Emergency response
In the event of an emergency, we might implement some precautions to ensure staff and public safety. Read more about what to do in if any of these precautions are taken.
| Evacuation |
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An evacuation occurs when there is an immediate and urgent need to move people away from a threat or hazard. (e.g. a fire)
What to do:
- Close windows and doors behind you and turn off lights, if time permits
- Gather your personal belongings only if safe to do so
- Leave building or hazardous area through the closest exit or route unless instructed otherwise
- Do not use any elevators
- Proceed to the designated assembly area as directed
- Do not re-enter the building or hazardous area until it is announced it is safe to do so
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| Active Threat |
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An Active Threat is a security action used when there is an imminent violent incident or threat of a violent incident within a building, or when it is directly impacting the building. (e.g. an intruder)
What to do:
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- Move immediately to the nearest room you feel safe with as many people as possible
- Secure your hiding spot by locking the door and moving furniture in front of door
- Keep back from windows and doors.
- Stay out of sight and low to the ground
- Turn off the lights or maintain minimal lighting
- Cover all windows with blinds or curtains if possible and safe to do so
- Place cell phones on silent and use them only if necessary
- Evacuate the washrooms if possible and get to an area which can be safely locked. If trapped, enter and lock the stall and climb on the toilet
- Keep calm and quiet
What if the fire alarm sounds?
- Do not respond to a fire alarm during an active threat incident unless you see smoke
- Remain calm in your secure area, if safe to do so
- If there is an actual fire, follow evacuation procedures
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| Hold and secure |
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A hold and secure is a security action used when it may be more dangerous to evacuate a building than to stay inside it. Movement in and out of a building is restricted and all external entrances are locked and monitored. Business continues to function within the building. The threat may be near but not inside the building or may related to the building (e.g. large protest outside).
What to do:
- Keep back from windows and doors and cover all windows with blinds or curtains, if possible and safe to do so
- All occupants within the facility are to remain inside until instructed otherwise
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| Shelter in place - severe weather |
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During a severe weather event, a shelter in place may be enacted if it is not safe to go outside (e.g. tornado).
What to do:
- Remain calm and stay away from any windows, outside walls and doors
- Move to a safe area, an interior room of the building such as a washroom or change room, stairwell or the basement
- No one should go outside
- Stay in your safe area until it is announced it is safe to leave
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| Shelter in place - potential chemical |
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Some types of chemical accidents can make it unsafe to go outdoors. When leaving the area is not possible it can be safer to stay indoors until the hazard has abated and winds have dissipated any vapours in the vicinity.
What to do:
- Close windows and doors
- Go the the highest point inside the building if possible, since most agents are heavier than air
- In a single-storey building, move to an interior room if possible
- Place a cloth or piece of clothing along the base of the door and over floor vents, if possible
- Remain inside until it is announced it is safe to leave
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Emergency preparedness
| Flood |
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Flooding is a result of the rising and overflowing of a body of water especially onto normally dry land.
What to do:
| Prepare your property |
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| During a flood |
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| After a flood |
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| How to stay up-to-date? |
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To stay up-to-date on flood watches and warning
- Subscribe to the Grand River Conservation Authority’s flood warning system at www.grandriver.ca and
- Follow the Grand River Conservation Authority (GRCA) on Twitter at @grca_flood_msg
For local flood response, including road closures, detours and more
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| Power Outages |
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See below for a few tips to keep you prepared.
Before the power goes out
- Have emergency light sources (flashlights, batteries, rechargeable flashlights) in all major rooms of your house such as the kitchen, hallways, family rooms, and bedrooms
- Consider a portable mobile device charger that can keep your phone charged without electricity
- Have several coolers or ice chests on hand (inexpensive Styrofoam coolers will work), and get a supply of ice for food storage in the event of a long-term power outage
- Install surge protectors in your home to safeguard valuable electronic equipment such as computers and home entertainment systems
- Make sure you have at least one vehicle with no less than half a tank of fuel; gas pumps are electrically operated and gas stations will shut down during a power outage
During a power outage
- First check to see if your neighbours have power. If you are the only home without electricity, check the main fuse in your electric service panel or fuse box to see if the main circuit breaker has been tripped or if a fuse has blown. If your neighbours don't have electricity either, then you know there has been a power outage in your area.
- Turn off all major non-essential appliances such as your electric range and washer/ dryer. Appliances and tools left switched on will start up automatically when your power is restored; turning them off prevents injury or fire
- Avoid opening the fridge unless necessary
- If you light candles, use candle holders and NEVER leave burning candles unattended
Stay up-to-date on power outage information, including outage maps, by visiting the Energy+ website. You can also contact Energy+ emergency call line - (519) 621-3530 or 1 (877) 871-2215 to report an outage.
For more power outage tips, visit the Waterloo Region Emergency Management website.
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| Generator Safety |
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If you're thinking of using a generator, always be sure to read the manufacturer's instructions and keep the following tips in mind.
| Carbon monoxide safety |
- Do not use a generator indoors or in partially enclosed spaces such as homes, garages, and crawl spaces - even those areas with partial ventilation.
- Do not use near open doors and windows. Using fans will not prevent carbon monoxide build-up in the home. Do not place the generator in front of open windows.
- Remember that carbon monoxide fumes emitted by gasoline, propane, diesel or gas engines are odourless and can be fatal.
- Install carbon monoxide alarms inside your home to alert you of dangerous levels. Be sure to follow the manufacturer's recommended placement.
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| Reduce the risk of shock or electrocution |
- Always connect the generator to the appliances with heavy-duty extension cords.
- Hooking up your generator directly into your home power supply could increase the voltage or could cause a surge to the outside power lines and potentially injure or electrocute an unaware utility lineman. It also bypasses some of the built-in household circuit protection devices.
- Use a qualified electrician to install the appropriate equipment in accordance with local electrical codes, or ask your utility company to install an appropriate power transfer switch.
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| Fire safety |
- Keep your generator outside and fuel your generator outside.
- Do not store fuel for your generator inside your house. Gasoline, propane, kerosene, diesel and other flammable liquids should be stored outside living areas in properly labeled, non-glass safety containers.
- Do not store fuel near a fuel-burning appliance, for example a gas stove.
- If the fuel is spilled or the container is not sealed properly, invisible vapors from the fuel can travel along the ground and be ignited by the appliance's pilot light or by arcs from electric switches.
- Before refueling the generator, turn it off and let it cool down. Gasoline or other flammable liquids spilled on hot engine parts could ignite, and invisible vapors from the fuel can travel along the ground and be ignited by the generator's pilot light or by arcs from electric switches in the appliance.
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| Ice Storm |
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Ice storms can be the winter's worst hazard. The severity of ice storms depends on the accumulation of ice, the duration of the event, the location and extent of the area affected. Ice can bring down power lines, tree limbs and sometimes even fully uproot a tree.
When ice is in the forecast, be sure to make sure you are prepared.
| Tips to prepare for an ice storm |
- Check where your car is parked. Make sure it is not under power lines or a tree which can be brought down by ice. Use your garage if you have one or park in a clear area.
- Bring your ice clearing tools inside. Make sure the ice doesn't keep you out of your vehicle by bringing your ice scraper, jumper cables, lock de-icer, etc. inside the house before the ice starts.
- Re-stock or put together your emergency kit.
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| Insurance |
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The Insurance Bureau of Canada provides a wealth of information and tips on getting the right insurance to protect your home.
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Are you prepared for an emergency?
Waterloo Region Emergency Management encourages communities to be prepared! The Region of Waterloo, its cities and townships, and local utility providers challenge you to prepare your family for emergencies and disasters.
When a natural disaster strikes, it can take first responders up to 72 hours to help those in non-critical situations. Do not wait until it is too late. Prepare your basic emergency kit today.
Learn about the City of Cambridge's emergency response plan.
