Monday, May 06, 2024
Ontario Prepares for Extreme Heat Emergencies to Keep People Safe
Exercise Heatwave to take place between May 7 and 9
As part of Emergency Preparedness Week, the Government of Ontario is hosting Exercise Heatwave, a large-scale simulated exercise which will reinforce provincial procedures and response to heat-related emergencies.
“Exercise Heatwave is a valuable opportunity to practise and plan for our response to potential extreme heat emergencies,” said Caroline Mulroney, President of the Treasury Board and Minister responsible for Emergency Management. “Planning exercises like this one will play a critical role in keeping Ontarians safe while reducing economic strain and minimizing impacts on our infrastructure and environment.”
Exercise Heatwave is part of the government’s multi-year Provincial Exercise Program to strengthen the province’s emergency plans and whole-of-government emergency response. The exercise will help enhance coordination and collaboration between government and non-governmental partners during future emergencies. Six municipalities will participate, including Guelph, Mississauga, Peterborough, Sault Ste. Marie, Thunder Bay and Toronto, along with three federal government departments and more than 50 non-governmental organizations.
Exercise Heatwave, which takes place between May 7 and 9, will not affect the public and no provincial services will be impacted.
As part of Emergency Preparedness Week, the province is also reminding Ontarians of the steps they can take to keep safe during heat-related and other emergencies, including:
For more helpful tips about keeping safe, visit Ontario.ca/BePrepared.
Quick Facts:
- To support municipalities in times of emergency, the province coordinates emergency management through the Provincial Emergency Operations Centre (PEOC), which is staffed at all times and monitors evolving situations inside and outside of Ontario. To make the space more efficient and enable greater collaboration and information sharing, the PEOC was recently modernized with a new video display wall and floor layout, an upgraded audio system, ergonomic desks and chairs, a breakout room and folding walls that allow the space to be divided into three separate rooms that can be used for different functions.
- The government is taking further action to ensure the province is as prepared as possible in the event of an emergency. In April, Ontario released its first annual report on the Provincial Emergency Management Strategy and Action Plan, highlighting progress made in 2023 to move emergency management forward. The province also recently announced the 113 recipients of the Community Emergency Preparedness Grant, a $5 million investment that is empowering communities and organizations to enhance their emergency response by helping them purchase critical emergency supplies and deliver training and services.
- On May 15, there will be a routine test of the AlertReady emergency alerting system in Ontario. The test message will be distributed over TV, radio and compatible wireless devices and will occur at 12:55 p.m. EDT. Visit alertready.ca for more information.
Quotes:
"As a participant in the Provincial Priority Exercise, I've seen an increased focus on our community's approach to addressing hazardous situations in Sault Ste. Marie. The enthusiasm and dedication shown by our local response partners has been remarkable. Together, we've refined processes and continue to prepare ourselves for potential challenges. The true significance of this experience lies in the collaborative efforts with other municipal partners. Learning from their planning process, and insights gained from post action assessments will be invaluable lessons that will increase local resilience and preparedness for the future."
- Lauren Perry, Community Emergency Management Coordinator, Fire Services, City of Sault Ste. Marie
"Preparing for extreme heat isn't just about being ready for the inevitable—it's about safeguarding our communities, recognizing the value of collaboration, and ensuring that every level of government is equipped to respond swiftly and effectively. This exercise underscores the vital importance of provincial-municipal cooperation in safeguarding the well-being of our citizens during times of crisis. The City of Peterborough extends its heartfelt appreciation to all participants of the extreme heat exercise. Your dedication and collaboration exemplify the spirit of proactive preparedness, ensuring the resilience of our respective organizations and communities in the face of extreme weather events."
- Jodi DeNoble, Director, Emergency and Risk Management, City of Peterborough
"Participating in Exercise Heatwave provides municipalities, ministries, critical infrastructure operators, and other organizations to identify opportunities for improved emergency preparedness and response. This exercise has allowed us to analyze best practices and novel approaches to foster disaster risk reduction and community resilience in Mississauga. We appreciate the opportunity to participate in such an exercise and to work with such a committed group of public safety partners from across the province."
- Ben Gallagher, Manager, Office of Emergency Management, City of Mississauga
Additional Resources:
Media Contacts:
Andrea Chiappetta
Minister's Office
Andrea.Chiappetta@ontario.ca
437-677-2405
Kyle Richardson
Communications Branch
Kyle.Richardson5@ontario.ca
647-262-3176
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