Emergency Management Ontario (EMO) is the office of emergency management and division of the Ontario government, responsible for coordinating and overseeing

emergency management Emergency management (also Disaster management) is a science and a system charged with creating the framework within which communities reduce vulnerability to hazards and cope with disasters. Emergency management, despite its name, does not actu ...

across the province of

Ontario Ontario is the southernmost Provinces and territories of Canada, province of Canada. Located in Central Canada, Ontario is the Population of Canada by province and territory, country's most populous province. As of the 2021 Canadian census, it ...

Canada Canada is a country in North America. Its Provinces and territories of Canada, ten provinces and three territories extend from the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific Ocean and northward into the Arctic Ocean, making it the world's List of coun ...

. EMO sits within the Treasury Board Secretariat, and is responsible for planning for, responding to and recovering from all man-made or natural disasters within the province. Established in 1980, EMO plays a key role in ensuring municipalities and provincial ministries implement comprehensive emergency management initiatives. In cases where

local Local may refer to: Geography and transportation * Local (train), a train serving local traffic demand * Local, Missouri, a community in the United States Arts, entertainment, and media * ''Local'' (comics), a limited series comic book by Bria ...

capacities are overwhelmed, EMO may municipalities in accessing additional resources and support. During large-scale crises, the

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and Cabinet of Ontario can declare a provincial emergency under the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act, enabling the issuance of special emergency orders to protect the safety of Ontarians. The agency also provides guidance and support to communities,

First Nations First nations are indigenous settlers or bands. First Nations, first nations, or first peoples may also refer to: Indigenous groups *List of Indigenous peoples *First Nations in Canada, Indigenous peoples of Canada who are neither Inuit nor Mé ...

, and ministries, offering advice on emergency management program development and execution.

Concept of Operations

Emergency Management Ontario (EMO) operates under an escalating approach to emergency management, ensuring responsibilities are progressively assigned based on the scale and complexity of an emergency. This tiered approach begins with individuals, and if necessary, can escalate to the federal levels when local capacities are overwhelmed.

Individual and Family Preparedness

The foundation of emergency management begins at the individual level. Citizens are responsible for their own safety and preparedness, which includes planning for emergencies that may temporarily isolate entire neighborhoods from local services and utilities. Individuals and families are encouraged to have emergency supplies to sustain themselves for at least 72 hours.

Municipal Level

Each municipality in Ontario is required to develop and maintain a comprehensive emergency management program under the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act (EMCPA). Municipal programs are designed to protect the lives and property of residents through prevention, preparedness, response, and recovery initiatives. In situations where a municipality's capacity to respond is exceeded, the local government may declare an emergency to access additional resources and support.

Provincial Coordination

When local capabilities are overwhelmed, EMO steps in to provide coordination and additional support. The Provincial Emergency Operations Centre (PEOC) serves as the central hub for managing emergencies at the provincial level, ensuring efficient deployment of resources and coordination among ministries. In large-scale emergencies, the Premier and Cabinet may declare a provincial emergency, enabling the issuance of special emergency orders to protect public safety.

Federal Assistance

In cases where both municipal and provincial capacities are either insufficient or have been exhausted, the province can formally request

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through the PEOC. Federal involvement is limited to situations where resources are beyond provincial capacity or when the emergency affects areas of federal jurisdiction, ensuring a seamless integration of support across all levels of government.

Geographical Divisions

For administrative and response purposes, Ontario is divided into two primary emergency management areas: North and South. These areas are further subdivided into sectors, each encompassing approximately 40 to 50 municipalities. Each sector is assigned an Emergency Management Field Officer, responsible for supporting local emergency management programs and ensuring coordination with provincial efforts.

Sectors

Provincial Emergency Operations Centre

The Provincial Emergency Operations Centre (PEOC), located in Toronto, serves as the hub for Ontario’s emergency management activities, ensuring coordinated support for municipalities and First Nations during provincial-level emergencies. Staffed 24/7, the PEOC monitors situations both within and outside the province, allowing for rapid response and informed decision-making when emergencies arise. The PEOC plays a vital role in Ontario’s emergency management system by: * Coordinating the Ontario government’s response to major emergencies. * Serving as the single point of contact for municipalities and First Nations to request provincial assistance. During emergencies, the PEOC ensures that responses are effectively coordinated with the lead ministry responsible for the specific hazard, facilitating a unified and efficient approach to crisis management.

References

{{ONGovDept Emergency management in Canada Safety organizations Ontario government departments and agencies Organizations based in Toronto