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COUNTY OF DUFFERIN | Emergency Response Plan - 2021
EMERGENCY
RESPONSE
PLAN
2021
ATTENTION!
If you have been notified of an emergency situation but
have not read this plan:
Follow the immediate actions below:
If you were ACTIVATED you should immediately make your way to the location
that you were given when notified. Ensure that you have the required items to
meet the demands of your position.
If you are not able to respond, please notify the caller or the Community
Emergency Management Coordinator so that an alternate can be arranged.
If you were alerted and placed on STAND-BY, your services may be required
so on. Ensure that you have everything you will need to function in your role and
ensure that you are well rested and fit for duty.
Important Contacts
CEMC: ___________________________________________________________________________
CAO: ___________________________________________________________________________
Head of Council: ________________________________________________________________
Other: ____________________________________________________________________________
Other: ____________________________________________________________________________
Other: ____________________________________________________________________________
Full contact details are included in Annex 001
Table of Contents
1
INTRODUCTION
1.1
Community Risk Profile
1.1.1
Identified Risks for the County of Dufferin and Member Municipalities
2
PURPOSE
2.1
Authority
2.1.1
Action Prior to a Declaration of Emergency
2.2
Application and Scope
2.3
Coordination of Program by the County of Dufferin
2.4
Community Emergency Management Coordinator (CEMC)
2.5
24/7 Notification of Incidents
2.6
Notification of Senior Municipal Official
2.7
Plan Testing, Maintenance and Review
2.7.1
Annual testing
2.7.2
Annual Review
2.8
Additional Emergency Response Plans and Procedures
2.9
Approval of Amendments by Council
2.10
Flexibility
3
EMERGENCY CONTROL GROUP (ECG)
3.1
Activating the Municipal Emergency Control Group (MECG)
3.2
Activating the County Emergency Control Group (CECG)
3.3
Emergency Control Group (ECG) Membership
3.3.1
ECG Composition by Municipality
3.3.2
ECG Alternates
3.4
Activation Procedure
3.5
Emergency Control Group Notification
3.6
Notification Roadmap
3.7
Emergency Control Group (ECG) Authority
3.8
Delegation of Authority
3.8.1
Head of Council - County of Dufferin
3.8.2
Head of Council - Member Municipality
3.9
Declaration of an Emergency
3.10
Delegation of Council Authority
3.11
Role of Elected Council Members
3.12
Termination of an Emergency
3.13
After-Action Report
3.14
Public Health Emergencies
3.14.1
Municipal Support to Public Health
3.14.2
Public Health Emergency Declaration
3.14.3
Public Health Orders
3.14.4
Communicable Disease Order
3.14.5
No Requirement for Emergency Declaration
4
MUTUAL ASSISTANCE
4.1
Background
4.2
Objectives
4.3
Purpose
4.4
Activation
4.5
Notifications
4.6
Procedure - Requesting Assistance
4.7
Providing Assistance
4.8
Mutual Assistance within the County of Dufferin
4.8.1
Forms of Assistance
4.8.2
Requesting Assistance
4.8.3
Scope of Assistance Required
4.8.4
No Obligation to Provide Assistance
4.8.5
No Liability
4.8.6
Limitations on Scope of Assistance
4.8.7
Withdrawal of Assistance
4.8.8
Termination of Assistance Request
5
Costs Associated with Mutual Assistance within
the County of Dufferin
5.1
Reimbursement for Direct and Indirect Costs
5.2
Exclusion for Benefit Costs
5.3
Reimbursement for Operating Costs
5.4
Municipality Not Relieved of Financial or Legislated Responsibility
5.5
Request for Mutual Assistance
6
EMERGENCY ALERTING
6.1
Actions Upon Receiving an Emergency Alert
6.1.1
Emergency Alerts While Driving
6.1.2
Emergency Alerts and Municipal Officials
7
EVACUATION & SHELTER-IN-PLACE DIRECTIVES
7.1
Evacuation Directive
7.2
Shelter-in-Place Directive
7.3
Notifying the Public of Directive
8
PARTNERS AND RESOURCES
8.1
Federal Resources
8.2
Provincial Resources
8.3
Ministry of Solicitor General
8.3.1
Provincial Emergency Operations Centre (PEOC)
8.3.2
Specialized OFMEM Resources
8.4
Ministry of Health
8.4.1
Emergency Medical Assistance Team (EMAT)
8.5
Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks
8.5.1
Spills Action Centre (SAC)
8.6
Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing
8.6.1
Disaster Recovery Assistance for Ontarians
8.6.2
Municipal Disaster Recovery Assistance
8.7
Conservation Authorities
8.8
Public and Separate School Boards
8.9
Partners Engaged in Emergency Response (PEERs)
8.9.1
Salvation Army
8.9.2
Canadian Red Cross
8.9.3
Area Lions Emergency Response Team (ALERT)
8.9.4
Ontario Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (OSPCA)
8.9.5
Mennonite Disaster Services (MDS)
8.9.6
Dufferin Emergency Search and Rescue (DESAR)
8.9.7
St. John Ambulance
9
LIST OF CONFIDENTIAL ANNEXES
9.1
Emergency Operations Centre Procedures
9.2
Agricultural Emergencies
9.3
Environmental Emergencies
9.4
Extraterrestrial Emergencies
9.5
Hazardous Materials Emergencies
9.6
Human Health Emergencies
9.7
Public Safety Emergencies
9.8
Structural Failure Emergencies
9.9
Supply and Distribution Emergencies
9.10
Transportation Emergencies
9.11
Recovery
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1 INTRODUCTION
The Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act, RSO 1990 (EMCPA) defines an
emergency as:
"a situation or an impending situation that constitutes a danger of major proportions that
could result in serious harm to persons or substantial damage to property and that is caused
by the forces of nature, a disease or health risk, an accident or an act whether intentional
or otherwise."
1.1
Community Risk Profile
The community risk profile1 details community vulnerabilities and capacities as
determined through a Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment process.
1.1.1 Identified Risks for the County of Dufferin and Member Municipalities
The Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment (HIRA)2 process identified the following
situations as the potential risks to all or part of Dufferin County.
- Cyber Attack
- Dam Failures
- Drought
- Explosions and Fires
- Extreme Cold
- Extreme Heat
- Flooding
- Forest Fires
- Hazardous Materials Spills
- High Winds
- Ice Storms
- Pandemics
- Power Outages
- Severe Summer Storms
- Severe Winter Storms
- Tornadoes
- Transportation Accidents
2 PURPOSE
The County of Dufferin and each of the Member Municipalities herein referred to as the
'Municipality', have developed this emergency response plan (ERP)3 in accordance with
the EMCPA, RSO 1990, Ontario Regulation 380/04 and local by-laws.
1 In developing its emergency management program, every municipality shall identify and assess the various hazards and risks to public
safety that could give rise to emergencies and identify the facilities and other elements of the infrastructure that are at risk of being
affected by emergencies. EMCPA R.S.O. 1990, c.3, s.5.1(2)
2 A structured process for identifying those hazards which exist within a selected area and defining their causes and characteristics.
3 A plan developed and maintained to direct an organization's external response to an emergency.
This emergency response plan has been prepared to facilitate a controlled and
coordinated response to any type of emergency occurring within or affecting the
Municipality4.
This ERP is an important component of an integrated emergency management program,
which works within the parameters outlined by the Emergency Management Doctrine for
Ontario.
The aim of this plan is to provide key officials, agencies and the municipal departments
with an overview of their collective and individual responsibilities in an emergency.
This plan also makes provisions for the extraordinary arrangements and measures that
may have to be taken to safeguard the health, safety, welfare and property of the
inhabitants of the Municipality.
In order to protect residents, businesses, visitors and the economic well-being of the
Municipality a coordinated emergency response by a number of agencies under the
direction of the Emergency Control Group (ECG)5 may be required.
The arrangements and procedures in this emergency response plan are distinct from the
normal, day-to-day operations carried out by emergency services.
This ERP does not provide direction for site specific health and safety issues such as fire
alarms, workplace violence, etc.
The annexes to this ERP contain essential and supporting information, which is
confidential, and they shall be maintained separate from this document.
2.1
Authority
The Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act, R.S.O. 1990, Chapter E.9,
Ontario Regulation 380/04 and local by-laws provide the legal authority for this
emergency response plan6.
4 "Municipality" means a geographic area whose inhabitants are incorporated (Municipal Act).
5 A group composed of senior staff and employees of an organization, and others that may be involved in directing that
organization's response to an emergency including, the implementation of its emergency response plans and procedures.
6 Every municipality shall formulate an emergency plan governing the provision of necessary services during an emergency and the
procedures under and the manner in which employees of the municipality and other persons will respond to the emergency and the
council of the municipality shall by by-law adopt the emergency plan. 2002, c.14, s 5(1).
The council of a county may with the consent of the councils of the municipalities situated within the county co-ordinate and assist in
the formulation of their emergency plans under subsection (1). R.S.O. 1990, c. E.9, s. 3 (3).
The Municipal Act, 2001, S.O. 2001, c. 25 details the specific powers of municipalities.
2.1.1 Action Prior to a Declaration of Emergency
When a situation or an impending situation that constitutes a danger of major
proportions exists but has not yet been declared to exist, employees of the Municipality
may take such action(s) under this emergency response plan as may be required to
protect the health, safety, welfare of people, as well as any property and the environment
within the Municipality. The subordinate plans, attached as annexes to this document,
may also be implemented, in whole, or in part in the absence of a formal declaration of
emergency.
Details for activating the Emergency Control Group and declaring an emergency can be
found in this plan.
2.2
Application and Scope
This ERP applies to the County of Dufferin and each of the eight (8) member municipalities
located therein.
This plan supersedes and replaces all previous plans for emergency response enacted by
the County of Dufferin, the Township of Amaranth, Township of East Garafraxa, Town of
Grand Valley, Township of Melancthon, Town of Mono, Township of Mulmur, Town of
Orangeville and the Town of Shelburne.
The head of council of a municipality may declare that an emergency exists in the municipality or in any part thereof and may take such
action and make such orders as he or she considers necessary and
No action or other proceeding lies or shall be instituted against a member of council, an employee of a municipality, an employee of a
local services board, an employee of a district social services administration board, a minister of the Crown, a public servant or any other
individual acting pursuant to this Act or an order made under this Act for any act done in good faith in the exercise or performance or
the intended exercise or performance of any power or duty under this Act or an order under this Act or for neglect or default in the good
faith exercise or performance of such a power or duty. 2006, c.13, s.1(6); 2006, c.35,
Sched.C, s.32 (6).are not contrary to law to implement the emergency plan of the municipality and to protect property and the health,
safety and welfare of the inhabitants of the emergency area. R.S.O. 1990, c. E.9, s.4 (1).
2.3
Coordination of Program by the County of Dufferin
The County of Dufferin will coordinate the legislated components of the emergency
management program7 for each of the member municipalities through a shared services
agreement.
2.4
Community Emergency Management Coordinator (CEMC)
The Community Emergency Management Coordinator for the County of Dufferin may be
appointed as the primary CEMC for each member municipality8. In the absence of the
primary CEMC the municipality shall appoint an alternate CEMC to assume all
responsibilities outlined in this plan 9.
The CEMC will monitor potential and impending threats10 that may impact the health,
safety or economic stability across Dufferin County.
The Community Emergency Management Coordinator acts as an advisor to the Senior
Municipal Official, municipalities, departments, groups and agencies on matters of
emergency response and recovery by:
Providing expertise regarding the implementation of the emergency response
plan.
Fulfilling any role within the EOC as needed.
Providing guidance, direction and/or assistance to any emergency or support
personnel at the Emergency Operations Centre, and/or incident sites.
Assisting the Incident Commander as needed.
Coordinating post-emergency debriefings.
2.5
24/7 Notification of Incidents
Given the unpredictable nature of emergencies and the likelihood of an 'after-hours'
request for assistance a 24/7 On-Call protocol has been established.
The On-Call protocol can be activated for any member municipality by contacting the
24/7 telephone number listed in the Emergency Contact List.
7 A risk-based program consisting of prescribed elements that may include prevention, mitigation, preparedness, response and
recovery activities.
8 In accordance with County of Dufferin By-Law 2004-60.
9 Every municipality shall designate an employee of the municipality or a member of the council as its emergency management
program co-ordinator. O. Reg. 380/04, s. 10 (1).
The emergency management program coordinator shall complete the training that is required by the Chief, Office of the Fire Marshal
and Emergency Management. O. Reg. 380/04, s. 10 (2).
10 A person, thing or event that has the potential to cause harm or damage.
2.6
Notification of Senior Municipal Official
In the event of a real or potential emergency requiring the notification of an ECG, any
member of the affected ECG or the Incident Commander11 may initiate the activation
procedure by notifying the appropriate Senior Municipal Official (see Emergency Contact
List).
In the event of an imminent or occurring emergency the Senior Municipal Official12 shall
be notified if the incident commander determines that one of the following criteria is
present;
Any incident requiring evacuation of, or excluding access to residential or
institutional settings.
Any incident that is extraordinary or distinct from normal, day-to-day operations
carried out by emergency and/or municipal services.
In the event that the CEMC has not been notified of an incident the Senior Municipal
Official will notify the CEMC.
2.7 Plan Testing, Maintenance and Review
2.7.1 Annual testing
This ERP will be tested for effectiveness through emergency exercises13 on an annual basis.
2.7.2 Annual Review
This plan will be reviewed annually for accuracy by the Emergency Management Program
Committee14 and will be revised as required.
2.8 Additional Emergency Response Plans and Procedures
Each municipality, service, agency, department and division involved or identified in this
ERP is encouraged to develop their own emergency operating plans and/or procedures.
Such plans and/or procedures must not conflict with this ERP.
11 The entity/individual responsible for all incident activities, including the development of strategies and tactics and the ordering
and release of resources. The IC has overall authority for conducting incident operations and is responsible for the management of
all incident operations.
12 The municipal employee with overall responsibility for all municipal functions.
13 A simulated emergency in which players carry out actions, functions, and responsibilities that would be expected of them in a real
emergency. Exercises can be used to validate plans and procedures, and to practice prevention, mitigation, preparedness, response,
and recovery capabilities.
14 A management team that oversees the development, implementation and maintenance of an organization's emergency
management program.
The training of staff in these additional plans and procedures is the responsibility of the
municipality, service, agency, department or division.
2.9 Approval of Amendments by Council
Amendments to the plan require formal Council approval from all member municipalities
and the Council for the County of Dufferin.
Formal Council approval is not required for the following:
Changes, additions or revisions to the annexes
Editorial changes (i.e. editorial changes to text, section numbering, references, or
changes to references to provincial statutes)
Additions or deletions of contact information.
2.10 Flexibility
The safety and well-being of the community are the priority during any emergency
response, therefore deviations from the emergency response plan and annexes may be
necessary to address specific threats. During the course of the implementation of this plan
the members of the ECG(s) may exercise flexibility.
3 EMERGENCY CONTROL GROUP (ECG)
The Emergency Control Group15 is responsible for initiating, coordinating and
implementing the emergency response plan through the use of the Incident Management
System. The Emergency Control Group, at both the lower and upper tier, is responsible
for the following:
Coordinate municipal operations prior to, during and after the emergency;
Prioritize municipal operations;
Support the response to the incident(s).
3.1 Activating the Municipal Emergency Control Group (MECG)
The MECG will be activated16 under the following conditions:
A member of the ECG requests activation;
When there is a significant risk to the health, safety or well-being to members of
the community.
When municipal facilities and/or critical infrastructure are threatened or an
extraordinary demand is placed on municipal resources, or;
When an emergency situation is anticipated to impact or is occurring within the
municipality.
3.2 Activating the County Emergency Control Group (CECG)
The CECG will be activated under the following conditions:
A member of the County ECG requests activation;
When one or more member municipalities request assistance with coordination,
planning, resource management, etc.
When County facilities and/or critical infrastructure are threatened or an
extraordinary demand is placed on County resources, or;
When an emergency situation requires resources that are specific to the County's
sphere of jurisdiction17 as detailed in the Municipal Act or which are assigned to
the upper-tier under any other current statute.
15 12. (1) Every municipality shall have a municipal emergency control group. O. Reg. 380/04, s. 12 (1).
16 Decisions and actions taken to implement a plan, a procedure or to open an emergency operations centre.
17 11 (1) A lower-tier municipality and an upper-tier municipality may provide any service or thing that the municipality considers
necessary or desirable for the public, subject to the rules set out in subsection (4). 2006, c. 32, Sched. A, s. 8.
3.3 Emergency Control Group (ECG) Membership
The composition of each ECG18 is detailed in a table below.
In the Municipality where the Head of Council is also serving as the Warden or Deputy
Warden for the County of Dufferin, and the Warden is required to attend the County EOC,
the Deputy Mayor will assume the role of Head of Council for the municipality.
Any other officials, experts or representatives from the public or private sector19 as
deemed necessary by the ECG may be appointed to the group on an as needed basis.
The ECG may not require the participation of everyone listed however all members shall
be notified and advised of developments and progress.
3.3.1 ECG Composition by Municipality
Amaranth
East Garafraxa
Grand Valley
-
CAO/Clerk
-
CEMC
-
Director - Public Works
-
CAO/Clerk
-
CEMC
-
Director - Public Works
-
CAO/Clerk
-
CEMC
-
Deputy Clerk
-
Fire Chief
-
OPP Inspector
-
Melancthon
Mono
Mulmur
-
CAO/Clerk
-
CEMC
-
Director - Public Works
-
CAO/Clerk
-
CEMC
-
Director - Public Works
-
CAO/Clerk
-
CEMC
-
Director - Public Works
-
Fire Chief
-
OPP Inspector
Orangeville
Shelburne
Dufferin
- CAO
- CEMC
- GM - Corporate Services
- GM - Community Services
- GM - Infrastructure Services
- Fire Chief
- CAO/Clerk
- CEMC
- Director - Public Works
- CAO
- CEMC
- Director - Corporate Svcs
- Director - Community Svces
- Director - Public Works
- Director - Development
- Administrator - Dufferin Oaks
- Chief, Paramedic Svcs
- Manager, Human Resources
18 (2) The emergency control group shall be composed of, (a) such officials or employees of the municipality as may be appointed by the
council; and
(b) such members of council as may be appointed by the council. O. Reg. 380/04, s. 12 (2).
19 (8) The group may at any time seek the advice and assistance of the following:
1. Officials or employees of any level of government who are involved in emergency management.
2. Representatives of organizations outside government who are involved in emergency management.
3. Persons representing industries that may be involved in emergency management. O. Reg. 380/04, s. 12 (8).
3.3.2 ECG Alternates
Each member of the ECG shall have one or more designated alternates who will be trained
and authorized to fulfill the primary member's role.
3.4 Activation Procedure
In the event of an imminent or occurring emergency requiring the activation of an ECG,
at either the municipal or county level, any member of the affected ECG or the Incident
Commander may initiate the activation procedure by notifying the Senior Municipal
Official or designated alternate.
When ECG activation is required:
Incident Commander will immediately contact the Senior Municipal Official of the
affected municipality.
The Senior Municipal Official will contact the Community Emergency Management
Coordinator to initiate the emergency notification procedures.
When two or more municipalities are affected, the County of Dufferin's ECG may be
activated and shall include the Senior Municipal Official, or a designate, for the affected
municipalities.
3.5 Emergency Control Group Notification
When activating the Emergency Control Group it is important to ensure all members are
contacted even if they are not required to attend the Emergency Operations Centre20.
All emergency contact information is located in the Emergency Contact List.
1. Direct contact by voice or in-person is the preferred notification method. SMS,
email or other messaging technology may be used if direct contact is not
possible.
2. Make every effort to notify the primary contact person before contacting the
alternate(s).
3. Do not allow the notification process to cease if a person cannot be contacted,
make their notifications in their absence.
4. Confirm that those members you contact know whom they must contact and
what is expected of them.
20 A designated and appropriately equipped facility where officials from an organization(s) assemble to manage the response to an
emergency or disaster.
3.6 Notification Roadmap
Initial awareness of an incident may occur at any level within the municipality. For this
reason it is reasonable to expect that a person may have to make notifications up and
down the contact list.
Note: Shaded contacts are only notified if required.
3.7 Emergency Control Group (ECG) Authority
In the event of an emergency or impending emergency, whether declared21 or not, the
ECG is authorized to:
Initiate, coordinate, direct and otherwise bring about the implementation of this
emergency response plan and undertake such other activities as they consider
necessary to address the emergency
Senior Municipal
Official
CEMC
Alternate CEMC
PEOC Duty
Officer
Utility Companies
NGO's
Fire Service(s)
Paramedics
Hospital
Public Health
Dispatch
Police Service
Communications
Various Media
Department
Heads
Managers?
Supervisors
Staff
Head of Council
Members of
Council
Member of Prov.
Parliament
Member of
Parliament
21 A signed declaration made in writing by the Head of Council or the Premier of Ontario in accordance with the Emergency
Management and Civil Protection Act.
Expend funds for the purpose of responding to and recovering from the
emergency, including obtaining and distributing emergency materials, equipment
and supplies, notwithstanding the requirements of any by-law governing the
commitment of funds and the payment of accounts.
Obtain volunteer support from public agencies and other persons as considered
necessary and to indemnify such agencies, their personnel and other persons
engaged in response efforts which have been authorized and are consistent with
the emergency response plan, from liability for any acts or omissions resulting from
any actions taken pursuant to this emergency response plan.
3.8 Delegation of Authority
3.8.1 Head of Council - County of Dufferin
In the absence of the Head of Council the Chair of the General Government Services
Committee will assume the responsibilities of the Head of Council under this plan.
Should both the Head of Council for the County of Dufferin and their designated
alternate be absent or unavailable during an emergency the most recent past Head of
Council, who is still serving on council, will assume the responsibilities of the Head of
Council until such time as the current Head of Council or alternate can assume the role.
3.8.2 Head of Council - Member Municipality
In the absence of the Head of Council, the Deputy Mayor or designated alternate will
assume the responsibilities of the Head of Council under this plan.
Should both the Mayor and the designated alternate of a municipality be absent or
unavailable, and where the council has not adopted a succession plan by by-law, the
council will appoint an interim Head of Council until such time as the current Head of
Council or alternate can assume the role.
3.9 Declaration of an Emergency
The Head of Council, or designate, of the Municipality has the legislative authority22 to
declare an emergency to exist in all or any part of the municipality. The declaration of an
emergency permits for the taking of such action and making of such orders as is necessary
to implement the emergency response plan and to protect the health, safety, welfare and
22 The head of council of a municipality may declare that an emergency exists in the municipality or in any part thereof and may take
such action and make such orders as he or she considers necessary and are not contrary to law to implement the emergency plan of the
municipality and to protect property and the health, safety and welfare of the inhabitants of the emergency area. R.S.O. 1990, c. E.9,
s. 4 (1).
property of inhabitants in the emergency area. Such actions and orders shall not be
contrary to law.
The Municipal Act, 2001, S.O. 2001, c. 25 provides the legislative authority and spheres
of jurisdiction for municipal actions and orders23.
Note:"In the absence of an emergency declaration municipal staff may take any necessary
actions to protect the lives, health, safety, and property of the inhabitants of the
Municipality."
The Head of Council may consider several factors whether an emergency declaration is
warranted including but not limited to:
General and Continuity of Government
Is it an extraordinary event requiring extraordinary measures?
Does it pose a danger of major proportions to life or property?
Does it pose a threat to the provision of essential services (e.g. energy, potable
water, and sewage treatment/containment or medical care)?
Does it threaten social order and the ability to govern?
Is it attracting significant media and/or public interest?
Has there been a declaration of emergency by another level of government?
Legal
Could legal action be taken against municipal employees or councillors related to
their actions during the current crisis?
Are volunteers assisting?
Operational
Does it require a response that exceeds, or threatens to exceed the capabilities of
the municipality?
Does it strain the municipal response capability, thereby further endangering life
and property outside areas directly affected by the current crisis?
Are additional personnel and resources required to maintain the continuity of
operations?
Could it require assistance from the provincial or federal government (e.g. military
equipment)?
Does it involve a structural collapse?
Is it a complex chemical, biological, radiological, or nuclear (CBRN) incident?
Could it require the evacuation and/or sheltering of people or animals?
23 11 (1) A lower-tier municipality and an upper-tier municipality may provide any service or thing that the municipality considers
necessary or desirable for the public, subject to the rules set out in subsection (4). 2006, c. 32, Sched. A, s. 8.
Could you receive evacuees from another community?
Economic and Financial
Does it pose a disruption to routine transportation, rerouting large numbers of
people and vehicles?
Could it have a long term impact on the economic viability/sustainability resulting
in unemployment, or lack of restorative measures necessary to re-establish
commercial activity?
Is it possible that the municipality may take legal action against a specific person,
corporation, or other party that caused the emergency to occur?
A positive response to one or more of these factors may warrant a declaration of
emergency.
Upon declaration of an emergency, the ECG will complete the appropriate Declaration of
an Emergency form, and ensure that the following are notified:
The public
All members of Council
All Heads of Council within Dufferin County
Provincial Emergency Operations Centre
All contiguous municipalities
Local Member of the Provincial Parliament (MPP)
Local Member of Parliament (MP)
3.10 Delegation of Council Authority
During a declared emergency the Council of the municipality shall be deemed to have
delegated its authority to the Head of Council.
The authority delegated to the Head of Council shall be utilized in accordance with the
following criteria;
-
Facilitates a rapid response to the situation
-
Alleviates harm or damage
-
Exercising the delegated authority is a reasonable alternative to other measures
that might be implemented
-
The delegated authority only applies to the necessary areas/functions of the
municipality
-
The delegated authority is in effect for 30 days or until the emergency declaration
is terminated, whichever comes first.
-
Council may extend the delegated authority for up to 30 additional days as often
as is required.
Note: An emergency declaration is not deemed to be terminated when the delegation of
authority expires or is withdrawn by Council.
3.11 Role of Elected Council Members
Council members will not be present in the EOC but will be expected and encouraged to
liaise with their constituents and relay any concerns or pertinent information to the Head
of Council. The Head of Council will liaise directly with the Senior Municipal Official.
3.12 Termination of an Emergency
A municipal emergency may be terminated at any time.24 When terminating an
emergency, the Head of Council will complete the appropriate Termination of Declared
Emergency form, and will ensure the following are notified:
The public
All members of Council
All Heads of Council within Dufferin County
Provincial Emergency Operations Centre
All contiguous municipalities
Local Member of the Provincial Parliament (MPP)
Local Member of Parliament (MP)
24 The head of council or the council of a municipality may at any time declare that an emergency has terminated. R.S.O. 1990, c. E.9,
s. 4 (2).
The Premier of Ontario may at any time declare that an emergency has terminated. R.S.O. 1990, c. E.9, s. 4 (4).
3.13 After-Action Report
Within 60 days of the termination of an emergency, the Senior Municipal Official shall
present a staff report to the municipal council providing:
-
The justification for having exercised the delegated authority
-
An outline of the actions taken
-
Recommendations of lessons learned arising from the emergency
3.14 Public Health Emergencies
The local public health authority is the lead agency during a public health emergency in
Dufferin County. The primary responsibilities of the Medical Officer of Health and the
health authority are:
Immediately notify the Senior Municipal Official or the Community Emergency
Management Coordinator of any public health emergencies
Act as Incident Commander or as part of a Unified Command25 structure, in
response to a human health emergency
Activate the Public Health Response Plan as required
Work
with
the
Emergency
Information
Officer26
to
prepare
information/instructions for dissemination to the media pertaining to public health
risk reduction.
Consult on the safe disposal of biohazardous and/or other dangerous material that
may affect public health
Coordinate vaccine management and implement mass immunization plan, as
required
Advise the ECG on potabilty of water supplies and sanitation facilities, as required
Liaise with the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care - Public Health Division
Consult with the coroner on temporary morgue facilities as required
Coordinate local community medical resources (family health teams, hospitals, etc.)
in response to the emergency
Fulfill legislative mandate of the Medical Officer of Health as outlined in provincial
legislation
Provide direction on any matters which may adversely affect public health
Coordinate on preventing human health risks in evacuation centres/shelters
including areas of food preparation, infection prevention and control, water
quality, and sanitation
Maintain records of all actions taken
Participate in post-emergency debriefings
25 A structure that brings together the major organizations involved in the incident in order to coordinate an effective response,
while at the same time allowing each to carry out their own jurisdictional, legal, and functional responsibilities.
26 An individual responsible for acting as the primary public and media contact for emergency information requirements.
3.14.1 Municipal Support to Public Health
At the request of the Medical Officer of Health or an authorized representative the
municipality will endeavor to provide all reasonable resources in support of a response to
a public health risk.
3.14.2 Public Health Emergency Declaration
The legislated authority to declare any type of emergency in a municipality belongs to
the Head of Council. In the event of a public health related emergency the Medical
Officer of Health may request that Head of Council declare an emergency to assist in
mitigating the effects of such emergency.
3.14.3 Public Health Orders
The Health Protection and Prevention Act grants the Medical Officer of Health or a public
health inspector the authority to issue written orders27 to decrease or eliminate hazards
to the public's health.
An order issued under this section by the Medical Officer of Health or a public health
inspector may include28, but is not limited to,
requiring the vacating of premises;
requiring the closure of premises or a specific part of the premises;
requiring the placarding of premises;
requiring the correction of conditions, on or about premises specified in the
order;
requiring the removal of anything that the order states is a health hazard;
requiring the cleaning and/or disinfecting, of the premises or the thing;
requiring the destruction of a thing;
27 13 (1) A medical officer of health or a public health inspector, in the circumstances mentioned in subsection (2), by a written order
may require a person to take or to refrain from taking any action that is specified in the order in respect of a health hazard. R.S.O.
1990, c. H.7, s. 13 (1).
(2) A medical officer of health or a public health inspector may make an order under this section where he or she is of the opinion,
upon reasonable and probable grounds,
(a) that a health hazard exists in the health unit served by him or her; and
(b) that the requirements specified in the order are necessary in order to decrease the effect of or to eliminate the health
hazard. R.S.O. 1990, c. H.7, s. 13 (2).
28 R.S.O. 1990, c. H.7, s. 13 (4).
prohibiting or regulating the manufacturing, processing, preparation, storage,
handling, display, transportation, sale, offering for sale or distribution of any food
or thing;
prohibiting or regulating the use of any premises or thing.
3.14.4 Communicable Disease Order
A medical officer of health has the authority29 under the Health Protection and
Promotion Act to require a person, or a class of persons, to take or to refrain from taking
actions when a communicable disease exists, may exist or when there is an immediate
risk of an outbreak of a communicable disease outbreak within their jurisdiction. An
order under this section may include, but is not limited to,
Closure of a premises or a specific part of the premises;
placarding of premises to give notice of an order;
requiring any person that may have a communicable disease to isolate and
remain in isolation from other persons;
requiring the cleaning and/or disinfecting of a premises or thing;
requiring the destruction of a thing;
requiring a person, or persons, to submit to an examination by a physician;
requiring a person, or persons, to place themselves under the care of a
physician;
requiring a person, or persons, to conduct themselves in such a manner as not to
expose another person to infection.
3.14.5 No Requirement for Emergency Declaration
The authority of the Medical Officer of Health is not contingent on a municipal
declaration of emergency.
29 22 (1) A medical officer of health, in the circumstances mentioned in subsection (2), by a written order may require a person to take
or to refrain from taking any action that is specified in the order in respect of a communicable disease. R.S.O. 1990, c. H.7, s. 22 (1).
4 MUTUAL ASSISTANCE
4.1 Background
When a municipality's own resources are overwhelmed or at risk of being overwhelmed,
the municipality may choose to request assistance from one or more other Municipalities.
There is no requirement to declare an emergency before a request can be made for
assistance however, the requesting and/or assisting municipalities can do so should they
believe it to be necessary.
Mutual Aid Agreements as well as Mutual Assistance Agreements ensure that the
additional resources required to effectively manage an emergency are available from
another municipality or agency.
Mutual Aid Agreements - Fire Services
The request to execute the County of Dufferin Fire Mutual Aid Plan30 will be the
responsibility of the Senior Official - Fire Services or the County Fire Coordinator and is
separate from this plan.
Mutual Assistance Agreements - Close Municipalities
The County of Dufferin maintains agreements similar to this with several nearby
municipalities. Currently Mutual Assistance Agreements31 exist between Dufferin County
and:
- Bruce County;
- Simcoe County;
- Wellington County, and;
- The Town of Caledon.
4.2 Objectives
This plan will ensure that a process for requesting and providing assistance within Dufferin
County exists. Such assistance may include services, personnel, equipment and materials.
These agreements enable municipalities, in advance of an emergency, to set the terms
and conditions of the assistance which may be requested or provided.
30 An agreement developed between two or more emergency services to render aid to the parties of the agreement. These types of
agreements can include private sector emergency services when appropriate.
31 An agreement developed between two or more jurisdictions to render assistance to the parties of the agreement. Jurisdictions
covered with these types of agreements could include neighbouring, cities, regions, provinces or nations.
4.3 Purpose
A mutual assistance agreement ensures that municipalities requesting and providing
assistance are not hampered by negotiating terms and conditions at the time of an
emergency and may request, offer or receive assistance according to the predetermined
and mutually agreed to arrangements.
4.4 Activation
Requests for mutual assistance shall be made by the Senior Municipal Official of the
requesting municipality to the Senior Municipal Official of the assisting municipality.
4.5 Notifications
When the Senior Municipal Official or his/her designate activate this agreement the
following personnel will be notified:
Community Emergency Management Coordinator
Emergency Control Group
Head of Council
Contact information for the above personnel can be found in the Emergency Contact
List.
4.6 Procedure - Requesting Assistance
Upon determining that the need for mutual assistance exists the Senior Municipal
Official will:
Contact those municipalities that are party to this agreement and which may
have the resources required to request assistance.
Within three (3) days provide the details of the request in writing to any assisting
municipality. See Appendix A below.
Liaise with assisting municipality often.
4.7 Providing Assistance
Upon receiving a request from a municipality that is a party to this agreement the Senior
Municipal Official of the assisting municipality will:
Determine the capacity to provide the requested assistance
Approve or deny the request
If assistance is to be provided, direct staff to provide the requested assistance
Liaise with the requesting municipality often
4.8 Mutual Assistance within the County of Dufferin
Any member municipality may request assistance from the County at any time by
contacting the CEMC who will consult with the County's Senior Municipal Official. A
request for assistance from the County shall not be deemed a request that the County
assume authority or control of the emergency; the County's role will be one of support
and assistance.
The County of Dufferin is not empowered to direct the activities of a local municipality in
responding to an emergency, without the consent of the municipality(s) involved.
4.8.1 Forms of Assistance
The member municipalities and the County of Dufferin agree that in an emergency, any
party to this ERP may request assistance in the form of personnel, services, equipment, or
material from the other parties.
4.8.2 Requesting Assistance
The request for assistance shall be made by the Senior Municipal Official (SMO) of the
requesting municipality to the SMO of the assisting municipality. The municipality may
make the initial request for assistance verbally, however, any request for assistance shall
be confirmed in writing by the requesting municipality within three (3) days of the initial
request.
4.8.3 Scope of Assistance Required
Each request, where possible, shall set out the specific personnel, services, equipment or
material that is requested, and which the assisting municipality is able to provide. The
assisting municipality may request such reasonable additional information as it considers
necessary to confirm the nature of the emergency and to assess the type, scope, nature
and amount of assistance to be provided.
4.8.4 No Obligation to Provide Assistance
Nothing in this ERP shall require or obligate or be construed to require or obligate a
municipality to provide assistance. Each municipality shall retain the right to refuse the
request to provide assistance, and the right to offer options to the assistance that has
been requested.
4.8.5 No Liability
No liability shall arise against the assisting municipality if it fails, for any reason
whatsoever, to respond to a request for assistance made under this plan.
4.8.6 Limitations on Scope of Assistance
When assistance has been offered or provided by the assisting municipality, the Assisting
Municipality is not obligated to provide any additional assistance or to do anything or
take any action beyond that which is specifically agreed to in the request for assistance
4.8.7 Withdrawal of Assistance
Nothing in this ERP shall prevent the assisting municipality, in its sole discretion, from
withdrawing any or all assistance provided to the Assisted Municipality. Any withdrawal
of assistance by the Assisting Municipality shall be made only upon at least forty-eight
(48) hours' notice to the Assisted Municipality, unless the Assisting Municipality is
responding to an actual or pending Emergency within its own geographical boundaries,
in which case it may withdraw assistance from the Assisted Municipality without notice.
4.8.8 Termination of Assistance Request
The Assisted Municipality may determine in its sole discretion that its requirement for
assistance has ceased and shall notify the Assisting Municipality of this in writing.
5 Costs Associated with Mutual Assistance within the
County of Dufferin
5.1 Reimbursement for Direct and Indirect Costs
The municipalities agree that any and all direct and indirect costs for assistance are to be
paid by the assisted municipality. The assisted municipality shall be responsible to pay
for any and all actual costs incurred by the assisting municipality in providing the
assistance. Such costs shall include: all wages, salaries, overtime, shift premium, and
similar charges and expenses incurred in providing the assistance including those wages,
salaries, overtime and shift premium charges incurred resulting from staffing
requirements in its home jurisdiction during the period of the assistance, providing all
such costs are reasonable for the circumstances.
5.2 Exclusion for Benefit Costs
Reimbursable costs shall not include the assisting municipality's cost of employment
benefits which includes, for the purposes of this plan, Canada Pension Plan, Employment
Insurance, OMERS (or equivalent) contributions, and/or contributions made to life
insurance, health, dental, and/or disability plans or policies.
5.3 Reimbursement for Operating Costs
The assisted municipality may also be responsible for all actual operating costs for all
personnel, services, equipment, machinery or material furnished, including, but not
limited to, costs of fuel, repairs, parts and any and all other items directly attributable to
the operation of equipment and machinery, services and material furnished as assistance
to the assisted municipality under this ERP. The assisted municipality shall be responsible
for the cost of replacing equipment or material furnished by the assisting municipality if
damaged beyond reasonable repair.
5.4 Municipality Not Relieved of Financial or Legislated Responsibility
The assisted municipality shall not be deemed to be relieved of any financial or legislated
obligations should the County of Dufferin provide assistance during an emergency.
5.5 Request for Mutual Assistance
I, _____________________________, Chief Administrative Officer/Designated Official of The
REQUESTING MUNICIPALITY, duly authorized to do so by the Council of The
REQUESTING MUNICIPALITY, do hereby request of The ASSISTING MUNICIPALITY,
to provide assistance in the form of:
____ PERSONNEL
____ SERVICES
____ EQUIPMENT
____ MATERIAL
AS IS MORE PARTICULARLY SET OUT IN DETAIL AS FOLLOWS:
The above confirms the assistance verbally requested on ____________________, and which
assistance The ASSISTING MUNICIPALITY has agreed to provide.
Dated at _______________________this ____day of _________________, 20__,
____________________________________________
NAME
Chief Administrative Officer
The REQUESTING MUNICIPALITY
6 EMERGENCY ALERTING
The Alert Ready emergency alerting system is used by authorized officials when there is,
an imminent threat to life;
a serious threat to public health,
a serious threat to community safety or security;
or substantial damage to property.
Emergency alert messages will contain the following information;
A description of the threat
Alert area boundaries
Actions the public should take to protect themselves
Expiry date and time;
Details on how recipients can receive additional information.
6.1 Actions Upon Receiving an Emergency Alert
When an emergency alert is received it is important to act immediately.
Stop what you are doing, when it is safe to do so, and read the emergency alert.
The alert will include the information you need and guidance for the general public to
take. This could include but is not limited to: limiting unnecessary travel, evacuating a
specified area, seeking shelter, etc.
6.1.1 Emergency Alerts While Driving
It is important to act safely, especially if the emergency alert is received while operating
a vehicle. If you are driving, it is important to remain calm and pull over at your earliest
opportunity to view the emergency alert.
6.1.2 Emergency Alerts and Municipal Officials
When an emergency alert is received municipal officials should,
ensure their safety and the well-being of their family;
assess the impact of the emergency and determine if they are able to respond if
asked to do so;
notify their immediate supervisor and/or manager by SMS or email of their
situation, availability and any required supports.
Supervisors and managers will,
compile a list of staff that are available to report for work;
determine what support staff may require to assist them in reporting for work;
prepare to adjust regular scheduling to accommodate the community response
effort;
provide an update to the department head on the status of their division.
Additionally, members of the Emergency Control Group will;
report their situation, availability and any required supports to the senior
municipal official.
If the communications network has been impacted and it is not possible to
communicate please refer to the 'communications outage' plan.
7 EVACUATION & SHELTER-IN-PLACE DIRECTIVES
7.1 Evacuation Directive
Evacuations may take place prior to, during, or after an incident has occurred. An
evacuation may encompass any part of the municipality issuing the evacuation directive.
It may be necessary to carry out an evacuation while a threat is impacting the
community. With an evacuation of this type any delay may have a significant impact on
public safety.
7.2 Shelter-in-Place Directive
In certain circumstances and when the present location affords adequate protection
against the threat, emergency officials may direct people to shelter-in-place.
While the primary goal of any response action is to save lives, the ability to evacuate
people quickly and efficiently should be weighed against the risks of remaining in place.
7.3 Notifying the Public of Directive
When it is necessary to direct an evacuation or shelter-in-place the Incident Commander
will determine the most appropriate manner of notifying those affected. Such
notification may include, but is not necessarily limited to the following,
door-to-door visit by uniformed personnel;
telephone notifications;
issuance of an Alert Ready emergency alert.
8 PARTNERS AND RESOURCES
8.1 Federal Resources
All federal resources, military equipment, aircraft, services, and activation of emergency
plans and procedures must be requested via the Provincial Emergency Operations Centre.
8.2 Provincial Resources
Communities requiring assistance can contact the Provincial Emergency Operations
Centre (PEOC)32 at any time for advice related to managing emergencies.
Requests to the Province of Ontario can be made at any time without any loss of control
or authority. Any request for assistance can be initiated through the Provincial Emergency
Operations Centre (PEOC).
8.3 Ministry of Solicitor General
8.3.1 Provincial Emergency Operations Centre (PEOC)
If an emergency is declared, OFMEM may deploy a Field Officer to the local Emergency
Operations Centre to assist the community. The Field Officer will be the link between the
municipality and the province for both provincial, and if necessary, federal resources.
8.3.2 Specialized OFMEM Resources
On behalf of the Province, the Office of the Fire Marshal and Emergency Management
(OFMEM) oversees, administers and supports OFMEM Memorandums of Understanding
(MOUs) with nine municipal fire services. These MOUs enable trained responders to be
deployed throughout Ontario as needed in support of local responders dealing with large
scale natural or man-made emergencies that exceed local capacity, when an emergency
is declared.
8.3.2.1 Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, Explosives (CBRNE)
The OFMEMs CBRNE resources include the following;
Three specialized expert (technician) Level 3 Chemical / Biological / Radiological /
Nuclear/Explosive (CBRNE) Response Teams (established in Toronto, Windsor and
Ottawa)
32 A fully equipped facility maintained by Emergency Management Ontario (EMO) that can be activated in response to, or in
anticipation of, emergencies. The PEOC is staffed with appropriate representatives from ministries that have been delegated
responsibilities for those emergencies as well as EMO staff. It serves as an initial point-of-contact for the affected municipality and
federal interests.
Six operational support Level 2 teams (Peterborough, Cornwall, Sault Ste. Marie,
Thunder Bay, North Bay, and Cambridge/Waterloo/Kitchener)
8.3.2.2 Heavy Urban Search and Rescue (HUSAR)
The OFMEMs HUSAR resources are based in Toronto and can be deployed anywhere in
Ontario.
Activation of Provincial CBRN or HUSAR Resources
The municipality requiring the assistance of a CBRNE or HUSAR team DOES NOT have to,
or be in the process of, declaring an emergency pursuant to the Emergency Management
Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. E-9.
All requests for assistance from a CBRNE or HUSAR team will be received and coordinated
through the Provincial Emergency Operations Centre (PEOC).
Should an emergency occur, that in the opinion of the county fire coordinator or
his/her designate, cannot be addressed through the resources of the local fire
department, the mutual aid system or contracted service providers, he/she may
contact the PEOC to request the response of a CBRNE or HUSAR team.
The decision to activate one or more of the teams as part of the provincial response
to an emergency will be approved by the appropriate Ministry of Community
Safety and Correctional Services representative through the PEOC.
The PEOC, in conjunction with the Office of the Fire Marshal will be responsible for
overall coordination and direction of the response, and the PEOC will be
responsible for coordinating any necessary funding to support the activation of a
CBRNE or HUSAR team.
Local personnel will be in overall command of the emergency situation and will be
responsible for coordination of local resources and those of the responding fire
department(s).
The individual activities of a CBRNE or HUSAR team will be under the command of
the officer-in-charge of the CBRNE or HUSAR team.
The CBRNE response teams are not intended to fight fires involving hazardous
materials. When fire departments respond to hazardous material fires, the normal
method of activating mutual aid is to be followed for additional fire suppression
assistance.
The CBRNE or HUSAR team will not respond outside its home municipality as part
of the memorandum of understanding unless deployed by the PEOC.
8.4 Ministry of Health
8.4.1 Emergency Medical Assistance Team (EMAT)
The EMAT is a mobile medical field unit that can be deployed anywhere in Ontario with
road access within 24 hours. The EMAT can set-up a 56 bed unit that provides a staging
and triage base, and has the capability to treat 20 acute care patients and 36 intermediate
care patients. In addition, the EMAT can provide :
Patient isolation in the case of an infectious diseases outbreak;
Medical support and decontamination in the case of a chemical, biological or
radiological incident;
Case management and triage of patients in a mass casualty situation.
8.4.1.1 Conditions for EMAT Deployment
All of the following elements must be present prior to EMAT deployment
Emergency is focused on a severe respiratory illness or, mass casualty incident or
requires medical care for victims of chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear or
explosive (CBRNE) incidents.
Code Orange invoked by hospital
Municipal emergency response plan implemented
Efforts to transfer patients out of hospital/region have been, or will rapidly become,
inadequate
Resolution of emergency is predicted to be greater than six hours plus EMAT
response and travel time.
8.4.1.2 Activation of Emergency Medical Assistance Team
Activation of EMAT can be arranged through:
Headwaters Health Care Centre's Emergency Operations Centre;
Community Emergency Management Coordinator or his/her designate.
8.5 Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks
8.5.1 Spills Action Centre (SAC)
The Ministry of the Environment (MOE) serves primarily as a regulatory agency. The Spills
Action Centre, staffed on a 24-hour basis, receives and records province-wide reports of
spills and coordinates appropriate responses.
Spills are defined33 as the uncontrolled release of a hazardous chemical, either as a solid,
liquid or a gas.
Spills must be reported34 immediately to the Ministry of the Environment and to the
municipality when they cause or are likely to cause any of the following:
Impairment to the quality of the natural environment - air, water, or land
Injury or damage to property or animal life
Adverse health effects
Risk to safety
Making property, plant, or animal life unfit for use
Loss of enjoyment of normal use of property
Interference with the normal conduct of business
The Spills Action Centre has access to extensive chemical database systems and often
provides clean up advice over the phone. Depending on the nature and impact of an
incident, the Spills Action Centre can activate various levels of ministry response. If there
is a spill or other environmental emergency
8.6 Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing
8.6.1 Disaster Recovery Assistance for Ontarians
Disaster Recovery Assistance for Ontarians is designed to provide financial assistance to
home and business owners in the aftermath of a natural disaster that causes costly,
widespread damage to eligible private property.
The Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing may activate the program for areas affected
by natural disasters. Applicants within an area for which the program has been activated
can apply to be reimbursed for basic, necessary costs related to the disaster.
8.6.2 Municipal Disaster Recovery Assistance
The Municipal Disaster Recovery Assistance program helps municipalities that have
incurred extraordinary costs because of a natural disaster.
Eligible expenses may include capital costs to repair public infrastructure or property to
pre-disaster condition, and operating costs over and above regular budgets that are
necessary to protect public health, safety or access to essential services.
33 Ministry of Energy, Northern Development and Mines, 2018.
34 O.Reg. 675/98 Classification and Exemption of Spills and Reporting of Discharges
Costs are not eligible if they are covered by insurance or if they would have been incurred
anyway had the natural disaster not occurred.
8.6.2.1 Program activation and delivery
The Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing makes the decision to activate the program
based on evidence demonstrating that the event meets the eligibility criteria for Municipal
Disaster Recovery Assistance. The minister considers both the cause and extent of
damage, along with the initial claim and supporting documentation provided by the
municipality.
If the program is activated, the province and municipality enter into a grant agreement.
All payments under the grant agreement are based on eligible costs actually incurred by
the municipality as a result of the natural disaster.
8.6.2.2 Eligibility Requirements
In order to be eligible for the program, a municipality must have:
Experienced a sudden, unexpected and extraordinary natural disaster.
Incurred costs over and above regular budgets that can be demonstrably linked to
the disaster. These costs must equal at least three per cent of the municipality's
Own Purpose Taxation levy.
Passed a resolution of council and submitted an initial Municipal Disaster Recovery
Assistance claim (with supporting documentation) within 120 calendar days of the
date of the onset of the disaster.
8.7 Conservation Authorities
The Conservation Authorities Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. 27 assigns local conservation
authorities the responsibility of coordinating flood control35 within their area of
jurisdiction and providing warnings to municipalities and the public.
The following Conservation Authorities have jurisdiction for a portion of Dufferin County
and each has a current flood plan:
- Credit Valley Conservation
- Grand River Conservation Authority
35 21 (1) For the purposes of accomplishing its objects, an authority has power,
(j) to control the flow of surface waters in order to prevent floods or pollution or to reduce the adverse effects thereof; R.S.O. 1990, c.
C.27
- Saugeen Valley Conservation Authority
- Nottawasaga Valley Conservation Authority
- Toronto Region Conservation Authority
8.8 Public and Separate School Boards
The school boards within the County of Dufferin are responsible for the care of the school
population, all school buildings and facilities, and school buses in accordance with their
own emergency response plans.
8.9 Partners Engaged in Emergency Response (PEERs)
8.9.1 Salvation Army
The Salvation Army, under the direction of the Senior Official - Community Services, will
be responsible for the provision of qualified personnel to assist Community Services staff
in their mandate to deliver clothing, food and personal services.
The Salvation Army also manages a transitional housing unit on behalf of the County of
Dufferin which may be utilized for emergency housing.
8.9.2 Canadian Red Cross
Should an emergency shelter need to be set up to receive and shelter evacuees it will
operate under the authority of the Senior Official - Community Services and staffed by
the Canadian Red Cross. The Canadian Red Cross will be responsible for:
- Registering evacuees
- Handling inquiries about evacuees
- Personal needs
- Food and Beverage services
- Clothing services
- Temporary lodging
8.9.3 Area Lions Emergency Response Team (ALERT)
All five Lions Clubs in Dufferin County have joined together to form the Dufferin Area
Lions Emergency Response Team (Dufferin ALERT).
Upon receipt of a request for assistance from the Community Emergency Management
Coordinator, the Dufferin ALERT Team is prepared to provide support and assistance in
the event of an emergency within the County, in accordance with the Dufferin ALERT Team
Emergency Management Plan and subject to the availability of members to respond.
8.9.4 Ontario Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (OSPCA)
The OSPCA, with the assistance of the Municipal Animal Control Officers, will be
responsible for the following:
- Assist with the operation of temporary animal shelters
- Be prepared to evacuate and relocate animals under the care of the Humane
Society should their facilities be located within the area to be evacuated
8.9.5 Mennonite Disaster Services (MDS)
MDS is the organized response to the needs of "neighbors" in time of disaster. MDS
endeavosr to give time, talents, and energies to help relieve suffering caused by disasters.
MDS focuses on helping the most vulnerable: the elderly, people with disabilities, single
parents, the unemployed, the uninsured and the underinsured.
8.9.6 Dufferin Emergency Search and Rescue (DESAR)
DESAR is a group of certified volunteer ground search and rescue specialists based in
Dufferin County. All searchers are certified by the Ontario Search and Rescue Volunteer
Association and the Ontario Provincial Police.
8.9.7 St. John Ambulance
St. John Ambulance plays a vital role in the critical areas of emergency preparedness and
response across Canada. When a natural or human disaster strikes, St. John Ambulance
volunteers are there with advanced first aid and life-saving skills, experience and
leadership.
The type of services provided by St. John Ambulance during a major emergency or
disaster may vary. SJA provides care in the form of:
- health care and first aid services in reception centers casualty care at the scene of
the event
- assisting with transportation of ill, injured, infirm to reception or medical facilities
evacuation
- elder and child care
Emergency Response Teams also participate in:
- disaster / emergency drills
- disaster scenarios
- disaster or civil emergencies
St. John Ambulance Emergency Preparedness and Disaster Response Teams strengthen
the capacity of disaster response and preparedness capabilities through an integrated
approach within our communities.
9 LIST OF CONFIDENTIAL ANNEXES
The annexes to this plan contain specific details about vulnerabilities36, resources37 and
response procedures and are strictly confidential.
9.1 Emergency Operations Centre Procedures
➢ Emergency Operations
➢ Activity Log
➢ Emergency Contact List
➢ Emergency Information
➢ Emergency Support Services
➢ Donations Management
➢ Volunteer Management
➢ Recovery Operations
➢ Testing, Amendments, Distribution List
9.2 Agricultural Emergencies
➢ Farm Animal Disease
➢ Food Contamination
➢ Plant Disease/Infestation
9.3 Environmental Emergencies
➢ Drought/Low Water
➢ Earthquake
➢ Erosion
➢ Extreme Cold
➢ Winter Weather
➢ Extreme Heat
36 13 A head may refuse to disclose a record whose disclosure could reasonably be expected to seriously threaten the safety or
health of an individual. R.S.O. 1990, c. M.56, s. 13; 2002, c. 18, Sched. K, s. 20.
37 10 (1) A head shall refuse to disclose a record that reveals a trade secret or scientific, technical, commercial, financial or labour
relations information, supplied in confidence implicitly or explicitly, if the disclosure could reasonably be expected to,
(a) prejudice significantly the competitive position or interfere significantly with the contractual or other negotiations of a
person, group of persons, or organization;
(b) result in similar information no longer being supplied to the institution where it is in the public interest that similar
information continue to be so supplied;
(c) result in undue loss or gain to any person, group, committee or financial institution or agency; or
(d) reveal information supplied to or the report of a conciliation officer, mediator, labour relations officer or other person
appointed to resolve a labour relations dispute. R.S.O. 1990, c. M.56, s. 10 (1); 2002, c. 18, Sched. K, s. 18; 2017, c. 8, Sched.
20, s. 2.
➢ Flooding
➢ Wildland Fire
9.4 Extraterrestrial Emergencies
➢ Space Object Crash
➢ Space Weather
9.5 Hazardous Materials Emergencies
➢ Spills in Transit
➢ Spills at Fixed Site
9.6 Human Health Emergencies
➢ Water Quality
➢ Infectious Disease
➢ Substance Use/Overdose
9.7 Public Safety Emergencies
➢ Terrorism
➢ Mass Gatherings
➢ Active Attacker
➢ CBRNE
➢ Civil Disorder
➢ Cyber Attack
➢ Electromagnetic Pulse
➢ Geopolitical Incidents
➢ Sabotage
9.8 Structural Failure Emergencies
➢ Dam Failure
➢ Fire/Explosion
➢ Mine Emergency
➢ Structural Collapse
9.9 Supply and Distribution Emergencies
➢ Communications Outage
➢ Power Outage
➢ Food Shortage
➢ Medical Supply Shortage
➢ Fuel Shortage
9.10 Transportation Emergencies
➢ Aviation Crash
➢ Transit Crash
➢ Highway Crash
9.11 Recovery
➢ Damage Assessment
➢ Restoring Key Services
➢ Critical Infrastructure
➢ Debris Management
➢ Disaster Recovery Assistance for Ontarians
➢ Municipal Disaster Recovery Assistance Program
Members of the public may access this document online or by visiting any municipal
office located within the County of Dufferin.
Accessible format available on request
Questions or comments pertaining to this Emergency Response Plan or the County of
Dufferin and Member Municipalities Emergency Management Program should be
directed to;
Steve Murphy
Community Emergency Management Coordinator
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 519-941-2816 Ext #2401