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:

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

  • Heavy sweating
  • Cold, pale, clammy skin
  • Dizziness
  • Weakness or fatigue
  • Headache
  • Nausea or vomiting

Signs of heat stroke

  • Confusion or altered mental state
  • Body temperature over 104°F (40°C)
  • Hot, dry, flushed skin
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Rapid pulse
  • Quick, shallow breathing
  • Headache

What to do if someone is suffering from heat exhaustion

  • Rest in a cool place
  • Drink cool fluids
  • Soak in a cool bath, take a cold shower or put towels soaked in cool water on your skin
  • Loosen clothing

What to do if someone is suffering from heat stroke

  • Call 911 and stay with the person until help arrives
  • Move out of the heat immediately
  • Cover the person with cool wet cloths or soak in a cool bath

Protect yourself and prevent heat-related illnesses

  • Stay hydrated and drink water
  • Wear light, loose clothing
  • Stay out of direct sunlight 
  • Use sunscreen with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of at Least 15
  • Wear Ultraviolet- (UV) absorbent eyewear (sunglasses, shades, etc.)
  • Wear a hat or use screens or umbrellas to create shaded areas
  • Use fans and air conditioning
  • Never leave anyone in a parked car
  • Take it easy during the hottest parts of the day
  • Be cautious if you are in an increased risk group 

Thunderstorms 

Summer is thunderstorm season. It is important not to underestimate the power of storms, as they can carry the risk of:

  • Lightning strikes 
  • Hail 
  • Flash floods 
  • High winds and potential for tornadoes 

Preparing for a storm

  • Trim branches and cut down unstable trees 
  • Keep gutters and drains clear 
  • Keep your roof in good repair 
  • Have an emergency kit ready ahead of time 

During a storm 

  • When thunder roars, stay indoors! 
  • Unplug appliances and TVs 
  • Stay away from doors and windows 
  • Use a battery-powered radio to listen for weather updates
  • If you are caught outside, crouch down

This information is also available in our Emergency Preparedness Guide. To request a copy of this guide, please call or email us.

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.