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Emergency Management Ontario (EMO) is theoffice of emergency management and division of theOntario government, responsible for coordinating and overseeingemergency management across the province ofOntario,Canada. EMO sits within theTreasury Board Secretariat, and is responsible for planning for, responding to and recovering from all man-made or natural disasters within the province.[1] Established in 1980, EMO plays a key role in ensuring municipalities and provincial ministries implement comprehensive emergency management initiatives.[2]
In cases wherelocal capacities are overwhelmed, EMO may municipalities in accessing additional resources and support. During large-scale crises, thePremier and Cabinet of Ontario can declare a provincial emergency under theEmergency Management and Civil Protection Act, enabling the issuance of special emergency orders to protect the safety of Ontarians.
The agency also provides guidance and support to communities,First Nations, and ministries, offering advice on emergency management program development and execution.[2]
Emergency Management Ontario (EMO) operates under an escalating approach to emergency management, ensuring responsibilities are progressively assigned based on the scale and complexity of an emergency. This tiered approach begins with individuals, and if necessary, can escalate to thefederal levels when local capacities are overwhelmed.
The foundation of emergency management begins at the individual level. Citizens are responsible for their own safety and preparedness, which includes planning for emergencies that may temporarily isolate entire neighborhoods from local services and utilities. Individuals and families are encouraged to have emergency supplies to sustain themselves for at least 72 hours.[2]
Each municipality in Ontario is required to develop and maintain a comprehensive emergency management program under the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act (EMCPA). Municipal programs are designed to protect the lives and property of residents through prevention, preparedness, response, and recovery initiatives. In situations where a municipality's capacity to respond is exceeded, the local government may declare an emergency to access additional resources and support.[2]
When local capabilities are overwhelmed, EMO steps in to provide coordination and additional support. The Provincial Emergency Operations Centre (PEOC) serves as the central hub for managing emergencies at the provincial level, ensuring efficient deployment of resources and coordination among ministries. In large-scale emergencies, the Premier and Cabinet may declare a provincial emergency, enabling the issuance of special emergency orders to protect public safety.[2]
In cases where both municipal and provincial capacities are either insufficient or have been exhausted, the province can formally requestfederal assistance through the PEOC. Federal involvement is limited to situations where resources are beyond provincial capacity or when the emergency affects areas of federal jurisdiction, ensuring a seamless integration of support across all levels of government.[2]
For administrative and response purposes, Ontario is divided into two primary emergency management areas:North andSouth. These areas are further subdivided into sectors, each encompassing approximately 40 to 50 municipalities. Each sector is assigned an Emergency Management Field Officer, responsible for supporting local emergency management programs and ensuring coordination with provincial efforts.
The Provincial Emergency Operations Centre (PEOC), located in Toronto, serves as the hub for Ontario’s emergency management activities, ensuring coordinated support for municipalities and First Nations during provincial-level emergencies. Staffed 24/7, the PEOC monitors situations both within and outside the province, allowing for rapid response and informed decision-making when emergencies arise.[2]
The PEOC plays a vital role in Ontario’s emergency management system by:
During emergencies, the PEOC ensures that responses are effectively coordinated with the lead ministry responsible for the specific hazard, facilitating a unified and efficient approach to crisis management.[2]
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