Why prepare?

 

In everyday life, a large-scale emergency or disaster seems like a remote possibility, but experience tells us that here in York Region, we could experience hazardous chemical spills or releases, power outages, infectious disease outbreaks, severe weather, or flooding.

 

An emergency can occur without warning, leaving little or no time for you to plan what to do next. It can confine you to your home or workplace, or force you to evacuate your neighbourhood.

 

Everyone has a role to play in preparing for disasters. When an emergency occurs in our community, local government and non-government disaster-relief organizations will be there to assist you, but it's important to remember that local responders may not be able to reach you immediately in the initial stages of the event, when they may need to focus their efforts elsewhere. This level of event can overwhelm normal emergency services.

 

York Region residents must "be prepared" to care for themselves and their loved ones during and immediately following a disaster, until other resources are available. Government can and will help those who are most in need. But a little bit of preparedness can go a long way.

 

Residents with disabilities or special needs may feel the compounded effects of an emergency due to power outage, evacuation requirements, and challenges with communication and transportation. Personally preparing for possible emergencies builds resilience - for all members of the family.

 

Every resident of York Region has a responsibility when it comes to emergency preparedness. Plan to be self-sufficient for at least 72 hours. Read through the pages of this website carefully. Educate yourself and your family members. It is important that you understand the risks, understand your responsibilities, and are prepared for an emergency.