HASTINGS COUNTY EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS GUIDE
KNOW YOUR HAZARDS. BE READY TOGETHER.
MARCH 2026
TABLE OF CONTENTS
HOW YOU CAN PLAN FOR EMERGENCIES
6
72-HOUR SURVIVAL KIT
8
'READY-TO-GO’ KIT
9
CAR AND PET EMERGENCY SURVIVAL KIT
10
DO 1 THING
11
PUBLIC ALERTING - ALERT READY: STOP. LISTEN. RESPOND.
12
USING TECHNOLOGY DURING A DISASTER
13
HAZARDS IN HASTINGS COUNTY
14
EVACUATIONS AND RECEPTION CENTRES
15
ABOUT HASTINGS-QUINTE PARAMEDIC SERVICES
16
THE ROLE OF HASTINGS COUNTY IN AN EMERGENCY
20
FAMILY EMERGENCY PLAN
22
COMMUNITY LINKS
24
MUNICIPAL CONTACT INFORMATION
25
Hastings County Emergency Preparedness Guide Page 3
MESSAGE FROM THE WARDEN
Thank you for taking the time to review the important information in this Emergency Preparedness Guide. Community resilience begins with each of us, and Hastings County is committed to helping residents plan ahead and stay safe during any emergency. The Hastings County Municipal Emergency Control Group (MECG) is a dedicated team of professionals that supports emergency response efforts across our 14 member municipalities and two separated cities. During large‑scale emergencies, the MECG coordinates essential services, supports emergency responders, coordinates emergency social services, and works closely with partner agencies to ensure municipalities receive the assistance they need. Preparedness starts at home. Every resident has a responsibility to plan ahead so that you and your family can remain self‑sufficient during an emergency. Being ready allows emergency services to focus first on the most urgent needs. In addition to preparing your emergency kits, we encourage you to connect with your neighbours and explore how you can support one another before, during, and after an emergency. When each of us takes part in emergency readiness, we strengthen our entire community. While a disaster may disrupt our daily lives, it does not have to diminish the quality of life we value here in Hastings County.
BOB MULLIN, WARDEN HASTINGS COUNTY
Hastings County Emergency Preparedness Guide Page 4
EVERYONE has a role to play in emergency preparedness. KNOW THE RISKS, REDUCE THEM TOGETHER
Individuals and families should have an emergency kit with enough supplies to last at least 72 hours. Each household is responsible for creating an evacuation plan—one that identifies a safe place for all family members, including pets, to go. Residents should also understand the hazards in their area and take steps to ensure their homes and cottages are properly prepared. Municipalities must maintain an Emergency Management Program (as required by the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act) and an Emergency Response Plan to deal with large-scale emergencies. These programs ensure residents are informed about local hazards and have the tools they need to prepare. During an emergency, municipal resources focus on protecting critical infrastructure - such as roads, water, and hydro - and responding to those with immediate life‑safety needs.
This Emergency Preparedness Guide will help you understand and meet your responsibilities before, during, and after an emergency.
EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS STARTS WITH YOU.
YOUR SAFETY BEGINS AT HOME.
Federal Level
Provincial Level
Local Level
Individual (You)
Hastings County Emergency Preparedness Guide Page 5
HOW YOU CAN PLAN FOR EMERGENCIES
BE PREPARED!
Make sure everyone in your household knows what to do before, during, and after an emergency. Take time as a family to create a plan and discuss how you will prepare for the hazards most likely to affect your home. If you live alone, develop a plan for yourself and share it with neighbours, friends, or others who may be able to support you. This Guide provides the information, checklists, and templates you need to help ensure you are ready for any emergency.
MAKE A PLAN
Keep a list of important emergency phone numbers in an easy‑to‑find location. Place a copy in your ‘Ready to Go’ kit (Page 8 ). Choose a friend or family member who lives outside your area to act as your emergency contact in case you are separated from your household. Make sure every family member has this person’s phone number—include a copy in purses, wallets, briefcases, school backpacks, or save it in electronic devices such as cellphones, tablets, or laptops. Consider including a simple floor plan of your home that shows exits and escape routes from each room, along with the location of your ‘Ready to Go’ kit. Don’t forget your pets! Have a Pet Emergency Kit (Page 9) prepared and keep a list of pet‑friendly hotels, kennels, veterinarians, and friends or family who can take your animal - or who you can stay with - if you need to evacuate.
Hastings County Emergency Preparedness Guide Page 6
PREPARE YOUR KIT
Make sure your home has enough supplies to keep you self‑sufficient for at least 72 hours. In addition, prepare a “Ready to Go” kit (Page 8 ) with the essentials and important information you will need if you must evacuate quickly. You should also have a Pet Emergency Kit (Page 9) for your animals, and ensure your vehicle is equipped with a Car Survival Kit (Page 9 ) in case you become stranded or need to travel a long distance during an emergency.
KNOW YOUR HAZARDS
Make a list of the hazards that could affect you, your family, and your home. Contact your local Community Emergency Management Coordinator (CEMC) to learn about the top risks in your area. Once you know the hazards, take steps to prevent, mitigate, and prepare for them. Understanding your risks - and planning ahead - will help your family stay safe, confident, and calm during an emergency.
Hastings County Emergency Preparedness Guide Page 7
72-HOUR SURVIVAL KIT
Food & Water
Warmth and Shelter
3-5 gallons of water (4 litres per adult, per day) Canned or freeze-dried foods Manual can opener
Tent/Trailer or other shelter Wool-blend blanket or sleeping bags Emergency reflective blanket Lightweight stove with fuel or camp stove (OUTDOORS ONLY) Hand and body warm packs Poncho or rain protection (a large garbage bag works in a pinch)
Instant drinks and juices Water purification tablets
Don’t risk your life by stopping to collect belongings - evacuate immediately.
Tools and Equipment
Pocket knife or multi-tool Flashlight, lantern, or candles plus windproof / waterproof matches Shovel, hatchet, or axe Sewing kit Nylon rope and duct tape Basic cooking utensils
Battery-powered or crank radio (with extra batteries if available) First aid kit Pen / pencil and writing pad Whistle for signaling Hand sanitizer Water resistant duffel bag or tote to store all supplies
Special Items
Keep copies of important family documents in a waterproof, fireproof, portable container for quick evacuation.
Passports Health cards
Photos of family members (helpful if separated during an emergency) Games, toys, and comfort items for children Cell phone, charger, and car adaptor (keep devices fully charged whenever possible!)
Drivers’ licences Birth certificates Bank account and credit card numbers A small amount of cash Extra house and vehicle keys
Hastings County Emergency Preparedness Guide Page 8
‘READY TO GO’ KIT
Change of clothing
Copies of ID, insurance papers and important documents
Toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, deodorant, & shampoo)
Cash
Spare keys
Extra medication and copies of prescriptions
Copy of important phone numbers (family, work, daycare, vet etc.)
First aid kit
Flashlight with spare batteries
Non-perishable snacks and some bottled water or water purification kit
Hastings County Emergency Preparedness Guide Page 9
CAR SURVIVAL KIT Shovel Sand or kitty litter Traction mats Tow chain Compass Cloth or roll of toilet paper Warning light or road flares Extra clothing and footwear Emergency food pack Booster cables Blanket (special “survival” blankets are best) Duct tape Matches and a “survival” candle in a deep can (to warm hands, heat drink, or use as emergency light) Ice scraper and brush Fire extinguisher Extra windshield washer fluid Fuel-line antifreeze Road maps Flashlight First-Aid kit
PET EMERGENCY SURVIVAL KIT 72-hour supply of food, bowls and can opener 72-hour supply of bottled water Blankets/towels (more than one in case they get soiled) Small toy Leash, muzzle, harness Litter pan, litter, plastic bags and scooper Pet carrier for transportation Medical records, especially proof of vaccinations (most boarding facilities will not accept pets without proof of current vaccination records) Medications and pet first aid kit Current photo of pet in case they get lost Information on your pet’s feeding schedule, behavioural / medical concerns and special boarding instructions List of boarding facilities in your area, hotels/motels that accept pets, and friends and relatives that you and your pet can stay with (pets are generally not allowed inside emergency shelters designated for people, with the exception of service
animals such as guide dogs) I.D. tag (microchipping also recommended)
Hastings County Emergency Preparedness Guide Page 10
DO 1 THING Prepare for emergencies by doing one thing each month:
January Make a Plan
February Water
Understand what puts you at risk from disasters and take steps to lower your risk.
Have 72 hours (3 days) worth of water stored for your household.
March Sheltering
April Food
Have an emergency food supply that will meet the needs of your household for three days without outside help.
Know how to respond safely when instructions are given to evacuate or take shelter.
May Work, School & Community
June Unique Family Needs
Make sure the people who count on your are prepared for a disaster.
Be aware of and prepare for your family’s unique needs.
July Family Communication Plan
August Get Involved
Have the ability to communicate with family members during a disaster.
Make your community stronger by getting trained and getting involved.
September Be Informed
October Power
Make sure everyone in your household can receive, understand, and act on information received in an emergency.
Be able to safely meet your basic needs during an electrical outage.
November Emergency Supplies
December First Aid
Remember important items that may be overlooked when leaving your home in a disaster.
Be prepared to give first aid while paramedics are enroute.
Hastings County Emergency Preparedness Guide Page 11
ALERT READY: STOP. LISTEN. RESPOND Alert Ready is Canada’s national emergency alerting system, designed to deliver critical and potentially life‑saving warnings to the public. Alerts are broadcast through television, radio, and LTE‑connected, compatible wireless devices to ensure they reach Canadians quickly during emergencies. The Alert Ready system is a collaborative effort involving federal, provincial, and territorial emergency management officials, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Pelmorex, the broadcasting industry, and wireless service providers. Together, these partners work to ensure alerts are issued immediately and that Canadians receive the information they need to take action and stay safe.
Check your phone’s compatibility here: alertready.ca/wireless/
For more information about Alert Ready including frequently asked questions, visit: alertready.ca/
Follow Alert Ready on X and Facebook for the latest emergency information and preparedness tips.
Hastings County Emergency Preparedness Guide Page 12
USING TECHNOLOGY DURING A DISASTER
We rely on technology more than ever to stay connected with family, friends, and colleagues. With a click, we can share information instantly. During a major emergency, these everyday tools become vital for staying informed, reaching loved ones, and accessing help. Here are practical tips for using technology effectively in an emergency:
Stay Connected Wisely Use text, email, or social media when you can. These use less network space than phone calls and may still work even when networks are congested. If you need to make a phone call, keep it short. Share only important information with family or emergency workers. This helps the network and saves your battery. Manage Busy Networks If a call doesn’t go through, wait about 10 seconds before trying again. Calling over and over can make the network even busier. Remember: Cordless home phones need electricity and will not work in a power outage. If you have a landline, keep at least one phone that plugs into the wall. Prepare Your Devices and Power Sources Keep extra batteries or a backup charger in your emergency kit. Think about getting a solar, crank, or car charger for long power outages. If you don’t use a cell phone, keep a prepaid calling card in your emergency supplies. Save your battery by lowering your screen brightness, using airplane mode when you’re not using your phone, and closing apps you don’t need. Keep Your Contacts Updated Update important phone numbers and emails regularly. Include family, neighbours, your child’s school, your workplace, and your insurance company. Plan Ahead With Your Smartphone Save your family’s safe meeting place in your phone’s map app so you can find it quickly.
Hastings County Emergency Preparedness Guide Page 13
HAZARDS IN HASTINGS COUNTY These are some of the hazards that can affect communities across Hastings County, along with simple steps you can take to stay safe.
POWER OUTAGE
Risk: Outages can cause unsafe temperatures, food spoilage, loss of communication, and loss of use of medical equipment.
In winter, drain pipes and shut off the main water supply during long outages. Turn off major appliances so they don’t turn on unexpectedly when power returns and cause power surges. Keep a corded phone or non‑electric communication option. Limit opening the fridge and freezer. Never use barbecues, camp stoves, or generators indoors (carbon monoxide risk). Use candles safely; flashlights are safer. EXTREME COLD Risk: Extreme cold can cause frostbite, hypothermia, and dangerous travel conditions. Dress in layers and stay dry. Cover your face and mouth outdoors. Take breaks when shoveling. Tell someone your route when travelling; keep a vehicle kit and fuel. Use indoor‑approved heating devices only. Keep flammables away from heaters; avoid overloaded outlets. TORNADOES Risk: Tornadoes can cause severe wind damage, flying debris, and life‑threatening conditions. Go to the basement or an interior room on the lowest floor (bathroom, closet, hallway). Stay away from windows and exterior walls. If outdoors, get inside immediately. If you cannot, take cover in a ditch or low area and protect your head. Hastings County Emergency Preparedness Guide Page 14
EXTREME HEAT
Risk: Heat can lead to dehydration, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke.
Stay in the shade and use SPF 15+ sunscreen. Wear light, loose clothing. Drink water often; avoid alcohol and caffeine. Limit strenuous activity.
Never leave children or pets in a vehicle. Check local updates for cooling centres. Check on high‑risk people (children, seniors, those with health issues, outdoor workers). THUNDERSTORMS
Risk: Thunderstorms can bring lightning, strong winds, power outages, and flash flooding.
Get indoors. If not possible, crouch low away from tall objects - don’t lie flat. If no shelter, use a ditch or low area, watching for flooding. If on the water, get to shore immediately. Avoid electrical equipment and plumbing—lightning travels through wires and pipes. If in a vehicle, stay inside with windows closed. FLOODS
Risk: Flooding can damage property, block roads, contaminate water, and create dangerous currents.
Move valuables and furniture to higher levels. Close basement windows and doors. If water rises quickly, go to higher ground. Avoid driving through flooded roads. For updates, visit www.ontario.ca/flooding
Hastings County Emergency Preparedness Guide Page 15
HEALTH EMERGENCIES
Risk: Health emergencies can affect large numbers of people and may involve illness outbreaks, unsafe food or water, or other public health hazards. Southeast Public Health is a key resource during health‑related emergencies, including disease outbreaks and food or water safety issues. They work closely with local emergency planners, hospitals, and paramedic services.
Phone: 613‑966‑5500 or 1‑800‑267‑2803 Website: southeastph.ca/
Check your local public health website and trusted sources for updates, alerts, and safety information. You can also subscribe to emergency alerts for timely notifications. For weather‑related health risks (heat, air quality, storms), visit theweathernetwork.com or use their app for mobile alerts.
Hastings County Emergency Preparedness Guide
Page 16
What to Do When Ordered to Evacuate Assist neighbours who may need help. Take your Ready‑to‑Go Kit and essential medications (see details on next page). Evacuate immediately using the route directed by officials. Stay calm and follow traffic control; expect detours. EVACUATION & RECEPTION CENTRES
Do not take shortcuts—they may be unsafe. Monitor official updates for further instructions. Attend nearest reception centre (if established)
Reception Centres
Reception centres provide short‑term support and information for people affected by an emergency.
When You Arrive Register at the entrance so staff can confirm your safety, help reunite families, and determine what supports you may need. You may be asked to show ID and sign in/out of the centre. A wristband may be provided during larger or overnight responses.
Services Available Reception centres may offer:
Registration & family inquiry Emergency information updates Light refreshments and snacks First aid support (Provided by HQPS Paramedics) Personal supports (e.g., counselling, shelter) Assistance with pets (i.e. basic supplies or help arranging safe care)
Safety and Conduct One controlled entrance/exit is used for safety. No smoking inside; outdoor smoking area provided. No alcohol is permitted. Security staff or centre personnel will be present to ensure a safe environment.
Community Partners Depending on the emergency, services may be supported by:
Hastings County Community & Human Services, Hastings‑Quinte Paramedic Services, Public Health, Canadian Red Cross, Salvation Army, local volunteer groups, and the Humane Society.
Hastings County Emergency Preparedness Guide Page 17
ABOUT HASTINGS-QUINTE PARAMEDIC SERVICES
Hastings–Quinte Paramedic Services (HQPS) responds to over 30,000 emergency calls each year , providing dependable care across Hastings
and Prince Edward Counties. Our paramedic bases operate in Bancroft, Madoc, Stirling, Picton, Quinte West, Tyendinaga, and two locations in Belleville , with an additional post in Tweed . Our team includes more than 170 dedicated professionals , including Primary Care Paramedics (PCP), Advanced Care Paramedics (ACP), and Community Paramedics (CP) , supported by strong logistical and administrative teams. We also maintain specialized capabilities - such as tactical paramedics and remote‑access teams - to ensure we can reach patients in even the most challenging conditions. HQPS is committed to delivering high‑quality, patient‑centered care , and continues to adopt innovative tools to support effective emergency response across our communities.
Hastings County Emergency Preparedness Guide Page 18
PREPARING FOR THE ARRIVAL OF PARAMEDICS Remain calm and get organized Unlock and open the front door – paramedics look for easy access into the home. Preferably use entranceways without multiple stairs or narrow passages. Turn on the lights , inside and outside of the home. Ensure your house number is clearly displayed. Whenever possible, vehicles should be removed from the driveway. Clear a path to the patient. Secure any pets. Extinguish any smoking materials. Gather all patient medications and/or lists of medications. Have the patient’s Ontario Health Card ready. Gather all pertinent medical info – i.e., past medical history, allergies, DNR (if applicable). Be ready to leave the home – In some cases paramedics may require a family member to accompany them during transport: e.g., a child or baby
Hastings County Emergency Preparedness Guide Page 19
THE ROLE OF HASTINGS COUNTY IN AN EMERGENCY
NON-EMERGENCY SUPPORT AND ACTIVITIES
Hastings County supports its member municipalities and the separated cities prior to an emergency by participating with them and supporting them in exercises, training, public education / awareness initiatives. The County is also required to conduct its own training and exercises for the Municipal Emergency Control Group (MECG) as well as developing and delivering public education and awareness information.
EMERGENCY SUPPORT AND ACTIVITIES
In the event of a single municipality activating their emergency plan, Hastings County provides support by sending representation from Hastings- Quinte Paramedic Services and Community and Human Services as part of municipal emergency plans. In the event of a large scale, multiple municipal emergency situations, Hastings County will activate its MECG to provide assistance and support by coordinating resources, liaising with provincial and federal partners through the Provincial Emergency Operations Centre (PEOC), non-governmental stakeholders and providing County services to the municipalities as requested, such as paramedic services and emergency social services.
REQUEST A PRESENTATION
If you would like to request a presentation on personal emergency preparedness or learn more about emergency management in Hastings County, we’re here to help.
Please contact Nathan Dudley, Superintendent of Emergency Management and Community Program Development , at: dudleyn@hastingscounty.com 613‑403‑2547
Hastings County Emergency Preparedness Guide Page 20
SINGLE COMMUNITY DECLARES
Federal Assistance
PEOC
County Assistance/Liaison
Municipal EOC
Site
MULTIPLE COMMUNITIES DECLARE
Federal Assistance
County EOC
PEOC
Community 1 EOC
Community 2 EOC
Community 3 EOC
Site
Site
Site
Hastings County Emergency Preparedness Guide Page 21
FAMILY EMERGENCY PLAN TEMPLATE The goal of a family emergency plan is to ensure your household can remain self‑sufficient for at least 72 hours and stay connected, organized, and able to reunite quickly, especially in the event of an evacuation.
Out-of-Area Contact (A person far enough away so as not to be affected by the emergency - someone each member of the family can call or email in case of emergency.
Temporary Accommodation (a place where your family will be able to stay for a few days in case of evacuation).
Location:
Name:
Telephone:
Address:
Email address:
Telephone: (home): (Work): (Cell):
Email address:
Emergency Meeting Place (A place for your family to meet if you are all in different locations when your home is evacuated, such as work or school)
Location:
Alternate Location:
Give a copy of this plan to each family member, your emergency contact, child’s school etc.
Hastings County Emergency Preparedness Guide Page 22
Family Contact Information:
Family Member
Usual Weekday Location
Contact Information
Special Health Information:
Insurance/Security Company Contact Information:
‘Ready to Go’ kit Location:
Separate location for pets to be cared for (if required) and contact information:
Pet Emergency Kit Location:
Hastings County Emergency Preparedness Guide Page 23
FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE VISIT:
Hydro One hydroone.com/power-outages-and- safety
Hastings County hastingscounty.com
Ontario Emergency Management www.ontario.ca/page/emergency- management
Canada Gov. Get Prepared getprepared.ca
The Weather Network theweathernetwork.com/en
Ontario Gov. Flood Information ontario.ca/flooding
Canada Gov. Weather Index weather.gc.ca/index_e.html
Southeast Public Health southeastph.ca/
Hastings County Emergency Preparedness Guide Page 24
MUNICIPAL EMERGENCY CONTACT INFORMATION
Town of Bancroft : 613-332-2442 Information: bancroft.ca/town_hall/emergency_preparedness___safety
Township of Carlow-Mayo : 613-332-1760 Information: carlowmayo.ca/departments/emergency-services/
Municipality of Centre Hastings : 613 ‑ 473 ‑ 4030 Information: centrehastings.com/living-here/emergency-preparedness/
Town of Deseronto : 613-396-2440 Information: deseronto.ca/
Township of Faraday : 613-332-3638 Information: faraday.ca/
Municipality of Hastings Highland s: 613-338-2811 Information: hastingshighlands.ca/living-here/emergency-services-and-preparedness/
Township of Limerick : 613-474-2863 Information: limerick.ca/services/emergency/
Township of Madoc : 613-473-2677 Information: madoc.ca/departments/emergency-planning/
Municipality of Marmora and Lake : 613-472-2748 Information: marmoraandlake.ca/emergency-preparedness
Township of Stirling-Rawdon : 613-395-0214 Information: stirling-rawdon.com/living-here/fire-and-emergency-services/
Township of Tudor and Cashel : 613-474-2583 Information: tudorandcashel.com/departments/emergency-services
Municipality of Tweed : 613-478-2535 Information: tweed.ca/emergency-management-c346
Township of Tyendinaga : 613-396-1660 Information: tyendinagatownship.com/living-here/emergency-services/
Township of Wollaston : 613-337-5731 Information: wollaston.ca/living-here/emergency-management/
City of Quinte West : 613-392-2841 Information: quintewest.ca/community-services/fire-emergency-services/emergencypreparedness/
City of Belleville : 613-962-2010 Information: belleville.ca/en/home-and-property/emergency-preparedness.aspx
County of Hastings :613-966-1311 x2500 Information: hastingscounty.com/communities/services/emergency-services
Hastings County Emergency Preparedness Guide Page 25
Contact
Hastings County 235 Pinnacle St. Belleville ON K8N 3A9
hastingscounty.com (613) 966-1311
Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 Page 5 Page 6 Page 7 Page 8 Page 9 Page 10 Page 11 Page 12 Page 13 Page 14 Page 15 Page 16 Page 17 Page 18 Page 19 Page 20 Page 21 Page 22 Page 23 Page 24 Page 25 Page 26Made with FlippingBook Digital Proposal Creator