An emergency may result from an existing danger or it may be a threat of an impending situation abnormally affecting property or the health, safety and welfare of the community. Every municipality has risks that are specific to that region. Below is a list the City of Toronto has identified as risks and emergencies that pose a danger to public safety.

• Natural Events - severe weather, floods, blizzards, tornadoes, food or human health emergencies

• Human-Caused Events & Accidental Hazards - incidents intended to do harm to public safety and security, civil disorder, bomb threats, Improvised Explosive Devices and Improvised Dispersal Devices. Chemical, biological, radiological and/or nuclear agents may be used on their own, or in combination with these devices.

• Technological & Infrastructure Disruptions - incidents involving hazardous materials, utility and power failures, transportation accidents, aircraft crashes, water supply failures, building or structural collapse, critical resource shortages, or computer-related incidents

• Nuclear - Although construction and operation of nuclear power plants are closely monitored and regulated, an accident, though unlikely, is possible. The potential danger from an accident at a nuclear power plant is exposure to radiation. If a nuclear emergency was declared, the public would receive notification via radio and television broadcasts. Instructions would be provided which may include evacuation to reception and evacuation centres. Additional nuclear information.