If an emergency happens in your community, it may take emergency workers some time to reach you. It is your responsibility to be prepared to take care of yourself, your family and your pets for at least 72 hours. Learn how quick and easy it is to #BeBetterPrepared before, during and after an emergency.
Wellington County is an amazing place to live, work, and play! But we know that emergencies can happen at any place at any time. We all need to be prepared to protect ourselves and our families. Wellington County's new Strategic Plan entitled "Future Focused. People Invested" states that people are our priority. Our Wellington County team includes many dedicated individuals working hard to help our residents prepare for, respond to, and recover from an emergency. We hope that the information provided in this guide will help you and your family to become better prepared
Read the 72 Hour Emergency Preparedness Guide |
Dowload the accesible 72 Hour Emergency Preparedness Guide
Before an Emergency
Make a Plan |
Know the risks: Learn the types of hazards that can occur in Wellington County Being better prepared is all about having a plan and it only takes about 20 minutes to complete. Making sure everyone in your family knows what to do in an emergency is the first step. Consider the following questions;
Its easy, fast and free to make a plan on line for printing. Are you ready to start? |
Build a Kit |
Building a 72 hour Emergency 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 72 hour kit or possibly leave immediately with a grab-and-go bag. Essentials
Make sure your medications are written down and stored all together in an easily accessible location. 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 |
People with Disabilities and Special Needs |
Disabilities & Special Needs Guide for Emergency Preparedness |
Importance of Insurance |
Insurance can help you replace what’s lost, and help cover your expenses if you are forced to leave your home during an emergency. Discuss your needs with an insurance representative. As a home owner or tenant, you are legally responsible for any damage you cause to any part of your building and for unintentional harm caused to others who live in or visit the property. For example:
For more information, visit the Insurance Bureau of Canada’s |
During an Emergency
Stay Informed |
During an emergency, you should stay tuned to local news channels. Be sure to have a portable, battery-operated or crank radio in your 72 hour kit in case of power outages. Look for official information from the County’s Facebook and Twitter account. Local Radio Stations: 88.8 The River (Wellington North & Minto) |
Shelter in Place and Evacuation |
If you are instructed to "shelter-in-place" this means you must remain inside your home or location and protect yourself there. What to do? Authorities will not ask you to leave your home unless they have reason to believe you are in danger. What to do? |
After an Emergency
Before Returning Home |
Do not return home until you are notified by officials it is safe to do so. Find general instructions here on what to do after an emergency that apply to many emergencies but not every situation is the same. Please read the types of hazards that could happen in Wellington County located here. |
Disaster Recovery Assistance for Ontarians (DRAO) |
This program must be activated by Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing for your affected area in order for you to be eligible to apply for financial help to recover costs after a natural disaster. For more information on this program, find activated areas and applications, visit Ontario disaster recovery assistance. |