Get Prepared for an Emergency
There’s no need to panic in an emergency situation, if you prepare.
During Emergency Preparedness Week from May 4 to 10, the Toronto Police Service is reminding everyone to get their household ready in case of a disruption to your regular life because of a power outage, flood, extreme heat or another emergency situation.
“It is an opportunity to assess and improve your readiness for unexpected events,” said Emergency Management & Public Order Unit Staff Sergeant Sheraz Arshad. “Engage with your community, participate in local preparedness activities and share information with friends and family. By taking these steps, you contribute to a safer and more resilient Toronto. Together, we can ensure that Toronto is prepared to face any emergency with confidence and resilience.”
Arshad said there are many resources that the public can tap into offered by many levels of the government including the www.getprepared.gc.ca website.
- Know the Risks: Familiarize yourself with the types of emergencies that can occur in Toronto. Resources are available through Toronto’s Emergency Management and Emergency Management Ontario.
- Make a Plan: Develop a household emergency plan that includes evacuation routes, communication strategies, and special considerations for vulnerable family members.
- Build an Emergency Kit: Assemble a kit with essentials such as non-perishable food, water, flashlight, batteries, first aid supplies, and important documents. Ensure it can sustain your household for at least 72 hours.
- Stay Informed: Monitor local alerts and notifications through the City of Toronto’s Alert System and monitor credible news sources during emergencies.
Arshad said the Toronto Police Service is always working together with local agencies, municipal partners and provincial and federal agencies to prepare for emergencies to prepare for emergent situations.
“The City of Toronto Emergency Management team co-ordinates with various agencies to develop and implement comprehensive emergency plans that are designed to ensure a swift and effective response to emergences, minimizing impact on residents and infrastructure,” he said.
Arshad noted that beyond preparing yourself, it’s a good time to have a conversation with loved ones, especially vulnerable people, about what they should do in an emergency.
When reaching out to police, keep in mind these numbers:
- Emergencies: Dial 9-1-1 for immediate assistance in life-threatening situations.
- Non-Emergencies: Call 416-808-2222 for non-urgent matters requiring police attention.
- Online Reporting: Visit TPS Online Reporting to report certain non-emergency incidents.
