Are you ready for an Emergency?
Step 1
Make a Plan
In an emergency, your family may not be together, or you may be asked to evacuate your home. Thinking about what you would do in different situations and preparing a plan with every member of your family is the first step to being prepared.. For more info: click here
Do you know what do in a tornado, flood or winter storm? Do you have everything you need during a major emergency?
This online tool will help you create an Emergency Preparedness Action Plan for your household. Your completed plan will:
- List the specific steps you need to take to get prepared
- Provide tips on hazards that might affect your community
- Include information related to special needs you may have (for example, information for people with disabilities and pet owners)
You can't predict an emergency, but you can prepare for one. Take action today and make your Emergency Preparedness Action Plan!
Step 2
Build an Emergency Survival Kit
Your emergency survival kit should have everything you and your family would need to be safe and take care of yourselves for at least three days immediately following an emergency.
The following list is broken down into the essentials, items you may need to meet your family’s unique needs, and items to have ready in case you have to leave your home.
Essentials
- Food (non-perishable and easy-to-prepare items, enough for 3 days) and a manual can opener
- Bottled water (4 litres per person for each day)
- Medication(s)
- Flashlight
- Radio (crank or battery-run)
- Extra batteries
- First-aid kit
- Candles and matches/lighter
- Hand sanitizer or moist towelettes
- Important papers (identification, contact lists, copies of prescriptions, etc.)
- Extra car keys and cash
- Whistle (to attract attention, if needed)
- Zip-lock bag (to keep things dry)
- Garbage bags
Special Considerations
- Items for babies and small children—diapers, formula, bottles, baby food, comfort items
- Prescription medication
- Medical supplies and equipment
- Pet food and supplies
- Any other items specific to your family’s needs
Extra Supplies for Evacuation
- Clothes, shoes
- Sleeping bags or blankets
- Personal items (soap, toothpaste, shampoo, comb, other toiletries)
- Playing cards, travel games, other activities for children
Step 3
Be Informed
There are two main ways that you can be informed about emergencies: sign up for Ontario’s Emergency Alerts, and learn more about the hazards you can face and how you can be prepared for them.
During an emergency, you should stay tuned to local news channels. Be sure to have a portable, battery-operated or crank radio in your survival kit in case of power outages.
Ontario Hazards
Learn about different emergencies and how to be prepared.
Nuclear Preparedness
Ontario is prepared to respond to nuclear emergencies both provincially and internationally.
Ontario’s nuclear reactors are built with multiple safeguards making nuclear accidents unlikely. However, as we have seen with most recently, of Fukushima, some nuclear emergencies can occur. Lessons learned following these incidents will help strengthen nuclear safety and personal preparedness for all Ontarians.
While the probability of a serious accident at one of these facilities remains very low, anyone living or working within 10 km of a nuclear facility needs to learn what to do in the event of an incident.
For more info, visit the Ministry of Community Safety & Correctional Services' website.
Special Needs Groups
No two households are the same. When building your family emergency plan, be mindful of the special needs and considerations of individuals in your own household. By evaluating your unique needs, you can better prepared for any situation.
Seniors
An emergency situation or an evacuation can be a frightening and confusing time. It is important that seniors be educated about the potential for emergencies, the steps to take to be prepared and, the programs and services available to help get them through the emergency and return to their regular routine.
In addition to the basic emergency survival kit, it is essential that seniors being evacuated during emergencies take all equipment or devices they may need immediately with them.
Key areas to consider for seniors
- Assistive devices such as canes, walkers, hearing aids, breathing apparatus, etc.
- Prescription eyewear and footwear
- Extra medications and vitamin supplements
- Copies of prescriptions
- Extra dentures (if required) and cleanser
- Personal papers, identification
- List of names and telephone numbers (such as family members, doctor, case worker, seniors’ group contact person, etc.)
People with disabilities
There are an estimated 1.5 million Ontarians with disabilities and special needs. Emergency Management Ontario and the Accessibility Directorate of Ontario have developed an Emergency Preparedness Guide for People with Disabilities/Special Needs. To best prepare for an emergency according to one’s special needs, please refer to the appropriate category in this guide for a list of suggested emergency survival kit items and contingency planning considerations. Learn more about services and information of interest to people with disabilities.
The Emergency Preparedness Guide for People with Disabilities/Special Needs
Children
During emergencies, remember that your child looks to you for guidance and comfort. Children follow their parent’s lead. Thecalmer you are, the calmer they will be.
Here’s what you can do:
- Talk with your children about emergencies that are common to your community and how to prepare for them.
- Have children help you put together your family emergency plan and household’s emergency survival kit.
- Practice family evacuation drills regularly and talk about why you are doing it. Children will not be as frightened because there will be some familiarity.
- Learn more about what you need to include in your emergency survival kit for infants and toddlers.
- It is important to talk to children openly and honestly about what is happening. Try to explain the nature of the problem in a way they will understand. Also explain what is being done to correct it.
Key things to consider for protecting your children during an emergency
- Never dismiss their fears or anxieties. Let children know they can ask questions.
- Listen to what they have to tell you. Be patient with them.
- Allow them to express what they are feeling, for example, by drawing a picture.
- You should try to monitor what they watch on television. News coverage of certain emergency situations can be distressing for children.
Pets
The family pet is an important and loving part of your household. Like family members, pets are also affected by emergencies. When building your family emergency plan, do not forget to include pet needs and remember to create a pet emergency survival kit, just as you would other members of your family. A little advance planning means your pet will also be cared for during an emergency.
Key things to consider for your pet
- Find out about your municipality’s evacuation centre locations and related pet policies.
- Make photocopies of important veterinary documents such as vaccination records, to store in your pet survival kit.
- Contact the hotels and motels outside your immediate area to check on their policy on accepting pets during an emergency. Be sure to ask if they have restrictions on the number, size and type of pet.
- Ask friends and relatives outside your immediate area if they would shelter your pet(s) in an emergency.
- Include your pet in any local or family emergency drills and exercises.
- Consider setting up a buddy system with your neighbour so they will take care of your pet if you are not home in the event of an emergency.
Fire Department
In case of emergency, dial 911.
The Hawkesbury Fire Department is a composite Fire Department with five full-time professional firefighters and twenty-eight dedicated Volunteer Firefighters that are committed to the protection of the citizens of the Town of Hawkesbury and its visitors.
Managed by one part-time Fire Chief and his full-time Administrative Assistant, the Hawkesbury Fire Department also has five full-time Dispatchers providing call taking and dispatching services to eight fire departments, Hawkesbury Hydro, Public Works, Water Works, By-law Officers, etc.
Services provided to the public include:
- Fire-safety inspections, fire prevention and public fire-safety education;
- Fire investigations;
- Enforcement of the Ontario Building Code, Ontario Fire Code, Fire Protection and Prevention Act, municipal by-laws and fire control activities;
- Emergency response to: fires, rescues, hazardous material incidents, environmental incidents, life threatening medical incidents and marine incidents;
- Emergency planning and preparedness.
Develop a home fire escape plan today…it could save your life tonight!
You will find four downloadable guides designed especially for young children in the form of games that will help in learning fire prevention.
Is it an emergency? Spinner Game
Emergency preparedness starts with you
Emergency Survival Kit Card Game
Pets and Emergencies Crossword Puzzle
Keyed Lock Box Program
The City of Hawkesbury has a volunteer keyed lock box program that is administered through the Hawkesbury Fire Department.
All installation and maintenance costs associated with this are the responsibility of the property owner.
Keddi Supro lock boxes, exclusively, are used.
For more information, please download this document
To make a request, please download this document
- Commitment, Compassion, Courage
- Dedication, Devotion, Education
- Family, Honesty, Honour, Integrity
- Passion, Perseverance, Pride
- Professionalism, Respect, Service
The Administrative Division is led by the Fire Chief and supported by an Administrative Assistant. The Administrative Division is responsible for:
- Processing and reviewing the department’s statistics
- Completing date entry
- Reporting to the Ontario Fire Marshal’s Office
- Managing the department’s operating and capital budget
The Division oversees all of the department’s operations including:
- Health, safety and wellness
- Firefighter recruiting and retention
- Staff attendance and payroll
- Department policies and procedures
- Department accounts receivable and payable
- Media relations
The Administration Division also provides support for the Town’s Community Emergency Management Planning Committee as well as policy development and planning for a small, but active department that provides a range of emergency services to our community.
The Hawkesbury Fire Department consists of five distinct divisions:
- Fire Prevention
- Emergency Operations
- Training
- Administration and Support Services
- Dispatch Centre
Firefighters
Our volunteer firefighters take great pride in belonging to the Hawkesbury Fire Department. Our members are trained in all aspects of firefighting; from hose line advancement to self-contained breathing apparatus, to fire attack, and obtain many other firefighting skills. New recruits join forces with other recruits from Hawkesbury and participate in a joint firefighter training program. At the end of the program, each firefighter transitions to active emergency response duties.
Benefits
There are many benefits to becoming a volunteer firefighter in Hawkesbury. Some of the benefits include:
- Free Transferrable Training: all firefighting, rescue, CPR, first aid and other emergency training is provided at no cost.
- Protective Clothing and Equipment: all gear and equipment is provided at no cost.
- Uniforms: dress and be a part of an organized and dedicated group of people.
- Competitive Wages.
- Leadership: there will be opportunities for advancement and responsibility on both the firefighting and support sides of the department.
- Family: enjoy camaraderie and lifelong friendships.
- Recognition and Social Activities: take part in the Christmas parade and the firefighters’ gala.
- Comprehensive Insurance Coverage: have the benefit of Workplace Safety & Insurance Board and Accident and Sickness Policy through Volunteer Firemen’s Insurance Services (VFIS) for you and your family.
- And So Much More.
Prospective volunteer firefighters must:
- Be eighteen years of age or older and hold a Secondary School Diploma
- Be a resident of the Town of Hawkesbury or the place of residence reasonably permits him or her to respond to a fire call in time
- Have twenty-four hour transportation available (DZ licence would be an asset)
- Bilingual (English and French, mandatory)
- Be in excellent physical condition
- Successfully complete and provide a police background check
You must apply online on our job offers page at https://www.hawkesbury.ca/en/town-hall/job-offers.
If you do not have an Internet connection, you can still use the one offered during business hours at the Hawkesbury Library at:
550 Higginson St,
Hawkesbury, ON K6A 1H1
The Hawkesbury Fire Department operates from one fire station that is located at 780 Spence Avenue (since February 2002) and is home to:
Pumper P1-99
This unit is a 1999 Pumper (Engine) built by Superior Emergency Vehicles. It features a Hale 5000 litres (1050 imperial gallons) per minute pump and carries 3100 litres (700 imperial gallons) of water in its booster tank and a variety of firefighting and rescue equipment.
Pumper P1-96
This unit is a 1996 Pumper (Engine) built by Superior Emergency Vehicles. It features a Hale 5000 litres (1050 imperial gallons) per minute pump and carries 3600 litres (800 imperial gallons) of water in its booster tank and a variety of firefighting and rescue equipment.
Rescue R1-07
This unit is a 1986 used Rescue Unit built by Almonte Firetrucks which was bought in 1991. This truck also received a used 2007 chassis in 2010. Its primary purpose is to transport personnel and equipment to an emergency scene.
Areal A-203
This unit is a used 2003 E-One 95’ platform bought from Techno Fire in 2008. This truck features a Hale 7570 litres (2000 US gallons) per minute pump and carries 1135 litres (300 US gallons) of water in its booster tank and a variety of firefighting equipment.
Caravan P-030
This unit is a 2003 Dodge Caravan bought from Hawkesbury Chrysler and its primary purpose is to Fire Prevention and Public Education.
SUV C-114
This unit a 2014 Dodge Durango bought from Hawkesbury Chrysler in 2014. Its primary purpose is to the Fire Chief.
Pick-up S-116
This unit is a brand new 2016 Dodge Ram Service Truck bought from Hawkesbury Chrysler in August. Its primary purpose is to transport personnel and equipment to an emergency scene. It will also be used to transport personnel to the Ontario Fire College and other areas for training.
As the construction of our new fire station was undergoing in 2001, our fire department’s crest needed a new look. With the help of a company named Chabo Communications & Design in Hawkesbury, Council members passed a resolution on December 12, 2001 to accept the new logo as presented.
The Emergency Operations Division is perhaps the most visible branch of our department. Staffed by over 33 dedicated volunteer and full-time firefighters, these men and women come from all walks of life. They invest hundreds of hours every year in training, emergency response and community activities to “give back” to our community whenever the need arises.
From structural fires to motor vehicle accidents, to water and ice rescues, our firefighters stand ready to respond to a call for help from their neighbours, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year!
You will also see us at community events and fund-raising activities for various charities. The Emergency Operations Division is under the direct supervision of the Fire Chief and is comprised of Captains, Lieutenants and firefighters.
Please download the bilingual Emergency Plan361.86 KB adopted by Council on April 30, 2018.
One of our primary goals in the community is to prevent fires from occurring. Our Fire Prevention Officer works hand-in-hand with the community, other members of the department and other town staff to help prevent fires by:
- providing educational opportunities
- conducting fire-safety inspections and helping to enforce fire-safety laws, and
- investigating how fires occur in our community
Training is the heart of all the services we provide. Each year, our firefighters spend hundreds of hours training on a broad range of fire related topics such as:
- Apparatus response
- Pumping operations
- Search and rescue
- Forcible entry
- Ventilation
- Extrication techniques
- Haz-mat response
- Emergency first-aid
- Water and ice rescue
Much of the training we provide is “in-house”, but staff also attend a variety of seminars and educational opportunities at other locations in the province, including the Ontario Fire College.
Property Inspections
The Fire Prevention Division conducts property inspections when:
- a complaint is received regarding fire-safety
- a request is made to assist a property owner or occupant to comply with the Fire Code
A Fire Code inspection can be started by making a request or by a Fire Prevention Officer. During the inspection by the Fire Prevention Officer, the property owner will be shown any violations to the Fire Code and asked to correct the violations. A Fire Safety Inspection Report, Inspection Order or other written recommendations will be provided.
Wood Stove and Chimney Inspections
Please contact the Fire Department at 613-632-1105 to request an inspection or for further information.
Community Event Planning
The Fire Prevention Division is also involved in community event planning. It works with event planners to ensure there will be adequate access for emergency personnel, their vehicles and that the event will be held in a fire safe manner.
Please contact the Fire Prevention Division at 613-632-1105 for further information.
Our focus is to prevent fires from happening in the first place. We do this through public education. Our hope is that by discussing fire safe behavior, we can change people’s everyday habits to include fire safety in everything they do.
Public Education Division
The Public Education Division tries to reach all citizens of the community and provide them with helpful information and training. Information on smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors and fire extinguishers are available. The Fire Prevention Division is also available to speak directly to residents as guest speakers at functions, displays at community events, visits to the local schools and through the Alarmed for Life smoke alarm program.
- Commitment, Compassion, Courage
- Dedication, Devotion, Education
- Family, Honesty, Honour, Integrity
- Passion, Perseverance, Pride
- Professionalism, Respect, Service
The Administrative Division is led by the Fire Chief and supported by an Administrative Assistant. The Administrative Division is responsible for:
- Processing and reviewing the department’s statistics
- Completing date entry
- Reporting to the Ontario Fire Marshal’s Office
- Managing the department’s operating and capital budget
The Division oversees all of the department’s operations including:
- Health, safety and wellness
- Firefighter recruiting and retention
- Staff attendance and payroll
- Department policies and procedures
- Department accounts receivable and payable
- Media relations
The Administration Division also provides support for the Town’s Community Emergency Management Planning Committee as well as policy development and planning for a small, but active department that provides a range of emergency services to our community.
The Hawkesbury Fire Department consists of five distinct divisions:
- Fire Prevention
- Emergency Operations
- Training
- Administration and Support Services
- Dispatch Centre
Firefighters
Our volunteer firefighters take great pride in belonging to the Hawkesbury Fire Department. Our members are trained in all aspects of firefighting; from hose line advancement to self-contained breathing apparatus, to fire attack, and obtain many other firefighting skills. New recruits join forces with other recruits from Hawkesbury and participate in a joint firefighter training program. At the end of the program, each firefighter transitions to active emergency response duties.
Benefits
There are many benefits to becoming a volunteer firefighter in Hawkesbury. Some of the benefits include:
- Free Transferrable Training: all firefighting, rescue, CPR, first aid and other emergency training is provided at no cost.
- Protective Clothing and Equipment: all gear and equipment is provided at no cost.
- Uniforms: dress and be a part of an organized and dedicated group of people.
- Competitive Wages.
- Leadership: there will be opportunities for advancement and responsibility on both the firefighting and support sides of the department.
- Family: enjoy camaraderie and lifelong friendships.
- Recognition and Social Activities: take part in the Christmas parade and the firefighters’ gala.
- Comprehensive Insurance Coverage: have the benefit of Workplace Safety & Insurance Board and Accident and Sickness Policy through Volunteer Firemen’s Insurance Services (VFIS) for you and your family.
- And So Much More.
Prospective volunteer firefighters must:
- Be eighteen years of age or older and hold a Secondary School Diploma
- Be a resident of the Town of Hawkesbury or the place of residence reasonably permits him or her to respond to a fire call in time
- Have twenty-four hour transportation available (DZ licence would be an asset)
- Bilingual (English and French, mandatory)
- Be in excellent physical condition
- Successfully complete and provide a police background check
You must apply online on our job offers page at https://www.hawkesbury.ca/en/town-hall/job-offers.
If you do not have an Internet connection, you can still use the one offered during business hours at the Hawkesbury Library at:
550 Higginson St,
Hawkesbury, ON K6A 1H1
The Hawkesbury Fire Department operates from one fire station that is located at 780 Spence Avenue (since February 2002) and is home to:
Pumper P1-99
This unit is a 1999 Pumper (Engine) built by Superior Emergency Vehicles. It features a Hale 5000 litres (1050 imperial gallons) per minute pump and carries 3100 litres (700 imperial gallons) of water in its booster tank and a variety of firefighting and rescue equipment.
Pumper P1-96
This unit is a 1996 Pumper (Engine) built by Superior Emergency Vehicles. It features a Hale 5000 litres (1050 imperial gallons) per minute pump and carries 3600 litres (800 imperial gallons) of water in its booster tank and a variety of firefighting and rescue equipment.
Rescue R1-07
This unit is a 1986 used Rescue Unit built by Almonte Firetrucks which was bought in 1991. This truck also received a used 2007 chassis in 2010. Its primary purpose is to transport personnel and equipment to an emergency scene.
Areal A-203
This unit is a used 2003 E-One 95’ platform bought from Techno Fire in 2008. This truck features a Hale 7570 litres (2000 US gallons) per minute pump and carries 1135 litres (300 US gallons) of water in its booster tank and a variety of firefighting equipment.
Caravan P-030
This unit is a 2003 Dodge Caravan bought from Hawkesbury Chrysler and its primary purpose is to Fire Prevention and Public Education.
SUV C-114
This unit a 2014 Dodge Durango bought from Hawkesbury Chrysler in 2014. Its primary purpose is to the Fire Chief.
Pick-up S-116
This unit is a brand new 2016 Dodge Ram Service Truck bought from Hawkesbury Chrysler in August. Its primary purpose is to transport personnel and equipment to an emergency scene. It will also be used to transport personnel to the Ontario Fire College and other areas for training.
As the construction of our new fire station was undergoing in 2001, our fire department’s crest needed a new look. With the help of a company named Chabo Communications & Design in Hawkesbury, Council members passed a resolution on December 12, 2001 to accept the new logo as presented.
The Emergency Operations Division is perhaps the most visible branch of our department. Staffed by over 33 dedicated volunteer and full-time firefighters, these men and women come from all walks of life. They invest hundreds of hours every year in training, emergency response and community activities to “give back” to our community whenever the need arises.
From structural fires to motor vehicle accidents, to water and ice rescues, our firefighters stand ready to respond to a call for help from their neighbours, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year!
You will also see us at community events and fund-raising activities for various charities. The Emergency Operations Division is under the direct supervision of the Fire Chief and is comprised of Captains, Lieutenants and firefighters.
Please download the bilingual Emergency Plan361.86 KB adopted by Council on April 30, 2018.
One of our primary goals in the community is to prevent fires from occurring. Our Fire Prevention Officer works hand-in-hand with the community, other members of the department and other town staff to help prevent fires by:
- providing educational opportunities
- conducting fire-safety inspections and helping to enforce fire-safety laws, and
- investigating how fires occur in our community
Training is the heart of all the services we provide. Each year, our firefighters spend hundreds of hours training on a broad range of fire related topics such as:
- Apparatus response
- Pumping operations
- Search and rescue
- Forcible entry
- Ventilation
- Extrication techniques
- Haz-mat response
- Emergency first-aid
- Water and ice rescue
Much of the training we provide is “in-house”, but staff also attend a variety of seminars and educational opportunities at other locations in the province, including the Ontario Fire College.
Property Inspections
The Fire Prevention Division conducts property inspections when:
- a complaint is received regarding fire-safety
- a request is made to assist a property owner or occupant to comply with the Fire Code
A Fire Code inspection can be started by making a request or by a Fire Prevention Officer. During the inspection by the Fire Prevention Officer, the property owner will be shown any violations to the Fire Code and asked to correct the violations. A Fire Safety Inspection Report, Inspection Order or other written recommendations will be provided.
Wood Stove and Chimney Inspections
Please contact the Fire Department at 613-632-1105 to request an inspection or for further information.
Community Event Planning
The Fire Prevention Division is also involved in community event planning. It works with event planners to ensure there will be adequate access for emergency personnel, their vehicles and that the event will be held in a fire safe manner.
Please contact the Fire Prevention Division at 613-632-1105 for further information.
Our focus is to prevent fires from happening in the first place. We do this through public education. Our hope is that by discussing fire safe behavior, we can change people’s everyday habits to include fire safety in everything they do.
Public Education Division
The Public Education Division tries to reach all citizens of the community and provide them with helpful information and training. Information on smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors and fire extinguishers are available. The Fire Prevention Division is also available to speak directly to residents as guest speakers at functions, displays at community events, visits to the local schools and through the Alarmed for Life smoke alarm program.
Police Department
You may contact the Hawkesbury Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police at 613-632-2729. You may also contact the Communication Center at 1-888-310-1122.
For all emergencies, please call 911.
Clinics and Hospital
The Town of Hawkesbury is proud to be able to count on the Hawkesbury & District General Hospital (HGH), which in recent years has evolved into a regional community institution offering the community a full range of bilingual health care services closer to home.
HGH has doubled its staff and acquired state-of-the-art facilities and an integrated health information system with partners including the Ottawa General Hospital, CHEO and the University of Ottawa Heart Institute, attracting a team of renowned physicians and specialists. HGH received the highest distinction from Accreditation Canada for the quality of its care. HGH is proud of its affiliation with the University of Ottawa, which means that our 140 physicians maintain their skills at the forefront of medical practice, offering the highest quality of care expertise.
HGH has its main campus and the Regional Centre for Mental Health and Addiction in Hawkesbury as well as two satellite centres in Casselman and Clarence-Rockland. The HGH is always distinguished by its culture of compassion, its spirit of innovation and the excellence of its care. Their patient- and family-centred approach to care provides a better patient experience.
Ambulance
Paramedic services are rendered by the United Counties of Prescott and Russell. For administrative information, please call 613-673-5139.
Call 911 for ambulance services.
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