Frontenac County Emergency Response Plan

Frontenac County, Ontario

This is the exact embedded text of the captured official document. Snapshot 14977eacd351 · verified 2026-06-09 · original document · archived snapshot · unofficial consolidation, the official version is held by the municipal clerk.

Emergency Response Plan Schedule "A" to By-law No. 2013-0043 December 2013 County of Frontenac Version - 13-12--01 Emergency Response Plan Page 1 of 18 Table of Contents Schedule "A" to By-law No. 2013-0043 ........................................................................... 0 Table of Contents ............................................................................................................ 1 Annexes .......................................................................................................................... 2 Introduction ..................................................................................................................... 3 Aim .................................................................................................................................. 4 Authority .......................................................................................................................... 4 Scope .............................................................................................................................. 5 Definition of and Emergency ........................................................................................... 5 Actions prior to a declaration ........................................................................................... 5 Declarations .................................................................................................................... 5 Plan Maintenance and Review ........................................................................................ 6 Amendments ................................................................................................................... 6 Flexibility ......................................................................................................................... 6 Emergency Control Group ............................................................................................... 7 2.1 Initial Contact ............................................................................................................ 7 2.2 Notification / Activation .............................................................................................. 7 2.3 Membership .............................................................................................................. 8 2.4 Business Cycle and Meeting Procedures .......................................................8 2.5 Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) ........................................................... 9 2.6 Roles and Responsibilities (Control Group) .............................................................. 9 2.7 Individual Member or Designate Roles and Responsibilities ................................... 10 2.7.1 Head of Council .................................................................................................... 10 2.7.2 Senior Municipal Official ....................................................................................... 10 2.7.3 Community Emergency Management Coordinator (CEMC) ................................. 11 2.7.4 Senior Official - Police Services........................................................................... 12 2.7.5 Senior Official - Fire Services ..................................................................12 2.7.6 Senior Official - Emergency Medical Services ..................................................... 13 2.7.7 Chief Medical Officer of Health ............................................................................. 13 2.7.8 Emergency Information Officer ............................................................................. 14 2.7.9 Scribe ................................................................................................................... 15 2.8 Declaration of an Emergency .................................................................................. 16 2.9 Termination of an Emergency ................................................................................. 18 County of Frontenac Version - 13-12--01 Emergency Response Plan Page 2 of 18 Annexes Annex A Emergency Notification System Annex B Emergency Operation Centre Location Annex C Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act Annex D Hazard Identification and Risk Assessments Annex E Critical Infrastructure Annex F Emergency Declaration Checklist Annex G Declaration of Emergency Form Termination of Declaration Form County of Frontenac Version - 13-12--01 Emergency Response Plan Page 3 of 18 Introduction The County of Frontenac, herein referred to as the "County" has developed this emergency management plan in accordance with the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act, 2009. This Emergency Management Plan has been prepared to facilitate a controlled and coordinated response to any type of emergency occurring within or affecting the County. It is an important component of an integrated emergency management program, which works within the parameters outlined by the Office of the Fire Marshal and Emergency Management pertaining to prevention, mitigation, preparedness, response and recovery. 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. Also to make provisions for the extraordinary arrangements and measures that may have to be taken to safeguard property and the health, safety and welfare of the inhabitants of the County, when faced with an emergency situation. Emergencies affect public safety, health, welfare and property, as well as the environment and economic health of the County. In order to protect residents, businesses and visitors, the County requires a coordinated emergency response by a number of agencies under the direction of the Emergency Control Group. These are distinct arrangements and procedures from the normal, day-to-day operations carried out by emergency services. For this Emergency Management Plan to be effective, all participating agencies and departments must be familiar with its provisions and procedures. The information contained within this plan must be reviewed, tested and maintained on a regular schedule in order for it to remain effective, appropriate, and up-to-date as municipal officials, corporate structures and the nature of emergencies change over time. The annexes contain essential and supporting documentation - the information contained within them is confidential and therefore are considered and maintained separate from this document. County of Frontenac Version - 13-12--01 Emergency Response Plan Page 4 of 18 Aim The Aim of this plan is to protect the health, safety, welfare and property of the citizens of Frontenac County from the effects of a natural, technological or human caused emergency. The Aim is also to support the local municipalities in the implementation and operation of their emergency plans. The County of Frontenac will also support all local municipalities in the mitigation of an emergency in the county. The County of Frontenac will provide available resources to assist the local municipalities, as required. Authority The Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act, R.S.O. 1990, Chapter E.9 is the legal authority for this emergency management plan in Ontario. The Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act states that: Section 3 (1): Every county 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 county and other persons will respond to the emergency and the council of the county shall by by-law adopt the emergency plan. 2002, c.14, s 5(1). Section 4 (1): The head of council of a county may declare that an emergency exists in the county 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 county 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). Section 11 (1): No action or other proceeding lies or shall be instituted against a member of council, an employee of a county, 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). County of Frontenac Version - 13-12--01 Emergency Response Plan Page 5 of 18 As per section 3 (1) of the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act, the County of Frontenac has adopted by by-law this emergency management plan and its elements, and filed the plan with the Office of the Fire Marshall and Emergency management, Ministry of Community Safety and Correctional Services. This Emergency Plan is Schedule "A" of By-law No. 2013-0043 which is the local authority for this plan and related activities. A copy of the By-law is available for inspection at the County Administration offices. Scope This plan supercedes and replaces all previous plans and procedures for emergency management enacted by the county of Frontenac. Definition of and Emergency The Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act 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." For the purposes of this plan, an emergency may be defined as a situation or the threat of an impending situation, abnormally affecting the health, safety, welfare and property of the residents of the County, which by nature of its magnitude, requires a controlled and coordinated response by multiple agencies, under the direction of the Emergency Control Group. Emergencies are distinct from the normal daily routine carried out by municipal first response agencies/departments such as fire, police, EMS, health, etc. Actions prior to a declaration When and emergency exists but has not yet been declared to exist, county employees may take such action(s) under this emergency management plan as may be required to protect property and the health, safety and welfare of the county. The subordinate plans, attached as annexes to this document, may also be implements, in whole, or in part in the absence of a formal declaration. Declarations As the County of Frontenac is comprised of a number of townships, each with its own Emergency Response Plan, the declaration of a state of local emergency at the County level would only occur in certain instances which would include but not be limited to the following: County of Frontenac Version - 13-12--01 Emergency Response Plan Page 6 of 18 A general health issue identified by the Medical Officer of Health that may affect the entire County; A general situation, such as severe weather which affects a majority of the County; At the request of one or more local municipalities which have already declared a state of local emergency; In situations, where the County was requested to support local emergency plans and mitigation measures. At the request of the Province of Ontario. Plan Maintenance and Review At a minimum, this plan will be reviewed annually for accuracy by the Community Emergency management Coordinator (CEMC) and the Emergency Management Program Committee of Frontenac County. The plan will be reviewed for effectiveness through emergency exercises on an annual basis, testing the plan in whole or in part. The CEMC and the Emergency Management Program Committee (or delegated sub- committee) will make the appropriate changes to the [plan as a result of theses reviews and tests. Amendments Amendments to the plan require formal Council approval from all municipalities. Formal Council approval is not required for the following: Changes or revisions to the annexes Minor editorial changes (i.e. editorial changes to text, section numbering, reference changes, or changes to references to provincial status) Additions or deletions of individual"s names. Flexibility No Emergency Management Plan can anticipate all of the varied emergency situations that may arise in a changing community. During the course of the implementation of this plan in an emergency situation, members of the Emergency Control Groups in the course of conducting their assigned roles and responsibilities may exercise flexibility. To ensure that the public health, safety and welfare of the community are of utmost priority in the emergency response, deviations from the emergency management plan may be necessary. County of Frontenac Version - 13-12--01 Emergency Response Plan Page 7 of 18 Emergency Control Group 2.1 Initial Contact In the event of a real or potential emergency (see 1.3 Definition of an Emergency) requiring the activation or notification of an Emergency Control Group any member of the Emergency Control Group may initiate the activation procedure by contacting the Community Emergency Management Coordinator (CEMC). The CEMC or designate will contact the Senior Municipal Official of the affected county to discuss the situation and determine if the Emergency Control Group should be activated. It should be noted that should two or more municipalities be affected, the County Emergency Control Group would be activated and would include representation from the affected municipalities deemed to be appropriate by the Head of Council. 2.2 Notification / Activation Any Emergency Control Group member or designate of the County or any emergency response agency may activate the Emergency Notification Fan-Out System (Annex A), by contacting the CEMC directly. The CEMC will in turn contact the Senior Municipal Official, who shall contact the local Head of Council. Where a threat of an impending emergency exists, the Emergency Control Group will be notified and placed on standby. Monitoring should be implemented when a situation that is not yet an emergency is escalating or impeding. Examples include: flooding, severe weather, and emergencies in neighbouring municipalities. It is the responsibility of all Emergency Control Group officials to notify their departmental or agency staff. If the response level to be adopted is monitoring, the CEMC shall notify the Senior Municipal Officer and other officials, as required. The content of messages transferred during Emergency Notification procedures will be standardized and as brief as possible, and include the following: Identify oneself with name and title, and describe (pending) emergency situation. Provide status of the notification call: either "STANDBY" or "CALL TO ASSEMBLE". To be placed on standby indicates that those individuals receiving the call shall await further developments and make themselves available to participate as a member of the County Control Group as the situation escalates. Provide the location of the Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) Indicate any special precautions to take if mobilization is required. Reminder to continue the notification fan-out. County of Frontenac Version - 13-12--01 Emergency Response Plan Page 8 of 18 Request to repeat the message to confirm information is understood. On receipt of the emergency alert call, each member of the Emergency Control Group will: Alert their own department, as required, ranging from a warning, to stand-by, to complete participation, and stand-down. Bring any required items, including a copy of the Emergency Management Plan, extra clothing, phone list, phone, laptop, photo ID. Proceed immediately to the identified Emergency Operation Centre and report to the Chair of the Emergency Control Group the status of their organization and resources. 2.3 Membership The emergency response will be directed and controlled by the Emergency Control Group; a group of officials who are responsible for coordinating the provision of the essential services necessary to minimize the effects of an emergency on the community. The composition of the Emergency Control Groups and alternates is listed in Annex A. In the County where the Head of Council is also serving as the Warden or alternate of the County, the County may choose to appoint a secondary alternate to the position of Head of Council. Additional personnel called or added to the Emergency Control Group may include: Ontario Office of the Fire Marshal and Emergency Management Representative Conservation Authority Representatives Liaison staff from provincial ministries Any other officials, experts or representatives from the public or private sector as deemed necessary by the Emergency Control Group. The Emergency Control Group may function with only a limited number of persons depending upon the emergency. While the Emergency Control Group may not require the presence of all the people listed, all members should be notified. 2.4 Business Cycle and Meeting Procedures Members of the Emergency Control Group will gather at regular intervals to inform each other of actions taken and problems encountered; each member will report on the following: New information on threats, progress and results during last operation cycle meeting, and recommendations for new or continued mitigation strategies Present threats in order of severity and the plan to limit threats according to priority for the next operation cycle meeting schedule for team meetings County of Frontenac Version - 13-12--01 Emergency Response Plan Page 9 of 18 Meetings will be kept as brief as possible thus allowing members to carry out their individual responsibilities. The Emergency Operation Centre scribe will keep minutes of these meetings and maintain a status board. See 2.7.12 for full list of duties. 2.5 Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) The locations of the primary and alternate Emergency Operation Centers are confidential and detailed in (Annex B). 2.6 Roles and Responsibilities (Control Group) The members of the Emergency Control Group or designate are likely to be responsible for the following actions or decisions: Coordinate all emergency support operations during and post the emergency Ensure there is no interruption in the provision of emergency services and essential services in unaffected areas outside the emergency site Call out and mobilize their emergency service, agency and equipment Coordinate and direct their service and ensure that any actions necessary for the mitigation of the effects of the emergency are taken, provided they are not contrary to law Ensure adequate emergency service provisions are maintained outside and separate from those responding at the emergency site Determine if the location and composition of the Emergency Control Group are appropriate Advise the Head of Council as to whether the declaration of an emergency is recommended Advise the Head of Council on the need to designate all or part of the community as an emergency area Ensure that a Site Incident Commander is appointed at the emergency site Ensure support to the Incident Management System by offering equipment, staff and resources, as required Assign an On-site Emergency Information Officer, as required Order, coordinate and/or oversee the evacuation of inhabitants considered to be in danger Discontinue utilities or services provided by public or private concerns, i.e. hydro, water, gas, shopping centres Arrange for services and equipment from local agencies not under community control, i.e. private contractors, industry, volunteer agencies, service clubs Notify and or request assistance from, and/or liaison with various levels of government and any public or private agencies not under community control, as considered necessary County of Frontenac Version - 13-12--01 Emergency Response Plan Page 10 of 18 Determine if additional volunteers are required and if appeals for volunteers are warranted Determine if additional transport is required for evacuation or transport of persons and/or supplies Ensure that pertinent information regarding the emergency is promptly forwarded to the Emergency Information Officer for dissemination to the media and public Determine the need to establish advisory groups and or sub-committees/working groups for any aspect of the emergency including recovery. And if so, determine the chair and composition of that committee, along with reporting structure Authorize expenditure of money required for dealing with the emergency Notify the service, agency or group under their direction, of the termination of the emergency Participate in a post-emergency debriefing Consider application for Ontario Disaster Relief Assistance Program (ODRAP) and make arrangements, as required 2.7 Individual Member or Designate Roles and Responsibilities 2.7.1 Head of Council Provide overall leadership in responding to an emergency Declaration of an emergency within the designated area Declaration that the emergency has terminated (Note: Council may also terminate an emergency) Ensure the Ontario Office of the Fire Marshal and Emergency Management, Ministry of Community Safety and Correctional Services are notified of the declaration of the emergency, and termination of the emergency Ensure that the members of council are advised of the declaration and termination of an emergency, and are kept informed of the emergency situation Act as or designate the Media Spokesperson and conduct media briefings, as arranged and prepared by the Emergency Information Officer Establish a communication link and regular liaison with the Emergency Information Officer at the Emergency Operations Centre Maintain a personal log of all actions and participate in the post-emergency debriefing 2.7.2 Senior Municipal Official Chair the Emergency Control Group Manage and coordinate all operations within the Emergency Operations Centre, including establishing the business cycle and regular meetings Ensure a Site Incident Commander has been appointed for the emergency Ensure that a communication link is established between the Emergency Control Group and the Site Incident Commander County of Frontenac Version - 13-12--01 Emergency Response Plan Page 11 of 18 Ensure liaison with the Police Service regarding security arrangements for the Emergency Operation Centre Advise the Head of Council on policies and procedures, as appropriate Approve, in conjunction with the Head of Council, Major announcements and media releases prepared by the Emergency Information Officer, in consultation with the Emergency Control group Ensure staffing requirements for extended periods Direct all actions taken to assist municipal emergency response efforts, and conduct post emergency recover efforts Ensure that a record of issues and problems identified, resolved and yet to be resolved, is maintained throughout the emergency Maintain a personal log and participate in the post-incident debriefing 2.7.3 Community Emergency Management Coordinator (CEMC) Act as a resource to the Emergency Control Group Ensure the activation and arrange the Emergency Operations Centre Ensure that security is in place for the Emergency Operations Centre and registration of Emergency Control Group members Ensure that all members of the Emergency Control Group have necessary plans, resources, supplies, maps and equipment Provide advice and clarifications about the implementation details of the Emergency Management Plan Act as a resource to the Senior Municipal Official and assist in fulfilling their respective duties at the Emergency Operations Centre Ensure all outside agencies, neighbouring municipalities, ministries, etc. are advised of the declaration Provide guidance, direction and/or assistance to any emergency or support personnel at the Emergency Operations Centre, and/or any other location, as required by the Emergency Control Group Assist the Site Incident Commander as required by the Emergency Control Group Address any action items that may result from the activation of the Emergency Management Plan and keep the Emergency Control Group informed of implementation needs Coordinate the post-emergency debriefing Ensure the establishment of Post-Emergency Recovery Committee and maintain continuity between the emergency and recovery operations by participating in both groups Maintain a personal log of all actions taken and participate in the post-emergency debriefing prepare debriefs and post-emergency report to Council County of Frontenac Version - 13-12--01 Emergency Response Plan Page 12 of 18 2.7.4 Senior Official - Police Services Advise the Emergency Control Group regarding the protection of life, property, the provision of law and order, and conduct of evacuations Establish a site command post with communications to the Emergency Operations Centre Appoint the Site Incident Commander, if required, and inform the Emergency Control Group Liaise with the Senior Official - EMS and provide an estimated number of casualties and safety concerns at the site, as required Notify necessary emergency and community services, as required Notify the Coroner regarding fatalities Coordinate all policing functions in support of the emergency site Advise the Emergency Control Group regarding the most effective use of police resources in support of the emergency response at the emergency site and external to the emergency site Establish the inner perimeter within the emergency area Establish the outer perimeter in the vicinity of the emergency to facilitate the movement of emergency vehicles and restrict access to all but essential emergency personnel Provide traffic control staff to facilitate the movement of emergency vehicles at the emergency site Alert persons endangered by the emergency and coordinate evacuation procedures Provide police service in Emergency Operations Centre, evacuee centres, morgues, and other facilities, as required Ensure liaison with other community, provincial and federal police agencies, as required Establish physical security at the Emergency Operations Centre Maintain a personal log of all actions taken and participate in the post-emergency briefing 2.7.5 Senior Official - Fire Services Provide the Emergency Control Group with information and advice regarding all operations associated with fire suppression, fire prevention, hazardous materials response, and fire search and rescue Appoint the Site Incident Commander, if required and inform the Emergency Control Group Informing the County Fire Coordinator and/or initiating mutual aid arrangements for the provision of additional firefighters and equipment, if needed Determine if additional or special equipment is needed and recommend possible sources of supply, i.e. breathing apparatus, protective clothing County of Frontenac Version - 13-12--01 Emergency Response Plan Page 13 of 18 Provide assistance to other community departments and agencies and being prepared to take charge of or contribute to non-fire fighting operations if necessary, e.g., rescue, first aid, casualty collection, evacuation Advise the Emergency Control Group regarding the need to evacuate buildings, areas, or the demolition of structures, which present a danger Maintain a personal log of all actions taken and participate in the post-emergency debriefing 2.7.6 Senior Official - Emergency Medical Services Advise the Emergency Control Group on all aspects of emergency medical treatment, triage and transportation of the injured Appoint the Site Incident Commander, if required, and inform the Emergency Control Group Obtain EMS from other municipalities for support, if required Ensure triage at the site Advise the Emergency Control Group if other means of transportation is required for large scale response Ensure liaison with the receiving hospitals Ensure liaison with the Medical Officer of Health, as required Assess the need and initial request for special emergency health service resources at the emergency site, e.g. multi-patient units, support units, air ambulances, and forward these requests to the Central Ambulance Communications Centre Assist with the organization and transportation of persons in health care facilities, homes for the aged, nursing homes and rest homes, which are to be evacuated, as required In conjunction with the Central Ambulance Communications Centre, provide the main communication link through dispatch among health services, and notify and request assistance of the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-term Care, Emergency Health Services branch Ensure that first aid supplies are available at the emergency site(s) and the evacuation centre(s) Maintain a personal log of all actions taken and participate in the post-emergency 2.7.7 Chief Medical Officer of Health Activate the municipal emergency notification system by contacting the Senior Municipal Officer or the CEMC upon becoming aware that an emergency has occurred or is threatening to occur Assume a lead role in response to a human health emergency through activation of Public Health Response Plan County of Frontenac Version - 13-12--01 Emergency Response Plan Page 14 of 18 Work with the Emergency Information Officer to prepare information/instructions to the population pertaining to public health risk reduction for the county to distribute Consult on the safe disposal of biohazardous and other dangerous material that may affect public health Co-ordinate vaccine management and implement mass immunization plan, as required Advise county on potabilty of emergency water supplies and sanitation facilities, as required Liaise with the Ministry of Health and Long Term Care, Public Health Division Consult with coroner on temporary morgue facilities Coordinate local community medical services (i.e. CCAC, family health teams, hospital) in response to the emergency Fulfill legislative mandate of the Medical Officer of Health as outlined in relevant provincial legislation, such as the Ontario Public Health Standards, the Health Protection and Promotion Act and related protocols Provide direction on any matters which may adversely affect public health Liaise with voluntary and private agencies Liaise with County of Frontenac Control Group/Social Services on preventing human health risks in evacuation centres in areas of safe food preparation, infection control practices, water quality, and sanitation Keep record of all Public Health activities including actions taken and decisions made Participate in debriefings, as required 2.7.8 Emergency Information Officer Advise the Emergency Control Group on all matters related to information to be presented to the public through the media, the monitoring of information being presented from the media, and taking direction from the Emergency Control Group Establish a communication link with the Media Spokesperson and any other media coordinator(s), i.e. provincial, federal, private industry, etc., involved in the incident, ensure that all information released to the media and public is timely, full, accurate and approved Ensure that the Emergency Information Centre is set up and staffed and a site Emergency Information Centre, if required Ensure liaison with the Emergency Control Group to obtain up-to-date information for media releases, coordinate individual interviews and organize press conferences Organize media briefings and prepare the Head of Council and other members of the Emergency Control Group prior to each media briefing, as required At the direction of the Emergency Control Group, communicate information regarding the emergency to the public through the media using media kits, news County of Frontenac Version - 13-12--01 Emergency Response Plan Page 15 of 18 releases, press briefings, public service announcements, flyers, telephones, the internet, and public meetings, as required Ensure that the following are advised of the telephone number of the media centre: o Media o Emergency Control Group o Switchboard (County, municipal and Emergency Services) o Media Spokesperson o OPP Communications Officer o Citizen Inquiry Supervisor o Neighbouring Communities o Any other appropriate persons, agencies or businesses Ensure that the media releases are approved by the Senior Municipal Official, in consultation with the Emergency Control Group, prior to dissemination, and distribute hard copies of the media release to the Emergency Information Centre, the Emergency Control Group, and other key persons handling inquiries from the media Monitor news coverage, and correct any erroneous information and prepare appropriate responses Maintain copies of media releases and newspaper articles pertaining to the emergency Coordinate media site tours with the Site Incident Commander and the on-site Media Spokesperson Ensure communication with the Public Inquiry Bureau, regarding information to be provided to the public and information being requested by the public Ensure timely and current information updates with evacuees Attend all Emergency Control Group meetings in accordance with the operating cycle Coordinate media photograph sessions at the site when necessary and appropriate Coordinate on-site interviews between the emergency services personnel and the media Maintain a personal log of all actions taken and participate in the post-emergency debriefing. 2.7.9 Scribe Ensure all important decisions made and actions taken by the Emergency Control Group are recorded Record the minutes of all Emergency Control Group meetings Ensure that maps and status boards are kept up to date Provide a process for registering Emergency Control Group members and maintain a member list Notify the required support and advisory staff of the emergency, and the location of the Emergency Operations Centre County of Frontenac Version - 13-12--01 Emergency Response Plan Page 16 of 18 Post Emergency Control Group objectives and priorities Post action items and mark off what has been completed Arrange for printed material, as required Initiate the opening, operation and staffing of the switchboard at the municipal offices, as the situation dictates, and ensure operators are informed of the Emergency Control Group members" telephone numbers in the EOC Coordinate the provision of clerical staff to assist in the Emergency Operations Centre, as required Upon direction by the Head of Council, ensure that all council are advised of the declaration and termination of declaration of the emergency Upon direction by the Head of Council, arrange special meetings of council, as required, and advise members of council of the time, date, and location of the meetings Ensure the maintenance of all records and logs for the purpose of the debriefs and post-emergency reports, Prepare debriefs and reports, as requested Maintain a personal log of all actions taken 2.8 Declaration of an Emergency The Head of Council, or designate, of the County has the legislative authority, under the provisions of the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act, and are responsible for declaring an emergency. This decision is usually made in consultation with other members of the Emergency Control Group. When considering whether to declare an emergency, a positive response to one or more of the following criteria may indicate that a situation, whether actual or anticipated, warrants the declaration of an emergency: Is the situation an extraordinary event requiring extraordinary measures? Does the situation pose a danger of major proportions to life or property? Does the situation pose a threat to the provision of essential services (e.g. energy, potable water, and sewage treatment/containment, supply of goods or medical care)? Does the situation threaten social order and the ability to govern? Is the event attracting significant media and/or public interest? Has there been a declaration of emergency by another level of government? Might legal action be taken against municipal employees or councillors related to their actions during the current crisis? Are volunteers assisting? Does the situation require a response that exceeds, or threatens to exceed the capabilities of the county for either resources or deployment of personnel? Does the situation create sufficient strain on the municipal response capability that areas within the county may be impacted by a lack of services, thereby County of Frontenac Version - 13-12--01 Emergency Response Plan Page 17 of 18 further endangering life and property outside areas directly affected by the current crisis? Is it a consideration that the municipal response may be of such duration that additional personnel and resources may be required to maintain the continuity of operations? Does, or might, the situation require provincial support or resources? Does, or might, the situation require assistance from the provincial or federal government (e.g. military equipment)? Does the situation involve a structural collapse? Is the situation a large-scale or complex chemical, biological, radiological, or nuclear (CBRN) incident? Does the situation require, or have the potential to require the evacuation and/or shelter of people or animals [livestock] from your county? Will your county be receiving evacuees from another community? Does the situation pose a large-scale disruption to routine patterns of transportation, or rerouting of large numbers of people and vehicles? Is an event likely to have a long term negative impact on a community"s economic viability/sustainability, including resulting unemployment, lack of available banking services and restorative measures necessary to re-establish commercial activity? Is it possible that a specific person, corporation, or other party has caused the situation? Upon declaring an emergency, the Head of Council, or designate, will complete the "Declaration of an Emergency" and will ensure the following are notified: Office of the Fire Marshal and Emergency Management, Ministry of Community Safety and Correctional Services County Warden and/or Heads of Council of affected municipalities Public Neighbouring community officials, as required Local Member of the Provincial Parliament (MPP) Local Member of Parliament (MP) Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing An emergency declaration is not required prior to any County or Municipal personnel taking actions under this plan to protect the lives, health, safety, and property of the inhabitants of the County. An emergency declaration, however, can often encourage greater public compliance, and understanding of the severity of an emergency situation. County of Frontenac Version - 13-12--01 Emergency Response Plan Page 18 of 18 2.9 Termination of an Emergency A community emergency may be terminated at any time by: The Head of Council, or designate County Council and/or Municipal Council Premier of Ontario When terminating an emergency, the Head of Council will complete "Termination of Declared Emergency (Annex H) and will ensure the following are notified: Office of the Fire Marshal and Emergency Management, Ministry of Community Safety and Correctional Services County Warden and/or Heads of Council of affected municipalities Public Neighbouring community officials, as required Local Member of the Provincial Parliament (MPP) Local Member of Parliament (MP) Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing