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The aim of the County of Simcoe Emergency Management Program is to produce a disaster resilient community that is ready to meet the challenges of any emergencies which might affect the municipalities in our region. |
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Explore:
The Leadership Role of the County of Simcoe
The Emergency Management Program
The Emergency Operations Centre
Training and Simulation Exercises
Public Education and Awareness Program
The Leadership Role of the County of Simcoe
A successful municipal response in an emergency requires effective joint planning and preparedness before an emergency arises.
The role of the County of Simcoe in a declared emergency is to provide support and coordinate an emergency response as requested by our 16 member municipalities.
| Adjala-Tosorontio Twp. | Essa Township | Oro-Medonte Township | Springwater Township |
| Clearview Township | Town of Innisfil | Town of Penetanguishene | Tay Township |
| Town of Collingwood | Town of Midland | Ramara Township | Tiny Township |
| Town of Bradford West Gwillimbury | Town of New Tecumseth | Severn Township | Town of Wasaga Beach |
Our joint emergency response plan also includes cooperation with the separated cities of Barrie and Orillia, the First Nations communities of Rama and Beausoleil, as well as the CFB Borden Fire Department.
County emergency support includes:
- managing a coordinated response across municipalities
- coordinating resources, equipment, and personnel
- facilitating communications and information sharing
- providing additional resources that the municipalities may need to help manage the emergency
The County also provides leadership in the areas of emergency management planning, preparedness, and public education.
The Emergency Management Program
The County of Simcoe has a comprehensive Emergency Management Program is based on four core components of emergency management:
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-actions taken to eliminate or reduce the harmful effects of an emergency, should one occur |
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-actions taken prior to an emergency or disaster to ensure an effective response |
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-actions taken to effectively respond to an emergency or disaster |
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-actions taken to recover from a disaster |
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The Ontario Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act requires every municipality must have an established response plan in place to respond to emergency situations. Provincially, emergency management is coordinated by Emergency Management Ontario (EMO), a branch of the Ministry of Community Safety and Correctional Services.
The Emergency Response Plan
The cornerstone of emergency management in Simcoe County is the Emergency Response Plan.
The aim of the County of Simcoe Emergency Response Plan is to prepare and provide for the extraordinary arrangements and measures that may have to be taken to protect the health, safety, and welfare of residents, visitors, and businesses in the County of Simcoe in the event of an emergency. It also is designed to protect the overall environmental and economic health of the county.
| Under the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act every municipality must have an established emergency plan in order to respond to emergency incidents. In accordance with the Act, the plan is reviewed, tested, and revised annually. |
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The County of Simcoe Emergency Response Plan is modeled after provincial legislation and on the guidelines set forth by Emergency Management Ontario (EMO). Responsibility for implementing and maintaining The County of Simcoe Emergency Management Program rests with the Emergency Planning Department and the County of Simcoe Emergency Management Program Committee. |
| The Emergency Management Program Committee is the critical management team which oversees the development, implementation, and maintenance of the County of Simcoe's Emergency Management Program. |
To view the Emergency Response Plan click here.
The County of Simcoe Community Control Group (CCG)
Major Responsibilities:
- implement the Emergency Response Plan if an emergency is declared
- assess information to determine the status of the situation and decide on an action plan
- provide advice and assistance to the Warden in carrying out his/her duties under the plan
Members of the Community Control Group (CCG):
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During an emergency situation, the Emergency Community Control Group is responsible for the coordination and support of member municipalities by working closely with the Emergency Control Groups of the member municipalities.
The Emergency Operations Centre
The Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) is the facility where the Community Control Group assembles in order to manage an emergency.
The primary purpose of the EOC is to provide a communications hub where key personnel can direct a coordinated response in the event of an emergency. The EOC is maintained in a constant state of readiness and can be rapidly activated should an urgent situation arise.
Communication and information are crucial in managing emergencies. The EOC is well provisioned with phone (landline and cellular), fax, and email connections to keep information flowing. If standard systems and networks are interrupted, the EOC is equipped with a HAM radio and emergency service radios in order to keep lines of communication open.
Training and Simulation Exercises
The County of Simcoe provides regular training for County staff as well as personnel from municipalities and outside agencies. These training sessions provide individuals with the knowledge and skills they require to perform their roles as outlined in the Emergency Response Plan.
In addition, to test the effectiveness of the Emergency Response Plan, the County conducts at least one disaster exercise each year. These exercises provide an opportunity for staff to use skills they have learned in training, and to practice dealing with the challenges of a real-life emergency.
Simulation exercises may take the form of case studies, tabletop exercises using potential disaster scenarios, or tactical simulations in which the EOC is activated, first responders and equipment are deployed, and paramedics treat volunteer "casualties" at the disaster site. During these drills the strengths and limitations of the Emergency Response Plan are documented and a planned course of action is recorded.
Past Exercises
December 2006 – Operation Fever Phix
February 2007 – Operation Deep Chill
September 2008 - Operation Water Blast
Public Education and Awareness Program
The goal of the Public Education program is to raise awareness about the potential risks in our region, how to prepare for them in advance, and what to do if an emergency occurs.
- Know the Risks
- Make a Plan
- Prepare a Kit
- Know What to Do
The program includes:
- a school-based program awareness program aimed at students in grades 4-6
- an Emergency Planning information guide
- public presentations and information displays at community events
- this website
If you would like to find out more about emergency preparedness, or if you would like to book a information presentation for a group, please contact the County of Simcoe Emergency Planning Public Education Coordinator.
Click Here for Contact Information
