Emergencies are events that can threaten the health, safety or well-being of people in our community. They may be caused by severe weather, disease outbreaks, environmental hazards or other events that disrupt daily life and essential services. Being prepared can help protect your health, reduce the impacts of an emergency and support a quicker recovery. This page brings together WDG Public Health information and trusted emergency preparedness resources to help you prepare for, respond to and recover from emergencies.

Different organizations have different responsibilities during an emergency:

• Municipalities: Lead local emergency management, including emergency alerts, evacuations and response
• WDG Public Health: Provides health information, responds to public health emergencies and works with community partners to protect the health of residents.
• Provincial and federal governments: Provide emergency preparedness guidance and recovery supports

Be Prepared

Preparing before an emergency can help protect your health and make it easier to respond and recover.

Before an emergency

• Make a plan
  • Talk with your household about what you would do in an emergency, including:
    • where you would meet
    • how you would communicate
    • any needs for children, older adults, pets or family members who may need extra support
• Build an emergency kit
  • Prepare an emergency kit with enough essential supplies to support your household for at least 72 hours. Learn how to build an emergency kit.

During an emergency

During an emergency:

• Follow instructions from local emergency officials.
• Stay informed using trusted sources.
• Follow Public Health guidance to protect yourself and others.
• Check on neighbours, friends and family members who may need assistance.

After an emergency

Recovery may take time and some emergencies can continue to affect your health. Depending on the situation, you may need information about:

• Mental health and well-being
• Food and drinking water safety
• Flood cleanup
• Community and social supports

Recovery Resources:

• Disaster Recovery Assistance for Ontarians
• Canadian Red Cross: Guide to Disaster Recovery for Parents and Caregivers
• Canadian Red Cross: Preparing for and Coping with the Effects of a Disaster or Emergency

Common Emergencies in Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph

Different types of emergencies can affect our community. Learn how to prepare for common emergencies and protect your health.

Public Health Emergencies

WDG Public Health is prepared to respond to public health emergencies and works closely with municipalities, emergency services, healthcare providers and other partners to protect the health of our communities. WDG Public Health supports the response, but is not a first responder.

When Public Health Leads

Public health takes the lead during emergencies involving a threat to human health such as a health hazard or an infectious disease outbreak. Depending on the emergency, WDG Public Health may:

• Investigate infectious diseases and outbreaks
• Assess and respond to public health hazards
• Provide recommendations to help people protect their health
• Organize immunization clinics when needed
• Share timely public health information
• Work with municipal, provincial, federal and healthcare partners

Emergency Prevention

WDG Public Health works to prevent and reduce public health risks by:

• Preventing and managing infectious disease outbreaks
• Providing immunization programs
• Inspecting food premises to help prevent foodborne illness
• Monitoring drinking water systems
• Responding to environmental public health hazards
• Promoting healthy behaviours that help prevent illness and injury

Learn more about our emergency management in the WDG Public Health Emergency Response Plan (PDF).

Emergency Preparedness Resources