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