The Municipality of Port Hope is proud to announce that it has been awarded the 2024 Community Preparedness Award by the International Association of Emergency Managers (IAEM). This distinguished recognition highlights the Municipality’s ongoing commitment to enhancing emergency management practices and ensuring the safety and resilience of its residents.
The Community Preparedness Award acknowledges outstanding efforts in mitigation, preparedness, and recovery—core principles that guide the Municipality’s emergency response strategies. This achievement reflects the dedication, collaboration, and innovation of staff across multiple departments, all of whom play a crucial role in strengthening the community’s ability to respond to and recover from emergencies.
“We are honoured to receive this prestigious award, which underscores the hard work and commitment of our team in advancing emergency preparedness initiatives,” said Jason Williams, Director of Protective Services / Fire Chief of the Municipality of Port Hope. “Our priority is the safety and well-being of our residents, and this recognition reaffirms our dedication to fostering a resilient and prepared community.”
This achievement is a result of the development and implementation of several key initiatives, including the new Emergency Response Plan, which integrates the Incident Management System (IMS), as well as the Municipal Rail Safety Plan Project and its complementary strategies, such as the Evacuation, Public Education, and Transportation Plans. Additionally, the Municipality has built a strong and collaborative relationship with Emergency Management Ontario and key internal and external stakeholders, further strengthening its commitment to comprehensive community preparedness and response.
Background
The International Association of Emergency Managers (IAEM), which has more than 6,000 members worldwide, is a non-profit educational organization dedicated to promoting the “Principles of Emergency Management” and representing those professionals whose goals are saving lives and protecting property and the environment during emergencies and disasters.