Emergency Planning

In the first 72 hours of an emergency, the Town of Perth is responsible for protecting municipally-owned infrastructure and assets. This includes roads, bridges, buildings, and water and sewer services.

During this time, municipal staff will focus on ensuring these critical services are stabilized and protected. It’s important to understand that local municipalities are not responsible for managing private properties, personal safety, or supplying household needs during the initial stages of an emergency.

Individuals, families, and businesses are encouraged to be prepared to manage on their own for at least 72 hours. Having an emergency kit ready can help you stay safe and self-sufficient while municipal staff address urgent community needs.

The Town of Perth maintains a dedicated team of emergency management personnel to prepare for and respond to emergencies in our community. This team includes first responders, planners, administrators, and support staff, all working together to protect residents and property during a crisis.

While police, fire, and ambulance services are often the most visible during emergencies, emergency management plays a vital behind-the-scenes role. Through careful coordination, planning, and recovery efforts, emergency management ensures that the Town’s overall response is effective, organized, and community-focused.

Partnerships are critical to our emergency planning. The Town works closely with neighbouring municipalities, community organizations, and service providers to share resources, support one another, and deliver the best possible response during large-scale events.

Emergency management planning in Perth is coordinated through the Community Emergency Management Program Committee (EMPC) and the Community Control Group (CCG). These groups are responsible for:

• Educating the public about emergency preparedness;
• Coordinating response and recovery efforts;
• Collecting and sharing critical information during emergencies;
• Researching and pursuing funding opportunities to strengthen community preparedness.

Strong emergency planning is a community effort. The cooperation and participation of our residents and volunteers help ensure Perth remains a safe, resilient place to live, work, and visit.

If you have questions or concerns about emergency planning in Perth, please contact our Community Emergency Management Coordinator, Trevor Choffe, at 613-267-5574.

The Town of Perth’s Emergency Response Plan outlines how necessary services will be delivered during an emergency and sets out the procedures municipal staff and other responders will follow.

As part of our emergency management program, the Town has identified and assessed a range of potential hazards and risks that could affect public safety, municipal infrastructure, and community operations. This includes evaluating threats from natural disasters, health emergencies, accidents, and human-caused events.

The Emergency Response Plan ensures that our response is coordinated, efficient, and focused on protecting people, property, and the environment during a crisis.

For more information on how you can prepare for emergencies, visit GetPrepared.ca to access self-help guides and resources on Canada’s most common hazards.

Emergencies can happen at any time, often without warning. Across Canada—and here in Perth—we face a variety of natural and human-made hazards. Being aware of the risks in your area is the first step toward being prepared.

Learn more about how to prepare for specific types of emergencies:

• Hazards and Emergencies (GetPrepared.ca)
• Ontario Emergency Preparedness (Ontario.ca)
• Current Emergencies in Ontario (Ontario.ca)

Every household should have an emergency plan. A plan will help you and everyone in your home know exactly what to do if an emergency happens. It only takes about 20 minutes to put together, but it can make a big difference when it matters most.

Get started:

• Make your emergency plan online
• Printable Emergency Preparedness Guide

Be ready to take care of yourself and your household for at least 72 hours. Your emergency kit should include essentials to help you manage without power, tap water, or access to stores.

You can build your own kit using the checklists below, or you can purchase a ready-made emergency kit or car kit online or in stores across Canada.

Helpful resources:

• Basic Emergency Kit Checklist
• Emergency Car Kit Checklist

Don't forget to add:

• Additional emergency supplies specific to your family's needs
• A copy of your emergency plan
• Photocopies of important personal documents
• A household emergency contact list

In an emergency, knowing the right number to call can save time and make a big difference. Depending on the situation, 9-1-1 may not always be the first call you need to make.

Key emergency contacts:

• Fire, Police Ambulance (life-threatening emergencies): 9-1-1
• Town Hall: 613-267-3311 (or 613-267-1072 After-Hours)
• OPP: 1-888-310-1122
• Perth Fire Services: 613-267-5574
• Health Unit: 1-888-777-0730
• Poison Control: 1-800-268-9017
• Ontario Hydro: 1-800-434-1235
• Enbridge Gas: 1-866-763-5427
• Lanark County Mental Health Crisis Line: 1-866-531-2600
• Telehealth Ontario (medical advice): 8-1-1

For a full list, print our Emergency Contact List and keep it somewhere easy to find at home.

Everyone's needs should be considered during an emergency. Planning ahead helps ensure the safety of children, seniors, people with disabilities, and pets.

Learn how to create a plan that supports everyone in your household and review the helpful guides below:

• Emergency Preparedness Guide for People with Disabilities
• Emergency Preparedness Guide for Seniors
• Emergency Preparedness for Pets and Service Animals

Looking for fun and educational activities to keep kids engaged in emergency planning? We've curated a selection of interactive resources that blend learning with play—perfect for home, school, or on-the-go.

• Emergency Preparedness for Children - This resource offers guidance on how to talk to children about emergencies, including teaching them when and how to call 9-1-1, and helping them understand various emergency scenarios.
• Are You Ready for an Emergency Activity Book - A fun activity book that encourages kids to learn about the items needed in a 72-hour emergency kit, how to prepare for an emergency, and more.
• “Can You Build a Kit?” Game - An interactive game that tests children's knowledge on emergency preparedness kits, helping them understand what items are essential during emergencies.
• Safety with Radar Activity Books - These activity books include word searches, crosswords, and matching games focused on safety messages for both indoor and outdoor environments.

The South East Health Unit provides important public health resources to help you stay safe and informed during emergencies. Learn more about their emergency response planning, infectious disease guidance, and precautions for safe drinking water.

• Health Unit Emergency Response Plan
• Infectious Diseases
• Drinking Water Precautions