Emergency Preparedness
Emergency preparedness is everyone's responsibility. Northumberland County, lower-tier municipalities and residents each have roles to play in preparing for emergencies.
Personal preparedness
All residents should be prepared to be self-sufficient for up to three days in the event of an emergency. Learn how you can prepare for an emergency by building emergency kits and use the tips below to stay safe and be prepared for extreme weather events:
Cyber-attacks and cyber safety |
What is a cyber-attack?A cyber-attack is a malicious, deliberate attempt to breach a digital information system. What are the threats?
How can you protect yourself from a cyber-attack?
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Drought preparedness |
A drought is a period of unusually dry weather that lasts long enough to produce a serious water shortage, otherwise known as a hydrologic imbalance. This can lead to issues like crop damage and poor water quality. Water conservation restrictions may be put in place during a drought. These may include actions like:
While watching our water use is especially important during droughts, below are a few tips on how to conserve water year-round:
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Heat-related illnesses |
Summer is the season of extreme heat weather events. Hot weather can be a risk to health for everyone, but children and seniors are often more vulnerable. Extreme heat can put you at risk of heat exhaustion or heat stroke. Make sure you know the signs and symptoms of heat-related illnesses. Signs of heat exhaustion
Signs of heat stroke
What to do if someone is suffering from heat exhaustion
What to do if someone is suffering from heat stroke
Protect yourself and prevent heat-related illnesses
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Thunderstorms |
Summer is thunderstorm season. It is important not to underestimate the power of storms, as they can carry the risk of:
Preparing for a storm
During a storm
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Winter driving preparedness |
Be prepared and stay safe while driving in winter weather:
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This information is also available in our Emergency Preparedness Guide. To request a copy of this guide, please call or email us.
Download the What3Words app
Emergency services providers in Northumberland are encouraging people to download the what3words app, which uses an innovative grid-based address system to help first responders pinpoint a caller’s exact location and reach them with minimal delay.
what3words is being adopted by emergency services around the world as a tool to dispatch first responders to the precise location of a caller in need of help. 9-1-1 callers simply give their what3words address from the app, and first responders will immediately be dispatched to their exact location. Every 3-metre square in the world has been given a unique combination of three words: a what3words address that never changes. For example:
- ///plopped.legions.dogged will deliver you to Presqu’ile Point Lighthouse in Brighton
- ///study.swirly.reach is the unique address for a 3-meter square of waterfront along Port Hope’s West Beach
The app works both on- and offline, with the offline functionality making it ideal for use in rural areas that might have a poor internet connection, such as remote nature areas that are enjoyed by hikers and tourists. All the app requires to display a what3words address is a GPS signal, with a phone’s location services switched on and a clear line of sight to the sky for a GPS lock.
The free what3words app can be downloaded from app stores for iOS and Android.
Community preparedness
Northumberland County is also prepared for emergencies. Learn more about our preparedness in our Emergency Management Plan.
What we do
Even in the most prepared communities, emergencies can happen at any time. Northumberland County and our member municipalities are responsible for identifying hazards in our community and creating response plans to help keep residents and visitors safe.
During an emergency, the County assists local municipalities by working with police, fire, paramedics and other emergency responders. If an evacuation is required, we may open an emergency reception or evacuation centre to support residents who had to leave their homes.