(Today’s Northumberland file photo)
Province deploying workers and resources to support emergency response
Following the recent ice storm, the Ontario government continues to provide support to impacted communities across Ontario. Emergency management personnel and Ontario Corps partners are working in areas hardest hit by the storm, including where critical infrastructure is most impacted. Teams are cleaning up debris, conducting wellness checks on residents, delivering food and water, and setting up warming stations.
“When emergencies happen, getting boots on the ground quickly can make all the difference to ensure life-saving actions are taken,” said Jill Dunlop, Minister of Emergency Preparedness and Response. “I would like to recognize the incredible efforts of our emergency response personnel, Ontario Corps volunteers, hydro workers and first responders who answered the call to support their communities in times of need. Thanks to these efforts, we are on the road to recovery.”
The province’s top priority is the safety of Ontario residents and getting critical infrastructure like electricity back up and running.
To date:
Over 2,000 wellness checks of vulnerable population in person and by phone have been conducted
Over 100 personal hygiene kits have been distributed
Over 500 meals and food hampers have been delivered in communities
Over 1,500 people have accessed municipal evacuation sites
Over 600 volunteer hours have been contributed
Communities in need of provincial assistance during an emergency should contact the Ministry of Emergency Preparedness and Response by way of the Provincial Emergency Operations Centre. Staff are available 24/7 and will act quickly to assess the situation and determine the best support to provide to the community—Ontario Corps partners, equipment, regional field services staff and/or more.
As parts of the province brace for more freezing rain, the public is reminded to:
Prepare an emergency preparedness kit for your household with enough non-perishable food, water and essentials to stay self-sufficient for up to 3 days
Be safe around downed power lines and stay at least 10 meters away
Visit ontario.ca/511 to stay informed on local traffic and road conditions
Quick Facts
Ontario Corps partners include Team Rubicon, GlobalMedic, the Ontario Search and Rescue Volunteer Association, Mennonite Disaster Service, Feed Ontario and the Salvation Army.
Ontario Corps is a group of skilled professionals and volunteers that the province can deploy to help communities respond to natural disasters and other emergencies, while promoting civic engagement and community participation.
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
