Community hazard information
Emergencies can happen suddenly, and without warning. Climate Change has added to this risk with more often and prolonged extreme weather events. Learn how to be prepared for our changing climate. When they occur, they affect our communities and our loved ones. Your can reduce the impact on you and your family by being aware of the hazards that are the most likely to occur in your community and knowing how to prepare for them. The Health Unit works with our local municipalities to reduce the effects of these hazards on residents.
Potential hazards
Knowing the risks specific to your area can help you prepare for potential emergencies. The following hazards are likely to occur in Hastings and Prince Edward Counties, from time to time.
Other potential emergencies
- Bomb threats
- Chemical spills
- Infectious and Communicable Diseases
- Nuclear emergencies
- Suspicious packages
Be prepared
Everyone is encouraged to be prepared for a range of emergencies that may occur where they live or travel. If an emergency happens in your community, it may take emergency workers some time to get to you. Plan to take care of yourself, your family and pets for a minimum of 72 hours by building and stocking your 72 hour emergency kit.
Get or build a kit and make a family emergency plan online at getprepared.ca. Be sure to review the emergency plan with your family The following short videos and guides also explain how to prepare family emergency plan and create a family emergency kit:
- Making a Plan
- Preparing a Family Emergency Kit
- Your Emergency Preparedness Guide
- Three Steps to Emergency Preparedness- Brochure
- Pocket Guide to Emergencies
Preparing for those with special needs
Many of us not only have to care for ourselves, we may also be responsible for taking care of family members that may have special needs; this may include infants, the elderly and even our pets. When you are putting together your emergency kit it is important to remember their specific needs and plan ahead to ensure their safety and comfort. The following resources may be helpful:
- Ensure everyone’s safety during an emergency | ontario.ca
- Emergency Preparedness Guide for People with Disabilities/Special Needs
- Emergency preparedness guide for people with disabilities | ontario.ca
- Ensure everyone’s safety during an emergency | ontario.ca
- Be prepared for an emergency | ontario.ca
- Pets and Service Animals
Another step you can take to prepare for emergencies, is to make sure your electronic devices are compatible with the provincial Alert Ready Emergency Alert System, which delivers critical alerts through TV, radio, and LTE-connected and compatible wireless devices. This system is tested twice per year. Visit alertready.ca/wireless for more information.
Related links
- Emergency Preparedness – Government of Ontario
- Make a First Aid Kit | Supplies & Contents | American Red Cross
- Frequently Asked Questions about Bottled Water – Canada.ca
Resources to help you get prepared
These fact sheets provide information to prepare for specific situations and what to do afterwards:
- What Do I Save and What Do I Throw Away When the Power is Out?
- Power Outages
- Preparing Formula for Babies During Emergencies
- Flooding
- Guidelines for Cleaning and Disinfecting Areas Contaminated with Vomit and Fecal Matter
- Fire Damaged Foods
- Keeping Cool During a Heat Emergency
- Management of Asbestos During Emergencies
- Shelter in Place
- What You Need to Know About Staying Safe During an Earthquake
- Carbon Monoxide
- Keeping Warn in an Unheated House During an Emergency
- Tips for Preparing for Possible Flooding
- What To Do When Flood Waters Have Affected Your Septic System
- Safe Food and Water During an Emergency
- Emergency Preparedness for Farm Animals
- Food Safety for Operators During a Power Outage
- Earthquakes – What to Do?
- Severe Storms – What to Do?
- Floods – What to Do?
- Power Outages – What to Do?
Conservation Authorities
Conservation authorities forecast local flooding and drought conditions. We recommend that you monitor the websites and sign up for relevant flood/drought alerts, to understand the situation the current situation in your community.
- Crowe Valley Conservation Authority
- Lower Trent Conservation Authority
- Quinte Conservation Authority
Emergency Preparedness in Hastings and Prince Edward Counties
- Corporation of the City of Belleville
- Corporation of the City of Quinte West
- Corporation of the County of Prince Edward
- Corporation of the Municipality of Hastings Highlands
- Municipality of Marmora and Lake
- Municipality of Centre Hastings
- Municipality of Faraday Township
- Municipality of Tweed
- Town of Bancroft
- Town of Deseronto
- Township of Carlow Mayo
- Township of Limerick
- Township of Madoc
- Township of Tudor & Cashel
- Township of Tyendinaga
- Township of Wollaston
