 Your
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Emergency Preparedness
Guide Book
EMERGENCY PLANNING AND BIO-TERRORISM
EMERGENCY PLANNING Major emergencies and disasters can occur anywhere and at any time. Some areas are at higher risk, factoring in their location related to major waterways, rail lines, primary transportation routes, industrial/commercial exposure and geographic potential for severe weather conditions. In the 21st century, we must also consider the potential for acts of terrorism. The possibility of being directly involved in a disaster requires that each community within Ontario develop a local Emergency Plan and ensure adequate training and resources to respond. Provisions exist for each municipality to call upon other levels of government for assistance and locally, the City of Brockville, Towns of Gananoque, Prescott, Smiths Falls, Carlton Place, Perth and municipalities of the United Counties of Leeds-Grenville, Lanark County, the Province of Ontario and the Government of Canada are available to assist each other as needed. As demonstrated during Ice Storm 1998, and during other incidents, the communities within the entire local area of Leeds, Grenville and Lanark, are prepared to meet the challenges, in partnership with emergency first responders, health, social services, utilities, industry, volunteers and other levels of government to assist their citizens. BIO-TERRORISM Since the events of September 11, 2001, the potential for acts of terrorism to occur anywhere cannot be discounted and are now included in Emergency Plans. Incidents can range from violent acts against individuals, high profile facilities and sensitive infrastructure, ranging from explosives to hoaxes, to biological/chemical threats to the population. The reports of Anthrax during 2001-2002 across North America and the world also had an affect in Canada and locally. Planning and procedures are in place and some specialized equipment has been provided to assist with isolation and containment of commonly known substances. Public Health, decontamination and medical / technical information is available. In the event of a wide-spread emergency of any type, authorities provide public service information through the mass media. Individuals, who are responsible for their personal safety and well-being of their family should ensure they have an awareness of what they can do to assist in their level of preparedness. Submitted by: The Brockville Police Service
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