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EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS 

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Be ready for anything.

 

Set yourself up for safety.

 

Checklist
Make a plan
emergency preparedness kit
Get an emergency kit
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Practice it

 

 

 

Know the risks in your area

The hazards or threats currently faced in Markham are similar to those faced in most Greater Toronto Area municipalities.

The top hazards include, but are not limited to:

  • Epidemic or pandemic of infectious disease in humans or animals causing public health actions to stop the spread that may impact travel and disrupt social and business activities
  • Cyber-attacks causing major technical failure of communications systems causing widespread multi-day communications breakdown
  • Special events, causing transportation and service disruption
  • Hazardous materials incident: transport accidents involving trucks or rail cars
  • Severe winter storms, causing travel and business disruption
  • Natural gas pipeline emergency, causing evacuations
  • Severe summer storms (high wind/rain, tornadoes and hurricanes) with sustained rainfall and potential flash floods, causing widespread property damage
  • Terrorism/Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear and Explosives (CBRNE), causing widespread disruption, casualties, fear and affecting social and economic welfare
Planning for emergencies

No one can predict the future, but if you are prepared for emergencies, you’ll be ready for any event. Learn how you can plan for different emergency scenarios by clicking on the tiles below.

 

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Markham's Emergency Plan

The City of Markham has an emergency management program. It meets the requirements of Ontario’s Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act and Ontario Regulation 380/04.

Markham's Emergency Management Program (MEMP) consists of:

  • An emergency plan based on hazards and threats identified in Markham
  • Annual training for Markham staff and stakeholders involved in responding to and recovering from an emergency
  • An annual emergency exercise to provide an opportunity for city staff and stakeholders to practice responding to emergencies
  • A public education and awareness program about risks to public safety and how to be prepared for an emergency

Read the Markham Emergency Response Plan [PDF]

 

More information:

Program Manager, Emergency Management & Business Continuity          
905.477.5530

Cold Warning and Winter Safety Tips

Environment and Climate Change Canada issues Winter weather and cold alerts across Canada.

In York Region, the following criteria is used for Winter weather alerts:

Winter Alert Type

 Issued By 

Criteria for Alert

Cold Weather Alert

York Region

Temperatures of minus 15 degrees Celsius or colder, with or without wind chill 

Extreme Cold Weather Alert

Environment Canada

Temperature or wind chill is expected to reach minus 30 degrees Celsius for at least two hours

Extreme cold warnings are issued when very cold temperatures or wind chill creates an increased risk to health, such as frostbite and hypothermia. Risks are greater for young children, older adults, people with chronic illnesses, people working or exercising outdoors, and those without proper shelter and clothing.

Find out how you can stay safe in the cold and winter months.

Heat Warning Safety Tips

Environment & Climate Change Canada issues Heat Warnings across Canada.

A Heat Warning is issued when there is a forecast of two or more consecutive days with daytime maximum temperatures of 31°C (87.8°F) or warmer, together with nighttime minimum temperatures of 20°C (68°F) or warmer or when there is a forecast of two or more consecutive days with humidex values expected to reach 40°C (104°F) or higher.

Find out how you can stay safe.

Emergency planning resources

The following contact information is helpful in an emergency. Keep a copy of it in your home, your car and at work.

Download the Markham Emergency & Non-Emergency Information Sheet [PDF]

Emergency & Health Services

Utility Companies

Government Agencies

General Information

Services for Homeless in Markham

Vulnerable people in York Region can receive housing support. The York Region Community & Health Services Department currently funds these shelter services:

Daily Shelter Services

Limited Operation Shelter Services

If you see someone sleeping outside during an extreme cold warning, contact York Region Police: 905.773.1221.

Get the latest local emergency updates & information

To avoid misinformation during an emergency, make sure you follow credible sources.

Alert Ready – Canada’s Emergency Alert System

Alert Ready delivers critical and potentially life-saving alerts to Canadians through television, radio and LTE-connected and compatible wireless devices.

The Alert Ready system was developed with many partners, including federal, provincial and territorial emergency management officials, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Pelmorex, the broadcasting industry and wireless service providers.

Together, these partners work to ensure Canadians receive alerts immediately and know when to take action to stay safe.

The City of Markham will use an Alert Ready Notification if there is an emergency/disaster that impacts the City.

During an Alert Ready notification, you will hear a distinctive tone on television, radio or on your wireless device, please pay attention and take action right away.

Notice for the Visually and Hearing Impaired: Alternate formats of the alerts may be issued. However, not every alerting authority or device has the capability to produce or receive these formats. Broadcasters may use text-to-speech software to create an audio version of an alert message. Emergency alerts may be read to the recipient if your device supports this feature. The vibration feature that accompanies emergency alerts is available to alert Canadians. Please contact your wireless provider for more services which may be available to you.

 

Related links and resources

Emergency Plans

Emergency Preparedness Resources

Ontario Seniors: How to be Prepared for an Emergency

Emergency Preparedness Activities for Children & Teens

Contact

Clerk's

101 Town Centre Boulevard

Markham, ON, L3R 9W3

Phone 905.475.4744

Hours

Monday to Friday
8 AM to 4 PM

(excluding statutory holidays)