Emergency Preparedness

The hazards posing the highest risk to the Township of South-West Oxford include:

• Severe storms (snowstorms, blizzards, ice/sleet storms and hurricanes/tropical storms)
• Tornadoes
• Fires and Explosions
• Hazardous Material
• Human Health and Epidemics
• Farm Animal Disease

Road Conditions/Closures

Hazardous road conditions are possible in any season - but are most likely to occur during winter months. Plan ahead, check road conditions on Ontario 511 - you may wish to refrain from any unnecessary travel. Prepare and stock an emergency kit for each vehicle (see step 3 below).

Power Outages

Severe weather such as freezing rain, sleet storms and/or high winds can damage power lines and equipment which can cause power outages - be prepared with an alternate power plan. During a power outage, you can lose your heat/air conditioning, lighting, hot water and even running water. Electronics and electronic vehicles which are not fully charge will only last the length of their remaining battery life. Learn More.

To report a power outage, contact your local power supplier:

ERTH Power Corporation (1-877-850-3128)

Hydro One (1-800-434-1235)

Every household in Canada needs an emergency plan - it will help you and your family know what to do in the event of an emergency. Residents are urged to take 20 minutes to prepare a plan. The plan should include:

• What are the escape routes from your house and from your neighbourhood? Do you practice them at least once a year?
• Where will you meet if your family gets separated?
• Who can pick up your children?
• Do you have readily available close-by and out-of-town contact information with names, telephone numbers and addresses?
• What will you do with your pets?

Prepare an Emergency Plan

Building a kit is easy and you may be surprised how at how much you already have at home.  Your kit should contain essential items for you, your family and your pets to survive for a minimum of three days or 72 hours at home.  Keep it in an easy-to-reach, accessible place. Remember you may need to stay in place with your kit or possibly leave immediately with a grab-and-go bag.

Emergency Kit Essentials:

• 3 day supply of drinking water (4 liters per person per day) and non-perishable food for your household, including your pets
• Manual can-opener 
• Battery powered or crank radio and flashlight with extra batteries
• First aid kit
• Prescriptions and special medical supplies for family
• Candles and matches/lighter
• hand sanitizer or moist towelettes
• Important personal papers, including contact information
• Extra car and house keys, smaller bills of cash
• Whistle (to attract attention, if needed)
• Copy of your emergency plan and contact information
• Medications (and a list for each person) stored together in an accessible location

Learn More:

How to build a emergency kit for your vehicle

How to build a emergency kit for your pets

How to build individual personal "Grab & Go" kit

How to build a medication list