community
preparedness to meet natural or man-made disasters.
What disaster could affect me in the City of Toronto?
The potential threats that we face in the City of Toronto range
from natural hazards such as severe weather, flooding and winter
storms to a chemical emergency, transportation accident or the
possibility of an act of terrorism. For more detailed information,
check out list of hazards for the City of Toronto.
How will I know if there is an emergency?
The media is the most valuable tool for notifying the public of
an emergency in the City of Toronto. Tune in to local television
and radio stations to receive the most up-to-date information
on existing or potential emergency situations. The media will
be notified as to what actions local residents might be required
to take. A battery-powered radio will keep you in touch in the
event of a power failure. Emergency response and public safety
personnel can deliver emergency warnings by going door-to-door
if necessary.
What do I need to do so I am prepared for an emergency?
Even before an emergency occurs, you can take steps to reduce the
possibility of personal injury, loss of life and damage to property.
Actions like creating an emergency plan, preparing disaster supply
kits (see next question) for your home and vehicle(s), and
learning the meaning of terms and phrases that
officials will use during an emergency are important ways in
which you can be prepared.
What are disaster supply kits?
A disaster supply kit, also known as an emergency supply or survival
kit, contains essential items and important documents that will
help you and your family during an emergency, and the recovery
period following. The most basic of kits will include non-perishable
food, water and extra clothing for each person in the household.
It will also contain supplies such as blankets, tools, fuel and
matches. Kits should also contain copies of important documents
such as identification, insurance policies and property ownership
papers. All items should be kept in water-tight, portable containers.
View detailed
emergency supply kit lists.
What type of information will I receive during an emergency?
Following the recommendations of emergency officials during an
emergency is very important to the safety of your family and
property. You should stay tuned to your local radio and television
stations for updates, bulletins and important information. Use
your emergency plan.
Emergency response officials will use keys terms and phrases to
communicate what you and your family should do. The terms watch,
warning and protective actions and recommendations will be essential.
Watch – a
watch is issued for an area when conditions are favorable for
an event
to occur, such as thunderstorms, snowstorms
and other types of sever weather.
Warning – a
warning is issued for an area when an event is imminent or is
already
occurring.
Protective
Actions and Recommendations – Officials will
recommend the action that citizens should take to protect themselves
based on the emergency. Examples of those recommendations include:
- Shelter-In-Place – this
means to:
- Stay
inside
- Close
all windows and doors
- Turn
off all heating, air conditioning and ventilation systems
- Try
to seal windows and doors
- Tune
to your local radio and television stations for more
information
- Evacuation – this
means to:
- Remain
calm
- Pack
only what you and your family will need
- Turn
off all your lights, appliances, heating and air conditioning
- Leave
your refrigerator and freezer on
- Lock
your house
- Evacuate
to an appropriate location
- Protect
your breathing – this
means to:
- Cover
your nose and mouth with a damp cloth
- Fold
the cloth over several times
- Close
all windows and doors
- Turn
off all heating and air conditioning
- All
clear – this
means:
- The
emergency is over
- You
may resume normal activity
What should I do after an emergency?
You should follow the recommendations of emergency officials when
the emergency is over. Continue to listen to your local radio
and television stations.
What can I do for my children if they are afraid?
If a child is afraid, some of the things you can do are:
- Reassure
them by your words as well as your actions
- Try to keep
the family together
- Assure them
that you will look out for them
- Listen to
what the child tells you about their fears
- Encourage
them to talk about their fears
What if my children are at school?
If your child is at school at the time of an emergency:
- Do not go
to your child’s school
- School officials
will take special care of the children
- Monitor
your local radio and television stations for information
What about my pets? Can I bring them to a shelter if I have to
evacuate my home?
Pets are not allowed inside shelters. Pre-planning for your pets
can save time and concern during an emergency. In some instances
provisions will be made at shelters to house pets in a separate
area.
How do I
develop a family emergency plan?
- Have a meeting
with the members of your household to discuss the possible
emergencies that exist and how to respond to each
- Identify
the safe areas in your home for each type of emergency
- Explain
what to do about power outages and personal injuries
- Draw
a floor plan of your home and identify two escape routes
from each room
- Show household
members how to turn off the electricity, water and gas at the
main switches when necessary
- Identify
emergency phone numbers and post near telephones
- Teach your
children how and when to call 911
- Identify
one local and one out-of-city contact (relative or friend)
for family members
to call if separated during
an emergency
- Teach your
children the phone numbers for your contacts
- Identify
emergency meeting places: one near your home in case of a fire
and one
outside of your neighbourhood
in case you cannot return home after an emergency
- Take a course
for CPR and first aid; update your training every two years
- Family
records should be kept in a water and fireproof container
- Instruct
family members to monitor local radio and television stations
for emergency information
What items do I need to prepare my disaster supply kits?
Emergency or disaster supply kits are essential to your family’s
survival in an emergency. Use a checklist to
develop your own kits. Be sure to update the kits regularly and
prepare one for each vehicle
as well.
Who at the City looks after emergencies?
While first response agencies such as Fire Services, Police and
Emergency Medical Services are responsible for the hands-on response
to an emergency, the Toronto Emergency Management Program Committee
is responsible for the overall management of the emergency. During
an emergency situation this group is collectively responsible
for the direction and coordination of emergency response operations
within the City of Toronto. The goals of the Emergency Management
Program Committee is to save lives, reduce suffering, sustain
health and morale, minimize property damage, maintain and restore
utilities and essential services; simply put, they work to neutralize
the effects of the emergency and effect rehabilitation.
Members of this group are responsible for managing and coordinating
emergency operations and providing the personnel and resources
needed to minimize the effects of the emergency on the City.
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