Emergency Response and Business Continuity Plan

Transcription

1 Corporation of the Town of Huntsville Emergency Response and Business Continuity Plan By-law No: Revised: November 2013

2 TABLE OF CONTENTS EXECUTIVE SUMMARY... 3 SECTION 1 HAZARDS, AIM, AUTHORITY... 5 SECTION 2 NOTIFICATION SYSTEM... 6 SECTION 3 EMERGENCY OPERATION CENTRE (EOC)... 7 SECTION 4 - EMERGENCY CONTROL GROUP (ECG)... 9 SECTION 5 DECLARATION OF AN EMERGENCY SECTION 6 HAZARD IDENTIFICATION SECTION 7 EVACUATION CENTRES SECTION 8 REQUEST FOR ASSISTANCE SECTION 9 - TELECOMMUNICATIONS BY-LAW NO Page 2 of 40

3 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Introduction This emergency response plan has been prepared in order to provide key officials, agencies and departments within the Town of Huntsville with a general guideline to the expected initial response to an emergency and an overview of their responsibilities during an emergency. For this plan to be effective, it is important that all concerned be made aware of its provisions and that every official, agency and department be prepared to carry out their assigned functions and responsibilities in an emergency. The following paragraphs provide an overview of the background and some of the highlights of this plan. Background The Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act provides the authority to municipalities to formulate and implement Emergency Plans. The legislation states that a Head of Council may declare that an Emergency exists within a municipality and may take such action as may be deemed necessary and are not contrary to law to protect the property, health, safety and welfare of the inhabitants of the Emergency area. Municipalities routinely respond to situations that require responses from fire, police, ambulance, and public infrastructure. Large- scale emergencies such as chemical spills, plane crashes, tornadoes and floods can severely deplete available resources and require additional personnel, equipment and expertise. In cases such as these, an Emergency Plan must be implemented. Response to a large-scale Emergency requires an assessment of the situation, an effective determination of resources required, and the efficient deployment and management of these resources. The primary role of District government in an Emergency is to provide the organizational framework within which the coordinated response will take place, thereby reducing the impact of the Emergency on the inhabitants within the District. Upper-tier Response Within Muskoka, each of the six Area Municipalities and two First Nations has an individual responsibility to provide the initial response to a large-scale Emergency within their municipal boundaries. The Mayor of the affected municipality may request assistance from the District by contacting the District Chair. This may be done without activating the Muskoka Emergency Response Plan. However, when the resources of an Area Municipality are deemed insufficient to control the emergency, the Mayor may request that the District Chair or District Chief Administrative Officer activate the Muskoka Emergency Response Plan. The Muskoka Emergency Control Group would then be activated and the District Chair may declare a District Emergency in the affected area(s). The Muskoka Emergency Plan may also be activated when: the emergency affects a large portion of the inhabitants of more than one Area Municipality; or the emergency requires extraordinary actions or expenditures of monies by one or more District service for the protection of life and property, and /or the District has committed significant resources (personnel and material) in the affected area as a result of an incident that immediately or rapidly develops into a District level emergency, without prior declaration of a Lower tier municipality such as a pandemic or any large-scale emergency The District Chair or alternate may declare a state of emergency to exist in all or part of the District Municipality of Muskoka. The Mayor, Acting Mayor and an appropriate designated Senior Municipal Official of the affected Area and the Fire Chief (as appropriate and practical) will then become members of the Muskoka Emergency Control Group. Page 3 of 40

4 All decisions made by the Muskoka Emergency Control Group with respect to the lives and property of the affected Area Municipalities will be made in consultation with the Mayor or Acting Mayor of the affected Area Municipality. The remaining municipal officials of Area Municipal Emergency Control Group(s) of the affected Area Municipalities will then become the support group or support staff to the Mayors or Acting Mayors, and the appropriate designated Senior Municipal Officials, participating on the Muskoka Emergency Control Group. Resources within the District Municipality of Muskoka will not allow for representation from each emergency and support service or agency on every Municipal Emergency Control Group, as well as the District Emergency Control Group. Therefore, once the Muskoka Emergency Response Plan is activated, overall co-ordination and deployment of resources required to mitigate the effect(s) of the emergency will be the responsibility of the Muskoka Emergency Control Group in accordance with the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act, However, it should be stressed that in any emergency, or threat of an emergency, members of the Muskoka Emergency Control Group or their alternates may be called together to make decisions or to be on standby, without having to declare that a District Emergency exists. Page 4 of 40

5 SECTION 1 HAZARDS, AIM, AUTHORITY 1.1 Introduction Huntsville maintains an active Emergency Measures program. The purpose of this program is to protect and preserve life and property during times of crisis, by providing efficient, coordinated emergency services and responsible decisionmaking. The program will also provide for training of Town staff as required, and for external agencies to the extent practicable. The program will permit coordination of community-based exercises and outreach at the Municipal level. The Emergency Measures program is further designed to ensure that all agencies that may become involved in an Emergency are fully aware of their respective roles and responsibilities and are capable of fulfilling their assigned tasks. 1.2 Hazards The Emergency Management Act defines an emergency as a situation caused by the forces of nature, an accident, and an intentional act or otherwise that constitutes a danger of major proportions to life or property. 1.3 Aim The aim of the Town of Huntsville Emergency Response Plan is to outline a plan of action for the efficient deployment and coordination of the services, agencies and personnel to provide the earliest possible response in order to: 1.4 Authority protect and preserve life and property minimize the effect of the emergency on the Town of Huntsville restore essential services maintain services in the unaffected areas of the Town of Huntsville assist other municipalities The Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act, 2009 is the legal authority for the emergency response plan in Ontario. The Act states that the: The head of council of a municipality may declare that an emergency exists in the municipality or in any part thereof and may take such action and make such orders as he or she considers necessary and are not contrary to law to implement the emergency plan of the municipality and to protect property and the health, safety and welfare of the inhabitants of the emergency area. As enabled by the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act, this emergency response plan and its elements have been: issued under the authority of the Town of Huntsville By-law ; and filed with Emergency Management Ontario, Ministry of Community Safety and Correctional Services. 1.5 Precedence of Emergency Plans The Area Municipal Emergency Plan of each of the area municipality shall conform to the District Emergency Plan. In the event that the District declares an Emergency subsequent to an Emergency having been declared by one or more of the area municipalities, and there are inconsistencies between the Municipal Emergency Plan and the Muskoka Emergency Plan, the Muskoka Emergency Plan shall take precedence. Page 5 of 40

6 SECTION 2 NOTIFICATION SYSTEM 2.1 Emergency Notification System The Mayor, the Chief Administrative Officer, the Ontario Provincial Police Detachment Commander, the Fire Chief, the Medical Officer of Health or the CEMC may activate the Emergency Notification System. 2.2 Emergency Alert Levels Due to the threat of an emergency situation developing or the potential for an emergency situation to change over time, there are two different levels at which emergency personnel can be alerted. The Emergency levels are as follows: Full Alert: Under a Full Alert either all or selected members of the Emergency Control Group, the Support Group and the advisory staff, are contacted and are instructed to respond to the Emergency Operations Center at a given time or as soon as possible. The balance of the members of the groups will be advised to Standby Standby Alert: Under a Standby Alert either all or selected members of the Emergency Control Group, Support Group and the advisory staff are contacted and asked to Standby for further information. This alert level may be used if there is an emergency situation developing or the threat of an emergency occurring which does not merit assembling the members of the above groups THE PROVINCIAL OPERATIONS CENTRE IS TO BE NOTIFIED FOR ANY ALERT THAT IS ISSUED. Page 6 of 40

7 SECTION 3 EMERGENCY OPERATION CENTRE (EOC) 3.1 Introduction In the event of an Emergency, the Emergency Operation Centre (EOC) will be established. The Emergency Control Group, the Support Staff, Advisory Group and many other groups will congregate and work together at the Emergency Operations Centre to make decisions, share information and provide support as required to mitigate the effects of the emergency. The Community Emergency Measures Coordinator (CEMC), acting as the Operations Officer, is responsible for the coordination of all operations within the Emergency Operation Centre. 3.2 Location of Emergency Operation Centre(s) The Emergency Operation Centre is designated by the first authorized person activating the Emergency Notification System. The decision regarding the location will be made in consultation with the lead agency involved with the emergency. In the event that these location(s) are inaccessible, the Muskoka Emergency Operations Centre may be established at whichever Municipal facility is most advantageous. In the event of a municipal emergency, the Town may request the use of the Muskoka EOC as their primary or alternate location. The District will provide the EOC space and equipment, and the Town will retain the responsibility to manage the emergency. The Area Municipality will designate one of their staff to act as the point of contact with District staff on issues relating to the EOC space and facilities. Such use of the MEOC facility by an area municipality shall not alter the right of the Mayor or Acting Mayor of an affected area municipality to request the activation of the Muskoka Emergency Plan. The Emergency Operation Centre may consist of the following rooms: a meeting room for the Emergency Control Group a communications & support staff room a meeting room for the Emergency support and Advisory Group a Media Information Centre and news conference area a Citizens Inquiry area 3.3 Emergency Control Group Meeting Rooms The Emergency Control Group requires a secure and quiet meeting room adjacent to the Communication Room when practical and available. To promote effective information sharing and decision making, this room requires: maps of suitable scale, depicting up-to-date information related to the emergency a display board depicting up-to-date status information on the emergency Page 7 of 40

8 3.4 Emergency Communication and Support Room A separate communication and support room should be established, if available. To be effective, the Emergency Communication and Support Room requires: maps of suitable scale depicting up-to-date information related to the emergency a display board depicting up-to-date status information on the emergency a chronological log of all significant communications and events related to the emergency sufficient outside telephone lines for all communicators. (In the event that there are not enough telephones available, the use of cellular telephone should be considered.) each emergency or support service with radio communication equipment must be able to utilize this equipment in the Communication and Support Room a television and audio equipment so that members of the Emergency Control Group and their support staff may view the televised reports of the emergency or view tapes which can be supplied by one or more of the participating departments network connection and computers, which are equipped with capabilities the communicators will be responsible for operating telephones and radios within the Communication Room and relaying messages between their respective representatives on the Emergency Control Group and other key locations 3.5 Communications and Computer Operations Support Information Technology (IT) will act as telephone and computer support and will: Information Technology will activate/install communications, computer and other electronic equipment as required 3.6 Operating Cycle Upon attending at the EOC, ECG members will be briefed by the CEMC on the emergency situation and will make decisions with respect to the appropriate composition of the Control Group taking into consideration the emergency and the expertise required to properly manage the situation. The CEMC will contact those support agencies required to manage the emergency. The ECG members will establish an operating cycle consisting of specified meeting times and length of meeting and work schedule. It shall be the responsibility of the CEMC to ensure adherence to the operating cycle, convene ECG meetings and to arrange for agendas for the meetings. Meetings will be brief. The EOC Manager will be responsible for maintaining status boards, maps, and information in the EOC to aid the ECG in their meetings. This information will be prominently displayed and will be kept up to date by the EOC Manager. The ECG will, make a decision with respect to the appointment of an emergency on-site lead agency. The agency will be responsible for appointing the site manager. 3.7 Web Page An electronic copy of the Huntsville Emergency Plan is posted and maintained on the Town web site ( Page 8 of 40

9 4.1 Composition of the ECG SECTION 4 - EMERGENCY CONTROL GROUP (ECG) The ECG is comprised of the following persons or their alternate: Mayor CAO Community Emergency Management Coordinator Ontario Provincial Police Fire Chief Executive Director Public Infrastructure Emergency Information Officer Executive Director of Corporate Services EOC Manager Executive Director of Community Services Executive Director of Organizational Development and Strategy 4.2 ECG Support Group Support Group members from the following departments may be called upon to support the ECG: Facilities Legal Services Clerk s Office Geomatics Department Building Services Information Technology (IT) Department Others as required 4.3 ECG Advisory Group Additional personnel called or added to the Emergency Control Group may include: Medical Officer of Health District Water and Sewer District CEMC Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Emergency Management Ontario Community Officer Liaison Staff from Provincial Ministries Hospital Administrators Red Cross Salvation Army Hydro Representatives Hydro One, Lakeland Power Electrical Safety Authority Amateur Radio Emergency Services (ARES) Any other officials, experts or representatives from the Public or Private Sector deemed necessary by the Emergency Control Group The Control Group may function with only a limited number of persons depending on the emergency. Page 9 of 40

10 4.4 Emergency Control Group Responsibilities (ECG) The Emergency Control Group (ECG) collectively will: activate the Emergency Plan during emergency operations and provide advice and assistance to the Head of Council in the carrying out of the duties under the Emergency Plan direct, coordinate and monitor the response to ensure that all actions necessary for mitigation of the effects of the emergency are taken in accordance with the law and are carried out effectively and efficiently contact the appropriate emergency response agencies to ensure that all actions necessary for mitigation of the effects of the emergency are taken in accordance with the law and are carried out effectively and efficiently report to the alternate Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) if ordered by Chair of the ECG. Determine if the location and composition of the Emergency Control Group are appropriate advise the Mayor in making key decisions such as declaration of an emergency, designating sections of the Town as an emergency area appoint or confirm the appointment of an Incident Commander (IC) for each emergency site liaise with the Incident Commander to obtain briefings and/or change in emergency status coordinate the evacuation of inhabitants considered to be in danger order the discontinuation/closure of utilities, services, programs and/or facilities provided by local or public agencies, as required arrange for services and equipment from local agencies not under Municipal control, i.e. private contractors, volunteer agencies, service clubs notify, request assistance from and/or liaising with various levels of government and any public or private agencies not under Town control as considered necessary ensure administrative and logistical support is provided for emergency workers at the emergency site(s) and other locations such as EOC and shelters and post incident (i.e., food, water, shelter, sanitary facilities, maintenance, fuel, CISM). determine if additional volunteers are required and if appeals for volunteers are warranted determine if additional transport is required for evacuation or transport of persons and/or supplies prepare, in coordination with the Emergency Information Officer (EIO), approve and authorize major announcements, information releases and formal statements to the public arrange for experts, advisory groups and/or sub-committees to report to the ECG to provide advice, as required. the ECG has the authority to designate an additional, or dismiss an existing ECG member. The ECG also has the authority to relieve any ECG member with their alternate or other appointed individual authorize expenditures of money required to deal with the emergency notify all services, agencies, groups or persons under the direction of the ECG of the termination of the emergency meet regularly (frequency will be dictated by need) as a group to inform one another of actions being taken, their status, and to plan strategies Page 10 of 40

11 before the response to an emergency has been completed, determine if a Recovery Committee needs to be established, and if so, determine the chair and composition of that committee, along with its reporting structure. conduct and participate in a debriefing following the emergency Individual Responsibilities 4.5 Mayor The Mayor is ultimately responsible for the emergency. The Mayor (or Acting Mayor), as Head of Council and with the advice from the ECG is responsible for: declaring and terminating an emergency notifying other municipalities and appropriate ministries of a declaration or termination of an emergency spokesperson for the municipality formally requests Provincial or Federal Assistance participation in meetings of the Emergency Control Group 4.6 Councillors During and following an emergency, Councillors are required to: provide support and liaison to the community. (The only information conveyed to the public will be as provided from the Emergency Information Officer). provide assistance in the rehabilitation and restoration of the community maintain normal day to day services to the community make themselves available for Emergency Council Meetings and/or Debriefing Sessions the Mayor or Deputy Mayor will represent Council at meetings of the Emergency Control Group Council will be apprised of the emergency status through the following formats: information provided by the Director of Corporate Services (or alternate) and/or the Head of Council Confidentiality and discretion must be considered when releasing information to the public. 4.7 Community Emergency Management Coordinator (CEMC) The CEMC or designate is responsible for: acting as Chair of the Emergency Control Group meetings activation of the Emergency Control Group and other support groups as required communications links between the ECG and the Incident Commander requesting assistance from neighbouring municipalities when required assignment of staff Page 11 of 40

12 4.8 CAO The Chief Administrator Officer is responsible for: assisting and advising the Mayor with their duties and responsibilities liaison with CAO s of other municipalities that may be affected by the emergency financial record keeping 4.9 Ontario Provincial Police The Detachment Commander or designate acting for their area will be responsible for: notification of necessary emergency and municipal services as required establishing an On-Scene Command Post activate the ECG through the Emergency Notification System, if required establish a communication link between the ECG and the On-Scene Command Post establish an inner perimeter within the emergency area establish an outer perimeter in the vicinity of the emergency to facilitate the movement of emergency vehicles and restrict access to essential emergency personnel provide traffic control alert alerts to persons endangered by the emergency and the evacuation procedures protect life and property and provide law and order provide police services in evacuation centres, morgues and other facilities as required when required, provide the Incident Commander as appointed by the Emergency Control Group maintaining a personal log of all actions taken taking part in post-emergency debriefing provide advice on law enforcement 4.10 Fire Chief The Fire Chief or designate is responsible for: if required, activating the Emergency Control Group (ECG) and Response Groups organizing and coordinating their emergency response and rescue services attend at the Emergency Operations Centre and coordinate the response of the Fire Services advising the ECG on matters concerning fire fighting or fire prevention in areas where the emergency has caused increased fire risks establish an ongoing communications link with the Fire Incident Commander establishing an emergency fire service plan and program for Huntsville and exercising mobilizing control over participating fire departments in Mutual Aid activities making arrangements for the required additional fire or emergency team responses with the Fire Marshal of Ontario. liaising with the Fire Chief(s) of the affected municipalities to determine if any additional assistance is required and assuming responsibility for obtaining such assistance. Page 12 of 40

13 providing assistance to other municipal departments and agencies by being prepared to take charge of, or contribute to, non-firefighting operations, if necessary (e.g. rescue, first aid, casualty collection, evacuation, etc.) maintaining a personal log of all actions taken taking part in post-emergency debriefing provide advice on firefighting, emergency response and rescue to the ECG 4.11 Executive Director of Public Infrastructure The Executive Director of Public Infrastructure or designate is responsible for: activating and coordinating the response of the Public Infrastructure Departments, as appropriate, including the provision of all storm sewer and road services providing the ECG with information on engineering, Public Works, By-law and Cemetery matters liaising with the Directors of Public Infrastructure and the Commissioner of Engineering and Public Works for Muskoka for the affected Area Municipalities to ensure a coordinated response maintaining, constructing and repairing of roads providing emergency traffic detour plans in coordination with the Ontario Provincial Police in the affected area liaising with public utilities to disconnect any service representing a hazard and /or arrange for the provision of alternate services or functions requesting the disconnection of any District Public Works service or utility as required requesting restoration of any disconnected District Public Works services as required maintaining communications with the flood control authorities at the Ministry of Natural Resources and environmental agencies coordinating the provision of transportation when requested by other departments or the Emergency Site Manager providing an Agency Incident Commander when required, providing the Incident Commander as appointed by the Emergency Control Group participating as a member of the post emergency Recovery Committee maintaining a personal log of all actions taken taking part in post-emergency debriefing Executive Director of Community Services - Reception/Evacuation Centre Coordinator (RECC) Page 13 of 40 The Executive Director of Community Services or designate is responsible for: deploying and coordinating the efforts of the required support staff and volunteers, including the Property Manager, and the Registration & Inquiry (R&I) personnel, and any additional organizations and individuals under third party agreements for assistance respecting the provision of food, clothing, and temporary shelter. coordinating with the Property Manager or designate for the activation of an Evacuation Centre

14 4.13 Executive Director of Organizational Development and Strategy The Executive Director of Organizational Development and Strategy is responsible for: Page 14 of 40 Ensuring that staff and volunteers are provided with information regarding stress management and identification Acting as the liaison between dependents of staff involved in the event to ensure that they informed of staff status; if required; and ensuring that their immediate needs are addressed Assisting with the management of the emergency including the development of a database of alternate accommodations and resources for volunteers Ensuring that when volunteers are to be used, they are registered and will receive identification badges or other visible forms of identification Establishing a volunteer registration centre in an area separate from the Operations Centre or Registration and Inquiry Centre Advising volunteers of which insurance coverage is available to them and what may not be covered, remaining within the guidelines of WSIB or other legislated requirements Maintaining a personal log of all actions taken Taking part in post-emergency debriefing 4.14 Emergency Information Officer The Emergency Information Officer is responsible for: ensuring prompt dissemination of accurate information to the news media and the public writing and issuing news releases and arranging media briefings as required to communicate key messages to the public providing communication advice to the Mayor, CEMC and ECG. reviewing all communications including Call Centre messages and gain approval for release by the Mayor or CEMC. posting information on the Internet answering media and public enquiries when required, acting as community spokesperson (unless another individual is designated, such as the Mayor or CEMC) monitoring media, correcting inaccuracies, and controlling rumours organizing and facilitating news conferences as required maintaining a personal log of all actions taken taking part in post-emergency debriefing coordinating a media centre 4.15 Executive Director of Corporate Services

15 The Executive Director of Corporate Services is responsible for: providing current information and updates to Members of Council and Senior Officials ensure continual daily operations for Town Hall business maintaining a personal log of all actions taken taking part in post-emergency debriefing 4.16 EOC Manager In all emergency situations, the Community EOC Manager is responsible for: ensuring that the Emergency Operations Center is set up and operational and establishing security if required. ensuring all listed Emergency Control Group primary or alternate members are contacted, advised of the situation, and informed if they are required to report to the Emergency Operations Centre acting in a resource and advisory capacity to the Emergency Control Group, and other emergency and support staff on emergency management matters, as required. carrying out detailed liaison with the Emergency Management Ontario (EMO) Emergency Management Operations Centre and District of Muskoka. providing guidance and assistance to the various sub-committees, groups, departments and personnel involved at the Emergency Operations Centre, and any other location, as required. liaising with other agencies as required by the Emergency Control Group. when required, assisting the Incident Commander as appointed by the ECG in fulfilling their responsibilities when required, ensuring that a secondary Emergency Operations Centre is established as advised by the CEMC or the Fire Chief. maintaining the records and logs for the purpose of debriefs and post-emergency reporting that will be prepared ensuring that the operating cycle is met by the ECG and related documentation is maintained and kept for future reference. maintaining a personal log of all actions taken. taking part in post-emergency debriefing Emergency Management Ontario Community Officer If requested to be present the, EMO s Community Officer will be responsible for: emergency Management Ontario Community Officers may be deployed individually or as part of a multi- disciplinary PERT (Provincial Emergency Response Team) to a community involved in responding to an emergency situation, or in advance of an emergency when a community emergency plan is activated. providing advice and assistance to community officials pertaining to the emergency situation, as requested or required. coordinating community requests for Provincial and/or Federal assistance. Page 15 of 40

16 Page 16 of 40 assisting in coordinating communications with the Provincial Emergency Operations Centre. providing on-going liaison with communities who have experienced or are experiencing emergency situations maintaining a personal log of all actions taken. taking part in post-emergency debriefing 4.18 District Water and Sewer If requested to be present the, District Water and Sewer is responsible for: providing the Mayor with information and advice on engineering matters pertaining to water and sewer operations advising the District Engineer of an emergency affecting water and sewer operations in the Town maintaining liaison with the Ministry of Environment, Ministry of Health, and any other agencies that may be involved maintaining safe, potable water supply discontinuing water or sewer service to any customer where this is considered necessary and practicable maintaining sewer and water systems providing equipment for emergency pumping operations maintaining a personal log of all actions taken taking part in post-emergency debriefing 4.19 Medical Officer of Health If requested to be present, the Medical Officer of Health is responsible for: attending at the EOC, if activated, and coordinate the response of the Health Unit (HU) and liaise with other department/agencies responding to the emergency activating the HU Emergency Plan, Notification System and the HU Emergency Operations Centre, if required liaising with the Ministry of Health and Long Term Care, Public Health Branch liaising with the Emergency Medical Service representative on the Emergency Control recommending specific response to conditions that could affect the health of the community providing authoritative instructions on health and safety matters to the public through the Public Information Officer coordinating the Town s response to disease related emergencies or anticipated emergencies such as pandemics, according to Ministry of Health policies liaising with the Community Care Access Centres to ensure coordination of care of residents requiring special medical care at home or in evacuation centers during an emergency ensuring liaison with voluntary and private agencies, for augmenting and coordinating Public Health Resources

17 Page 17 of 40 ensuring coordination of all efforts to prevent and control disease in the Town during an emergency notifying the Commissioner of Engineering and Public Works regarding the need for potable water supplies and sanitation facilities liaising with the Reception Centre managers concerning the operation of evacuation centers in an emergency providing an Agency Incident Commander from the HU, if required providing, and/or assisting the Incident Commander as appointed by the Emergency Control Group, if required maintaining a personal log of all actions taken taking part in post-emergency debriefing 4.20 Emergency Medical Services (EMS) The Emergency Medical Services is responsible for: attending at the EOC, upon activation, and coordinating the response of Ambulance Services and to liaise with other departments/agencies responding to the emergency liaising with the Police, Fire and other agencies active at the site of the emergency recommending specific responses to conditions that could affect the Emergency Medical Services interaction activating the Emergency Medical Services Contingency Plan, Notification System and liaise with the Emergency Operations Centre ensuring triage and treatment at the site of the emergency liaising with the Ontario Ministry of Health & Long Term Care liaising through CACC (Central Ambulance Communications Centre) with local hospitals for the efficient distribution of casualties assessing the need and the initial request for on-site medical teams from hospitals and whether assistance is required from Police or other emergency or allied services in providing transportation to the scene for these medical teams assessing the need and the initial request for special emergency health service resources at the emergency site, i.e. ambulance buses, support units, paramedics, air ambulance, and casualty care unit liaising with the partner Emergency Medical Services agencies on areas of mutual concern which may include: Triage Stabilization of patients Transport to hospitals Any other issues arising in pre-hospital care liaising with the Medical Officer of Health for information regarding invalids or disabled citizens that may reside in an area to be evacuated and may require ambulance transportation assisting with the organization and transport of persons in health care facilities, home for the aged, nursing homes and rest homes, which are to be evacuated, as required providing an Ambulance Incident Commander, Supervisor or Site Manager as appointed by the Muskoka Emergency Control Group, as required

18 contacting Ministry of Health & Long Term Care Senior Field Manager and Provincial Duty Officer maintaining a personal log of all actions taken taking part in post-emergency debriefing Page 18 of 40

19 SECTION 5 DECLARATION OF AN EMERGENCY 5.1 Action Prior to Declaration When an emergency exists, but has not yet been declared to exist, municipal employees may take such action(s) under this emergency response plan as Town of Huntsville Municipality of Muskoka. 5.2 Municipal Emergency The Mayor or Acting Mayor, as the Head of Council, has the authority to declare that a municipal emergency exists within the boundaries of the Town of Huntsville. This decision is made in consultation with other members of the Emergency Control Group. Upon such declaration, the Mayor will notify: The Provincial Operation Centre Duty Officer through the Solicitor General and Emergency Management Ontario, Ministry of Public Safety and Correctional Services The Municipal Council Public Neighbouring community officials, as required The local Member of Provincial Parliament (MPP) The local Member of Parliament (MP) The Mayor may request assistance from the District Municipality of Muskoka by contacting the District Chair without activating the Muskoka Emergency Response Plan. When the Town of Huntsville has deemed its resources are insufficient to control the emergency, the Mayor may request that the District Chair or the District Chief Administrative Officer activate the Muskoka Emergency Response Plan. 5.3 Provincial Emergency Under section 7 of the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act, RSO 1990, Chapter E.9, the Premier of Ontario may: upon receiving such a request, declare that an emergency exists throughout Ontario or in any part thereof and may take such action and make such orders as he or she considers necessary and are not contrary to law, and exercise any power or perform any duty conferred upon a minister of the Crown or a Crown employee by or under an Act of Legislature, and where a declaration is made and the emergency area or any part thereof is within the jurisdiction of a municipality, the Premier of Ontario may, where he or she considers it necessary, direct and control the administration, facilities and equipment of the municipality to ensure the provisions of necessary services in the emergency area. Without restricting the generality of the foregoing, the exercise by the municipality of its power and duties, in the emergency area, whether under and emergency plan or otherwise, is subject to the direction and control of the Premier, and require any municipality to provide such assistance, as he or she considers necessary to an emergency area or any part thereof that is not within the jurisdiction of the municipality, and may direct and control the provision of such assistance. Page 19 of 40

20 5.4 Checklist in Consideration of a Declaration of Emergency (Note: All references in this document refer to the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act, R.S.O. 1990, Chapter E.9, as amended 2006) * This checklist is for use by municipal heads of council considering the declaration of an emergency within their municipality. This checklist is not intended to provide any sort of legal advice it is merely a reference tool. An emergency is defined under the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act as a situation, or an impending situation that constitutes a danger of major proportions that could result in serious harm to persons or substantial damage to property and that is caused by the forces of nature, a disease or other health risk, an accident or an act whether intentional or otherwise [Section 1, definition of an emergency]. Under the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act, only the head of council of a municipality (or his or her designate) and the Lieutenant Governor in Council or the Premier have the authority to declare an emergency. The Premier, the head of council, as well as a municipal council, have the authority to terminate an emergency declaration [Sections 4 (1), (2), (4)]. An emergency declaration may extend to all, or any part of the gecgraphical area under the jurisdiction of the municipality [Section 4 (1)]. If the decision is made to declare an emergency, the municipality must notify Emergency Management Ontario (on behalf of the Minister of Community Safety and Correctional Services) as soon as possible [Section 4 (3)]. Although a verbal declaration of emergency is permitted, all declarations should ultimately be made in writing to ensure proper documentation is maintained. Written declarations should be made on municipal letterhead, using the template provided by Emergency Management Ontario, and should be faxed to (416) When declaring an emergency, please notify the Provincial Emergency Operations Centre at When considering whether to declare an emergency, a positive response to one or more of the following criteria may indicate that a situation, whether actual or anticipated, warrants the declaration of an emergency: General and Government: Is the situation an extraordinary event requiring extraordinary measures? [Section 4 (1) permits a head of council to take such action and make such orders as he or she considers necessary and are not contrary to law during an emergency.] Does the situation pose a danger of major proportions to life or property? [Section 1, definition of an emergency] Does the situation pose a threat to the provision of essential services (e.g., energy, potable water, sewage treatment/containment, supply of goods or medical care)? [Some situations may require extraordinary measures be taken or expenditures be made to maintain or restore essential services. A declaration of emergency may allow a head of council to expend funds outside of his or her spending resolutions and/or the regular approval process of the municipality.] Page 20 of 40 Does the situation threaten social order and the ability to govern? [Whether due to a loss of infrastructure or social unrest (e.g., a riot), a crisis situation has the potential to threaten a council s ability to govern. In such cases, extraordinary measures may need to be taken. Section 4 (1) provides for extraordinary measures, not contrary to

21 Page 21 of 40 law. Section 55 (1) of the Police Services Act provides for the creation of special policing arrangements during an emergency.] Is the event attracting significant media and/or public interest? [Experience demonstrates that the media and public often view the declaration of an emergency as a decisive action toward addressing a crisis. It must be made clear that an emergency is a legal declaration and does not indicate that the municipality has lost control. An emergency declaration provides an opportunity to highlight action being taken under your municipal emergency response plan.] Has there been a declaration of emergency by another level of government? [A declaration of emergency on the part of another level of government (e.g., lower-tier, upper-tier, provincial, federal) may indicate that you should declare an emergency within your municipality. For example, in the event of a widespread disaster affecting numerous lower-tier municipalities within a county, the county will likely need to enact its emergency response plan and should strongly consider the declaration of an emergency. In some cases, however, a declaration of emergency by a higher level of government may provide sufficient authorities to the lower-tier communities involved (e.g., municipalities operating under the authority of a provincial or federal declaration).] Legal: Might legal action be taken against municipal employees or councilors related to their actions during the current crisis? [Section 11 (1) states that no action or other proceeding lies or shall be instituted against a member of council, an employee of a municipality, an employee of a local services board, an employee of a district social services administration board, a minister of the Crown, a Crown employee or any other individual acting pursuant to this Act or an order made under this Act for any act done in good faith in the exercise or performance or the intended exercise or performance of any power or duty under this Act or an order under this Act or for neglect or default in the good faith exercise or performance of such a power or duty. Section 11 (3), however, states subsection (1) does not relieve a municipality of liability for the acts or omissions of a member of council or an employee of the municipality. ] Are volunteers assisting? [The Workplace Safety and Insurance Act provides that persons who assist in connection with a declared emergency are considered workers under the Act and are eligible for benefits if they become injured or ill as a result of the assistance they are providing. This is in addition to workers already covered by the Act.] Operational: Does the situation require a response that exceeds, or threatens to exceed the capabilities of the municipality for either resources or deployment of personnel? [Section 4 (1) permits the head of council to take such action and make such orders as he or she considers necessary and are not contrary to law to implement the emergency plan. Section 13 (3) empowers a municipal council to make an agreement with the council of any other municipality or with any person for the provision of any personnel, service, equipment or material during an emergency. ] Does the situation create sufficient strain on the municipal response capability that areas within the municipality may be impacted by a lack of services, thereby further endangering life and property outside areas directly affected by the current crisis? [Some situations may require the creation of special response agreements between the municipality and other jurisdictions, private industry, non-government organizations, etc. Section 13 (3) states that the council of a municipality may make an agreement with the council of any other municipality or with any person for the provision of personnel, service, equipment or material during an emergency. ] Is it a consideration that the municipal response may be of such duration that additional personnel and resources may be required to maintain the continuity of operations? [In the event of a large-scale crisis, such as an epidemic or prolonged natural disaster, municipal resources may not be able to sustain an increased operational tempo for more than a few days. This is particularly true if emergency workers are injured or become ill as a result of the crisis. In such a case, the municipality may need to utilize outside emergency response personnel. Section 13 (3) provides for mutual assistance agreements between municipalities.] Does, or might, the situation require provincial support or resources? [Provincial response (e.g., air quality monitoring, scientific advice, airlift capabilities, material resources, etc.) may involve numerous ministries and personnel. Activation of the municipal emergency response plan, including the opening of the Emergency Operations Centre and meeting of the Community Control Group, can greatly facilitate multi-agency and multigovernment response. ]

22 Does, or might, the situation require assistance from the federal government (e.g., military equipment)? [Section 13 (2) authorizes the Solicitor General, with the approval of the Lieutenant Governor in Council, to make agreements with the federal government. In Canada, federal emergency assistance is accessed through, and coordinated by, the province. The declaration of an emergency may assist a municipality in obtaining federal assistance.] Does the situation involve a structural collapse? [Structural collapses involving the entrapment of persons may require the deployment of one or more Heavy Urban Search and Rescue (HUSAR) teams. Ontario has a HUSAR team. This team is specially equipped and trained to rescue persons trapped as a result of a structural collapse. Any municipality in the province can request a HUSAR deployment to a declared emergency. Requests for HUSAR resources should be made through your local mutual aid fire coordinator. Approval for the dispatch of the HUSAR team comes from the Commissioner of Emergency Management.] Is the situation a large-scale or complex chemical, biological, radiological, or nuclear (CBRN) incident? [Response to CBRN incidents requires specialized resources and training. Ontario is developing three CBRN teams to respond to incidents throughout the province. CBRN teams are only dispatched to declared emergencies. Requests for a CBRN deployment should be made through your local mutual aid fire coordinator. Approval for the dispatch of CBRN teams comes from the Commissioner of Emergency Management.] Does the situation require, or have the potential to require the evacuation and/or shelter of people or animals [livestock] from your municipality? [Evacuee and reception centres often use volunteers as staff. As noted above, the declaration of an emergency enacts certain parts of the Workplace Insurance and Safety Act related to volunteer workers. Secondly, an evacuation or sheltering of citizens has the potential to generate issues pertaining to liability. Section 11 of the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act may provide municipal councilors and employees with certain protections against personal liability.] Will your municipality be receiving evacuees from another community? [The issues discussed in the previous bullet may apply equally to municipalities accepting evacuees.] Economic and Financial: Does the situation pose a large-scale disruption to routine patterns of transportation, or re-routing of large numbers of people and vehicles? [The rerouting of people and vehicles poses a potential liability risk. Keeping persons from their homes and delaying commercial traffic are both sensitive issues. Section 11 of the Act may provide certain protection from liability. Section 4 (1) allows for extraordinary measures to be taken, providing they are not contrary to law.] Is an event likely to have a long term negative impact on a community s economic viability/sustainability, including resulting unemployment, lack of available banking services and restorative measures necessary to re-establish commercial activity? [The declaration of an emergency may facilitate the ability of the municipality to respond to economic losses.] Is it possible that a specific person, corporation, or other party has caused the situation? [Section 12 states that where money is expended or cost is incurred by a municipality or the Crown in the implementation of an emergency plan or in connection with an emergency, the municipality or the Crown, as the case may be, has a right of action against any person who caused the emergency for the recovery of such money or cost. ] Page 22 of 40

23 Termination of an Emergency 5.5 Municipal Emergency A Municipal Emergency may be terminated at any time by: The Mayor or Acting Mayor The Municipal Council The Premier of Ontario Upon termination of a Municipal Emergency the Mayor will notify: The Provincial Operations Centre Duty Officer through the Solicitor General and Emergency Management Ontario, Ministry of Public Safety and Correctional Services. The Municipal Council. Public Neighbouring community officials, as required The local MPP The local MP 5.6 Provincial Emergency A Provincial Emergency can be terminated at any time by: The Premier of Ontario Page 23 of 40

24 5.8 Scales of Emergency SCALE OF EMERGENCY PLAN IMPLEMENTED WHO RESPONDS An incident or threat of an incident: That can be controlled by the first response agencies Does not require evacuation, other than any involved structures or the immediate outdoor area Is confined to a small area and poses a limited threat to life or property No Plan implemented; first responders can control situation Local response agencies An incident or threat of an incident: Involving a greater hazard or larger area that poses a potential threat to life, limb, property or the environment That may require a limited evacuation of the surrounding area That warrants the gathering of the Area Municipal Control Group to make key decisions That may require Mutual Aid and/or help from some District agencies Local Municipal Plan implemented Local response agencies Area Municipal Control Group External agencies, including District of Muskoka, as required A large-scale emergency (or threat of): That is beyond the response capability of the local municipality, and/or; That crosses the boundaries or (or impacts a large part of) two or more municipalities, and/or; Where the Mayor of the local municipality requests the District Plan to be implemented, and/or; That requires extraordinary actions or extraordinary expenditures of money by one or more District service As a result of an incident that immediately or rapidly develops into a District level emergency, without prior declaration of an Area Municipality such as a pandemic or large-scale emergency. Where District Chair declares a District emergency A large-scale emergency (or threat of): That is beyond the response capability of the District, or; The emergency crosses two or more regional boundaries, or; The District Chair requests the Provincial Plan to be implemented, or; The Premier of Ontario implements the Provincial Plan. District Plan implemented Provincial Plan implemented First response agencies MECG Control Group Muskoka Support Group District agencies Affected Area Municipal Control Groups External agencies as required All of the above, plus, Provincial and Federal Agencies as required Page 24 of 40

25 Likelihood SECTION 6 HAZARD IDENTIFICATION The Town of Huntsville has adopted and shares the Hazard Identification Risk Assessment model with the District of Muskoka. This document is reviewed yearly by the MERC Committee made up of the area s six municipalities. Risks and Hazards impacting the District Municipality of Muskoka 4 Frequent or Very Likely: every 1-3 years Consequence 1 Minor 2 Moderate 3 Major 4 Catastrophic *Flood *Forest Fire * Hazardous Materials Incident (Transport) 3 2 Moderate or Likely: every 3-10 years Occasional: every years * Tornado * Petroleum or chemical Spill in inland waterway * Energy Emergency Winter & Summer * Human Health * Fuel Resource Shortage * Dam Failure * Petroleum or Chemical Spill in open Water (Georgian Bay) * Ice Storm 1 Unlikely: every years * Drought * Space Object Crash * GTA Migration Event Scoring Charts: Probability of Occurrence Consequence 1 Unlikely every years 1 Minor 2 Occasional every years 2 Moderate 3 Moderate or Likely every 3-10 years 3 Major 4 Frequent or Very Likely every 1-3 years 4 Catastrophic Page 25 of 40

26 6.2 Flood Emergency Plan Localized flooding in low lying residential areas occurs annually during high spring runoff and heavy rainstorm events. Mission Statement To enable the Town of Huntsville to effectively mobilize and respond to the possible impact of a flood in low lying areas. All efforts will be directed toward the following objectives: Execution protection of persons and property public information pre impact operations readiness made warning the public allocation of evacuation boats and vehicles establishment of reception centre In the event of a Flood Emergency all or part of the following procedures will be initiated, as part of the Emergency Control Group actions, depending on the severity of the Flood event. Flood Advisory 1. Upon notification of a Flood Advisory by the Ministry of Natural Resources, the Town of Huntsville will initiate field visits to determine actual conditions and flow depths at physical locations in the affected areas. NOTE: The CEMC or designate will monitor the flow levels via the Ministry of Natural Resources Surface Water Monitoring website at regular intervals. Rivercove Road flooding may begin in Rivercove Subdivision at 65 ± cms. Houses may begin to be flooded at 110 ± cms. Flood warning signs should be considered at 55 cms. Flows take approximately 10 hours to reach Rivercove after passing by the MNR Williamsport Road bridge flow gauge. Old North Road Old North Road may begin to flood at 90 ± cms., approximately 13 hours after passing the MNR Williamsport Road Bridge flow gauge. Lands abutting Old North Road may begin to flood at 65 cms. Bridgeview Lane Bridgeview Lane and abutting cottages to the north of the Big East River begin to flood at 65 cms., approximately 18 hours after passing the MNR Williamsport Road bridge flow gauge. Glen Acres Road Glen Acres Road and abutting residential lands on the north side of the Big East River begin to flood at cms., approximately 18 hours after passing the MNR Williamsport Road bridge flow gauge. Page 26 of 40

27 Flood Warning 2. Upon notification of a Flood Warning by the Ministry of Natural Resources, the CEMC or Alternate will: Contact the OPP, Fire Department, Public Infrastructure, and Ambulance and advise of increased flows and potential of flooding. b) For localized low land flooding and road flooding (slow to moderate increase in volume of flow) Flood warning signage will be erected at the following locations: Rivercove Drive entrance Old North Road at the bridge (north end) Silver Sands Trailer Park Road (south end) Glen Acres Road Bridgeview Lane c) In the event of quickly increasing flows resulting in wide spread flooding, property damage and potential risk to persons, all or part of the ECG will be convened. Flood Evacuation affected area residents will be notified of the situation in a manner that is decided upon by the Emergency Control Group an Evacuation Centre will be set up if an evacuation is required Town Press Release will be issued in consultation with MNR Fire Department and OPP to check readiness of OPP and Fire Department boats in the event of an evacuation 3. In coordination with the Ministry of Natural Resources and the Town of Huntsville ECG, a Flood Evacuation Notice will be issued. To initiate this process: The Mayor will declare a State of Emergency in the Town of Huntsville The Ministry of The Solicitor General and EMO will be notified of the declaration of the Emergency by the Mayor of the Town of Huntsville. (see index, Emergency Alert Procedure, Provincial/Federal Emergency Assistance Requests) A FLOOD EVACUATION NOTICE will be issued to the media. A news conference will be prepared and scheduled by the Community Emergency Management Coordinator (CEMC) of the ECG. The news conference will be presented by the Mayor and/or spokesperson The OPP and Huntsville Fire Department will initiate evacuation process of the specific flood prone areas The OPP will secure the appropriate grounds, and will act as the lead agency on site Community Services will open Evacuation Centre Evacuees will be directed to the Evacuation Centre for registration, further care and billeting. Background: 1998 Flood (15 Return Event 170 cm). Significant property damage in the Rivercove area Flood 112 cm Flood 97 cms. Road and property flooding. Rivercove, Old North Road and Bridgeview Lane January Flood 220 cms Road and property flooding. Rivercove, Old North Road and Bridgeview Lane, and Glenn Acres Page 27 of 40

28 6.3 Freezing Rain Storm Guide Mission Statement Upon notification by Environment Canada of significant accumulation of freezing rain the following procedures will be initiated as required. Significant freezing rain of 25 to 50mm could cause widespread power outages if main Ontario Hydro Lines are disrupted. Execution 1. A meeting will be held between all or part of the ECG including Huntsville Public Infrastructure, Water and Sewer, Fire Department, Ambulance Service and the Huntsville OPP Detachment. The Public Infrastructure Department (Public Works) will complete the following: road salt and sand at Madill Yard, order, if required diesel and gasoline fuel and order fuel if required contact Ambulance Services contact Hydro One and Lakeland Power check operation of all Town chainsaws check availability of emergency ribbon and restock if required prepare tire chains for use on trucks prepare sand bags and shovels for light truck vehicles confirm communications systems operational monitor approach of freezing rain storm with other adjacent municipalities pre-salt Priority I District roads and collector Town streets as deemed necessary as time permits carry out appropriate road maintenance activities with sand grit and salt Page 28 of 40

29 6.4 Snowstorm/Hail/Blizzard Guide Mission Statement Upon notification by Environment Canada of significant accumulation of snow or other precipitation the following procedures will be initiated as required. Execution To enable the Town of Huntsville to effectively mobilize and respond to the possible impact of a severe winter storm. All efforts will be directed toward the following objectives: meeting of all or part of ECG protection of persons and property keeping roadways clear public information pre Impact operations readiness made: warning the public allocation and marking of main evacuation routes to reception area establishment of reception centres keep essential services intact all departments on standby check, identify and ensure availability of resources determine if an emergency should be declared by the Mayor contact media to provide information to the public about situation conduct of emergency operation will be focused on keeping essential services operational while recognizing changing conditions (i.e. weather) Emergency Information Officers release of media advisory provide information line number inquiry/media centre activated Public Infrastructure access for emergency centres hospital/ambulance, OPP, Fire, Water & Sewer Plants access to main streets access to secondary roads if emergency declared, contact private sector plow operators in the event of prolonged storm Police Standard Operating Procedure contact snowmobile clubs for stranded motorists Fire - Standard Operating Procedure place personnel on duty place personnel on standby Page 29 of 40

30 Health - Standard Operating Procedure senior s homes 1 hospital (2 entrances) Other Organizations alert and put on standby Red Cross, St. John Ambulance, Salvation Army activate various evacuation centres based on situation Tasks of the emergency agencies/organizations will be assigned in order of importance. Page 30 of 40

31 SECTION 7 EVACUATION CENTRES 7.1 Evacuation Centres Evacuation centres have been identified throughout the municipality. Each centre is chosen for its location, facilities and access to the public. The location of an evacuation centre during an emergency will be announced through the media and any other manner as appropriate. Page 31 of 40

32 SECTION 8 REQUEST FOR ASSISTANCE Part 1 - General 8.1 Mutual Assistance Agreements The Emergency Plans Act authorizes municipalities to enter into agreements wherein each party may provide assistance, in the form of personnel, services, equipment and material, if called upon to do so by a requesting municipality in times of emergency. Mutual Assistance Agreements enable municipalities, in advance of an Emergency, to set the terms and conditions of the assistance which may be requested or provided. Municipalities requesting and providing assistance are therefore not required to negotiate the basic terms and conditions under stressful conditions and may request, offer and receive assistance according to predetermined and mutually agreeable relationships. 8.2 Current Agreements It is intended that Mutual Assistance Agreements will be established with the Town of Bracebridge, Township of Lake of Bays, Township of Perry, Township of McMurrich and the Township of Muskoka Lakes. 8.3 Execution of Mutual Assistance Agreements The request or response to a request is made by the CEMC The CEMC on advice from the ECG, makes the final determination to ask for assistance from a neighbouring municipality. The CEMC also makes the decision to provide assistance to a neighbouring municipality under a Mutual Assistance Agreement. Part 2 Assistance from the Province of Ontario 8.4 Request for Provincial Assistance Under certain circumstances and/or when the combined resources of the District Municipality of Muskoka and the six Area Municipalities are deemed insufficient to control the emergency, then the District Chair may request assistance from the Premier of Ontario. The requesting of said services shall not be deemed to be a request that the Government of the Province of Ontario assume authority and control of the emergency. Such a request shall be made to the Ministry of Community Safety and Correctional Services, Emergency Management Ontario. Assistance may be requested from Emergency Management Ontario at any time. Emergency Management Ontario maintains a 24-hour duty roster. Telephone contact numbers are shown on page 32. Emergency Management Ontario can coordinate assistance from a number of Provincial agencies and the Federal Government, including Military Aid to the Civil Authority. When requested by the District, Emergency Management Ontario will send a staff member(s) to the District of Muskoka to provide provincial liaison and advice on provincial matters. In the event of a disease outbreak, the Medical Officer of Health can notify the Rapid Response Team of the Ministry of Health and Long Term Care for assistance. 8.5 Emergency Management Ontario On the declaration of an Emergency by the Head of Council, Emergency Management Ontario will deploy a liaison team to the ECG. This team will provide advice and assistance to the ECG. 8.6 Ontario Disaster Relief Assistance Program (ODRAP) The ODRAP is intended to alleviate the hardship suffered by private homeowners, farmers, small business enterprises Page 32 of 40

33 and non-profit organizations, whose essential property has been damaged in an unexpected natural disaster, such as a severe windstorm, tornado, flood, forest fire or ice storm. The ODRAP provides funds to those who have sustained heavy losses for essential items such as shelter and the necessities of life. ODRAP does not provide full cost recovery for all damages resulting from a disaster; it only helps eligible recipients restore essential furnishings and property to pre-disaster condition. The ODRAP provides assistance when damages are so extensive that they exceed the financial resources of the affected individuals, the municipality and community at large. This program does not cover damages to privately-owned, nonessential property, nor to essential property where private insurance is normally available. If the disaster is of such size and extent that damages are widespread, similar to that experienced during the 1998 Eastern Ontario ice storm, the Province of Ontario in conjunction with the Federal Government, would initiate the Disaster Financial Assistance Arrangements (DFFA). The Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing is authorized to declare a disaster area for the purposes of the ODRAP program. The Council, when asking for assistance under the ODRAP program, must adopt a resolution outlining the following: The Town s request for disaster assistance and declaration Whether all or a specified portion of the Town is to be declared a disaster area The Province may contribute up to $2.00 for every local dollar raised by fundraising, to an amount necessary to settle all the eligible claims, up to 90 per cent of all eligible costs. Thus, no surplus funds are created. Town property damaged by natural disasters may also be eligible for financial assistance under ODRAP. A copy of the Ontario Disaster Relief Assistance Program is held in the MEOC. The Plan may also be viewed and downloaded from the Province of Ontario web site at Part 3 Assistance from the Federal Government 8.7 Assistance from the Federal Government Requests for personnel or resources form the Federal Government must be submitted through the Province of Ontario. Federal assistance will only be provided once the resources of the District and Province have been exhausted. Financial assistance for natural disasters is available through the Federal Government s Disaster Financial Assistance Fund. This assistance is initiated by the Province. SECTION 9 - TELECOMMUNICATIONS Page 33 of 40

34 9.1 Telecommunications For emergency operations to be successful, the timely and effective use of telecommunications facilities must be made. To ensure that the Town of Huntsville retains control over its operations and its ability to coordinate activities, various forms of communications equipment are utilized. These methods include cellular phones, central telephone systems, data exchange through and facsimiles and VHF radio systems. 9.2 Weather Notification Channels Algonquin Park Algonquin Park East and West Parry Sound 88.9 BY-LAW NO Page 34 of 40 Being a By-law to protect property and the health, safety and welfare of the inhabitants of the Corporation of the Town of Huntsville

35 WHEREAS, the Province of Ontario has passed an Act, which requires the development and implementation of an emergency management program (short title The Emergency Management Act) by the Council of a municipality; NOW THEREFORE, the Council of the Corporation of the Town of Huntsville ENACTS AS FOLLOWS: 1. EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT PROGRAM 1.1 The Municipality shall develop, implement and maintain an emergency management program pursuant to the provision of the Emergency Management Act and consistent with the standards set out by Emergency Management Ontario (EMO), which shall govern the manner in which the Municipality and its employees respond to an emergency. 1.2 The Municipality s emergency program shall include a municipal emergency plan, training programs and exercises for employees of the municipality and other persons and organizations with respect to the provision of necessary services and the procedures to be followed in emergency response and recovery activities. The Program shall also contain public education on risk minimization and public preparedness in emergencies and any other requirements as set out by the Emergency Management Act or EMO. 1.3 The Municipal Emergency Plan shall be made available to the public. 2. EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT STRUCTURE 2.1 A formal emergency management structure shall be established within the Municipality. a) Community Emergency Management Coordinator (CEMC) b) Emergency Control Group c) Emergency Support Group d) Emergency Advisory Group(s) 3. COMMUNITY EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT COORDINATOR 3.1 The CEMC or their designate will be as designated in the Municipal Emergency Plan 3.2 The CEMC or their designate shall be responsible for the development and implementation of the emergency management program, including but not limited to, (a) drafting and updating all emergency planning and procedures, (b) coordination of emergency plans of all municipal departments and partner agencies, (c) development and conducting of emergency management training programs and exercises, (d) development and implementation of public education programs, (e) coordinating, planning, administering and managing operations related to the Emergency Plan, and (f) coordinating the Municipality s response to all emergencies within the Municipality. The CEMC may revise, update or add to the municipal emergency plan, if necessary, and shall cause a copy of the municipal emergency plan and all revisions and/or addendums to be deposited with the Chief of EMO. 4. EMERGENCY CONTROL GROUP 4.1 The Emergency Control Group consists of the following or a designated alternate: Mayor Page 35 of 40 CAO Community Emergency Management Coordinator Ontario Provincial Police Fire Chief Public Infrastructure Director Emergency Information Officer EOC Manager Reception/Evacuation Centre Coordinator RECC (Director of Community Services) Director of Corporate Services 4.2 The Emergency Control Group shall control all operations during an emergency, including but not limited to,

36 (a) assessing the short, medium and long-term emergency operating requirements of the Municipality, (b) recommending the declaration, extension and/or the termination of a state of emergency, (c) setting operational priorities, assigning resources and issuing instructions to Municipal departments, (d) ensuring coordination of communications with all other levels of government, external agencies and the public. 5. ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF COUNCIL (in a Declared or Non-Declared Emergency) 5.1 The Mayor is ultimately responsible for the emergency. The Mayor (or Acting Mayor), as Head of Council and with the advice from the ECG is responsible for: If required, activating the Emergency Activation Alerting System. Order the activation of the Emergency Response Plan. Declaring an emergency to exist and where practical, identifying the area or location of the emergency within the Town of Huntsville. Declaring an emergency to be terminated. Notifying the Mayor(s) or Acting Mayor(s) of the affected neighbouring Municipality(ies) and the Ministry of Community Safety and Correctional Services of the declaration of an emergency and termination of declaration of an emergency. Ensures that Councilors are advised of the declaration and termination of the declaration of the emergency, and are kept apprised of the emergency situation. Ensuring that the public, the media, neighboring Municipal officials, if required, are also advised of both the declaration and termination of the emergency. Assuming the role of Primary spokesperson following consultation with ECG regarding media releases and public announcements/ instructions/warnings. Formally requesting Provincial or Federal government assistance through the Provincial Ministry of Community Safety and Correctional Services, Emergency Management Ontario. Participating as required in the Post-Emergency Recovery Plan. Maintaining a personal log of all actions taken. Conducting and participating in a post-emergency debriefing. 5.2 During and following an emergency, Councillors are required to: provide support and liaison to the community. (The only information conveyed to the public will be as provided from the Emergency Information Officer). provide assistance in the rehabilitation and restoration of the community maintain normal day to day services to the community make themselves available for Emergency Council Meetings and/or Debriefing Sessions the Mayor or Deputy Mayor will represent Council at meetings of the Emergency Control Group Council will be apprised of the emergency status through the following formats: information provided by the Director of Corporate Services (or alternate) and/or the Head of Council Confidentiality and discretion must be considered when releasing information to the public. 6. DECLARATION OF AN EMERGENCY 6.1 That the Head of Council or designated alternate, as provided in the Plan, be empowered to declare an emergency and Page 36 of 40

37 implement the emergency response plan 6.2 In accordance with the provisions of the Act, the Mayor or designated alternate, as provided in the Plan may declare that an emergency exists throughout the Municipality or in any part of the Municipality, and may take such action as is reasonable and necessary to protect the health, safety and property of the residents. 6.3 The Mayor shall notify the Minister of Community Safety and Correctional Services immediately upon the declaration of a municipal emergency. 6.4 All employees are designated as emergency workers in the event of a Municipal emergency and may be called out to assist with the implementation of the municipal emergency plan. 6.5 Municipal employees may take action in accordance with the municipal emergency plan where an emergency exists as determined by the CEMC but has not yet been declared to exist. 7. REPEAL OF BY-LAWS That By-law is hereby repealed. 8. This by-law shall come into force and take effect on the date it receives third reading. SHORT TITLE This emergency plan may be cited as the Emergency Response Plan READ a first time this of Day of 2008 Mayor (Claude Doughty) Clerk (Kathleen Gilchrist) READ a second and third time and finally passed this day of., 2008 Mayor (Claude Doughty) Clerk (Kathleen Gilchrist) DEFINITIONS AND RELEVANT TERMS 1. Agency Incident Commander (Incident Dependant) Page 37 of 40

38 The person(s) designated by each agency responding to the Emergency who is responsible for managing the agency s on-scene response operations in consultation and coordination with the Incident Commander and the Emergency Control Group. 2. Area Municipality The municipality or corporation of the Town of Huntsville, Town of Gravenhurst, Town of Bracebridge, Township of Georgian Bay, Township of Lake of Bays, Township of Muskoka Lakes, Moose Deer Point First Nation, Wahta Mohawk First Nation. 3. Area Municipal Emergency Plan An Emergency Plan prepared by one of the Area Municipalities 4. Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) The Chief Administrative Officer of the Corporation of the Town of Huntsville or designate. 5. Command Post A mobile communications/central control centre from which the Incident Commander and Agency Incident Commanders will manage on-site activities and communicate with the Muskoka Emergency Operation Centre and other operational communication centres. 6. Community Emergency Management Coordinator (CEMC) An individual officially designated by a community who is responsible and accountable for the community s emergency management program. The CEMC must be, by definition, a municipal employee, as per the Municipal Act. The CEMC is the Chair of the Emergency Control Group and is responsible for coordinating operations within the Emergency Operations Centre. 7. Critical Incident Stress (CIS) Team The CIS Team is a trained team of individuals available for stress debriefing during and succeeding emergencies and major incidents. 8. Declared Emergency A signed declaration made in writing by the Head of Council or the Premier of Ontario in accordance with the Emergency Management Act. This declaration is usually based on a situation or an impending situation that threatens public safety, public health, the environment, critical infrastructure, property, and/or economic stability and exceeds the scope of routine community activity. 9. Disaster A widespread or severe emergency that seriously incapacitates a community. 10. District Fire Coordinator A Fire Chief from one of the fire departments in the District, appointed by the District Council, to serve as Coordinator of the District Mutual Aid Fire Plan. 11. Emergency A situation or impending situation caused by the forces of nature, an accident, and an intentional act or otherwise constitutes a danger of major proportions to life or property. NOTE: Its nature and magnitude must be such as to require a controlled and coordinated response by a number of agencies, both governmental and private, under the direction of an Emergency Control Group, as distinct from routine operation carried out by an agency or agencies (e.g., fire-fighting, police activities, and hospital routines). 12. Emergency Area The area in which the emergency exists. 13. Emergency Management Organized and comprehensive program and activities taken to deal with actual or potential emergencies or disasters. These include mitigation against, preparedness for, response to and recovery from emergencies or disasters. 14. Emergency Management Ontario (EMO) EMO is an organization within the Ministry of Community Safety & Correctional Services, government of the Province Page 38 of 40

39 of Ontario. EMO is responsible for monitoring, coordinating and assisting in the development and implementation of emergency management programs in Ontario. 15. Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act, Emergency Notification Plan A telephone or direct contact fan-out system, which is activated when it is necessary to implement the Emergency Plan, the Emergency Control Group, Support Staff and Advisory Group are notified immediately. 17. Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) The EOC is where the Emergency Control Group, the Emergency Support and Advisory staff and other support personnel assemble to share information, evaluate options and make decisions regarding the administration of the emergency, and provide support to the emergency site. 18. Emergency Plan A plan, which is formulated pursuant to Section 3 of the Emergency Plans Act and which govern the provision of necessary services during an Emergency and the procedures under and manner in which Town employees and other persons will respond to an Emergency. 19. Emergency Shelter A site that provides lodging for evacuees and emergency responders during and after an Emergency. It may include municipal buildings, schools, hotels/motels, and private homes or improvised group housing. Depending on the emergency situation, it may include provision for feeding and personal support. 20. Incident Commander/Incident Command The person at the Emergency Site who is designated to coordinate and manage the response to the Emergency. 21. Evacuation/Reception Centre An evacuation/reception centre is the site where comfort services (food, clothing, referral to shelter, referral to social services, registration and inquiry) are offered to persons displaced by the emergency. 22. Fire Department The Fire Department of the Area Municipality or a combined Fire Department of one or more area municipalities. 23. Full Alert The Emergency Alert level utilized when all members of the Emergency Control Group and Support Staff are contacted and advised to report to the Muskoka Emergency Operations Centre. 24. Emergency Control Group (ECG) The ECG is a group of individuals, chaired by the CEMC, which is responsible for directing and controlling all Emergency operations including the provision of personnel and resources needed by the Incident Commander to effectively manage the Emergency within the Town. 25. Emergency Operation Centre (EOC) The EOC is the location from which the ECG operates. 26. Emergency Support & Advisory Staff A group of Town staff members who will provide administrative, logistical, clerical and other support, advice and information to the Emergency Control Group. 27. Media Information Centre The location at or near the Emergency Operation Centre from which the media may gather for updated media releases and press conferences. 28. Perimeter (Inner) The inner perimeter is a restricted area in the immediate vicinity of the emergency scene as established by the Incident Commanders. Access to the inner perimeter is restricted to those essential emergency personnel actively involved in the occurrence. This perimeter will be confirmed by the Incident Commander when so appointed. 29. Perimeter (Outer) Page 39 of 40

40 The outer perimeter is the geographic area surrounding the inner perimeter. This area will serve as a coordination and assembly point for essential emergency personnel. Access to the outer perimeter is restricted to essential emergency personnel as determined by the Incident Commander. 30. Public Health Emergency Response Team This initial response group is comprised of representatives from the local Health Unit charged with the responsibility of providing public health services during the emergency, and working in association with the Area Reception/Evacuation Centre Manger(s) and Area CEMC. 31. Emergency Information Officer Shall act as the Emergency Information Officer during emergencies to communicate accurate information to the news media and the public and provide communication advice to the Mayor, CEMC and ECG. 32. Recovery The Recovery phase begins immediately following an emergency response, with efforts to restore minimum services to the stricken area and continues with long-term efforts to return the community to normal. Immediate recovery activities include assessing damage, clearing debris, restoring food supplies, shelter, and utilities. Long-term recovery activities include rebuilding and redeveloping the community and implementing mitigation programs. 33. Recovery Committee (Incident, Dependant, CEMC Assigned) The Recovery Committee shall be composed of Municipal officials representing Financial, Public Health Office & Community Services, Economic Development Services, Public Infrastructure service sectors. This committee will provide direction and coordinate activities addressing the recovery needs of residents in Huntsville. 34. Stand-by Alert The Emergency Alert level utilized when some or all members of the Emergency Control Group and the Support staff are contacted and instructed to stand-by for further information or instruction. 35. Triage The sorting and allocation of treatment to patients or victims according to a system of priorities designed to maximize the number of survivors. Page 40 of 40