Extreme heat wave exercise planned for cities and towns in Ontario, including Mississauga
Published May 7, 2024 at 8:12 am
A large-scale exercise aims to help communities in Ontario plan for an extreme heat wave.
As Canada saw its warmest summer in 76 years last year, municipalities are preparing for extreme heat.
Heat waves can be deadly. In June 2021, temperatures in B.C. climbed for six days, breaking records. Approximately 600 people died during the heat wave.
As part of Emergency Preparedness Week, the Government of Ontario is hosting Exercise Heatwave, a large-scale simulated exercise that will reinforce provincial procedures and response to heat-related emergencies on May 7 and 9.
The exercise will help enhance coordination and collaboration between government and non-governmental partners during future emergencies.
Six municipalities will participate, including Guelph, Mississauga, Peterborough, Sault Ste. Marie, Thunder Bay and Toronto, along with three federal government departments and more than 50 non-governmental organizations.
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The exercise will not affect the public and no provincial services will be impacted.
“Exercise Heatwave is a valuable opportunity to practise and plan for our response to potential extreme heat emergencies,” said Caroline Mulroney, president of the Treasury Board and minister responsible for emergency management.
The exercise helps municipalities, ministries, critical infrastructure operators, and other organizations identify opportunities for improved emergency preparedness and response.
“This exercise has allowed us to analyze best practices and novel approaches to foster disaster risk reduction and community resilience in Mississauga,” Ben Gallagher, manager of the office of emergency management for the City of Mississauga.
“We appreciate the opportunity to participate in such an exercise and to work with such a committed group of public safety partners from across the province.”
As part of Emergency Preparedness Week, the province is also reminding Ontarians of the steps they can take to keep safe during heat-related and other emergencies, including:
- Making an emergency plan that considers everyone’s needs in your household;
- Building an emergency preparedness kit with year-round essentials and seasonal items such as sunscreen and bug spray;
- Being aware of the signs of heat-related illnesses such as heat rash, heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke and know what actions to take if you experience any of these symptoms; and
- Checking in regularly on individuals who may be more susceptible to heat.
Make emergency preparedness part of everyday life. Talk to your household often about how the weather, seasonal changes or upcoming events might impact your emergency plans.#EPWeek2024 #Plan4EverySeason #PreparedON pic.twitter.com/AgAH0QQsi4
— Ontario Warnings (@OntarioWarnings) May 7, 2024
Lead photo: Bayu Syaits
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