Be Prepared, both at home and on the road. Have your emergency kit ready.
Only travel if absolutely necessary and be prepared.
Emergency Services
The Municipality of Strathroy-Caradoc and Middlesex County provide a range of programs to protect the lives and property of their residents.
Emergency Response Program
Strathroy-Caradoc's emergency management program aims to:
- protect public safety, public health, the environment, critical infrastructure and properties
- promote economic stability and a disaster resilient community
Emergency management services are coordinated with the County of Middlesex and are in accordance with Ontario's Emergency Management Act. Our focus is on mitigation/prevention, preparedness, response and recovery.
Strathroy-Caradoc's Emergency Response Plan outlines the key steps the municipality will take when faced with an emergency situation.
The Municipal Emergency Response Plan is available in an accessible format upon request. Please contact the Legal & Legislative Services department via the Customer Feedback Process or by phone at (519) 245-1070.
Strathroy-Caradoc works with other municipalities in Middlesex County to ensure a comprehensive, cooperative response in emergency situations. Read more about Middlesex County's commitment to emergency management, and review the County's Emergency Response Plan online.
- Middlesex County > Emergency Management
- How to Help Yourself During an Extended Power Outage (PDF [656 kb])
- Emergency Preparedness Guide for People with Disabilities/Special Needs
Being ready for an emergency at home or across the municipality takes planning and preparation.
Disaster Preparedness - Are you Prepared?
Being ready doesn’t take much—just a bit of planning. Here’s how to get started:
STEP ONE - KNOW THE RISKS
Understanding the types of emergencies most likely to happen in your area is the first step. In Strathroy-Caradoc, we face a variety of risks, including extreme temperatures, tornadoes, snowstorms, power outages, and transportation accidents, among others. Knowing what to expect helps you prepare more effectively.
- Get Prepared: Hazards and Emergencies (Government of Canada)
- Extended Power Outages (County of Middlesex)
- Flood Ready (Government of Canada)
STEP TWO - MAKE A PLAN
Creating an emergency plan helps everyone in your household know what to do when disaster strikes. As you put your plan together, consider the following:
- Step-by-Step Guide to Making an Emergency Plan (Government of Canada)
- Emergency Preparedness Guide for People with Disabilities / Special Needs (Government of Canada)
- Emergency Preparedness for Children (Government of Canada)
If you have pets, service animals or livestock in your care, your plan should include how they'll be cared for during an emergency:
- Caring for your Pets in an Emergency (County of Middlesex)
- Emergency Preparedness for Pets (Government of Canada)
- Emergency Preparedness for Farm Animals (Government of Canada)
STEP THREE - PREPARE AN EMERGENCY KIT
In an emergency, services like gas stations, grocery stores, or banks might be unavailable. A well-stocked emergency kit can help you stay safe and comfortable for at least 72 hours.
- Get Prepared: Basic Emergency Kit Checklist (Government of Canada)
STEP FOUR - STAY INFORMED
In a crisis, staying informed is crucial. Follow trusted news outlets and official social media accounts for updates. Pay attention to alerts from Ontario’s Alert Ready System, which sends emergency messages directly to your phone, TV, and radio—ensuring you receive timely, life-saving information.
Types of Emergencies/Hazards
An extreme cold warning is issued when Environment Canada forecasts a temperature or wind chill of -35oC or colder for at least two hours. A normal body temperature is approximately 37oC. When your core body temperature drops by 1 or 2oC, or your body is exposed to severe cold it increases your risk of harmful effects. Know the risks, cover up!
Cover up, exposed skin can develop frostbite within minutes on exposed skin, especially with wind chill.
Environment Canada issues a freezing rain warning when it is expected to pose a hazard to transportation or property or when freezing rain is expected for at least two hours.
Freezing Rain Warning – Heavy accumulation of ice can compromise trees and utility poles. Be sure to stay aware of your surroundings if you must go somewhere.
Heavy rainfall can lead to pooling, overflowing rivers and runoffs, and flooding. It may even cause power outages, supply shortages, traffic obstructions, road closures, infrastructure damage and debris.
Stay Safe, Avoid Driving, if possible park and wait until the rain has slowed. Avoid low lying areas.
Know the risks in your area. Leave about the hazards that can lead to emergencies.
In the event of a flood warning, do you know how to keep yourself and your family safe?
Please take the necessary steps to keep yourself and your family members safe and stay away from moving water.
Thunderstorms can bring along severe weather. Be sure to unplug electronics, and keep a battery-powered radio to listen to weather updates.
Seek shelter inside and stay away from doors and windows
Be Fire Smart. Teach “Stop, Drop and Roll’ if clothing catches on fire. Practice evacuating your home and escape routes. Be sure to extinguish recreational fires. Planning fireworks, be sure to check Municipal By-Laws for your area.
Type of Warnings:
Warning Fire in Close Proximity – Close all windows and doors. Cover vents, windows and openings with duct tape and/or pre-cut pieces of wood. Turn off propane or gas. Place a ladder to the roof at the front of your house.
Burn Ban in effect for the area (Local Fire Department will post fire bans in your area)
Extreme heat can be dangerous for everyone, including pets. Find out how to stay safe during hot summer days.
Stay Cool, Hydrate Often, Reduce Activity
Humidity is how much water vapor is in the air. High Humidity can have adverse effects on you. The air will feel warmer than the recorded temperature. Risks to watch out for include; dehydration, fatigue, heat exhaustion or heat stroke.
Slow down, drink plenty of water, spend more time in cool environments.
Tornadoes usually occur between May and September. The Ontario government assists in sending alerts to the public when tornadoes are imminent or already detected. Be aware of weather conditions and warnings. Tornadoes can appear after a heavy rain or hail in a sky that is green, yellow or black.
Tornado Warning – Seek Shelter Immediately. If indoors seek underground shelter (basement), or centre of the lowest level, away from windows and outside walls. If outside, lie flat in a ditch or depression – DO NOT go under an overpass or bridge.
Fog can greatly reduce visibility. Take care, use your hazards when driving and stay alert!
Fog Warning – Heavy Fog can lead to hazardous conditions on the road. Only travel if absolutely necessary
The influenza virus or “flu” occurs most frequently in the fall and winter. It spreads from person-to-person through coughing, sneezing or having face-to-face contact. Protect yourself, and those around you.
Could you be self-sufficient for 72 hours? Keep a kit prepared. Keep the fridge or freezer closed as much as possible. A full freezer will keep food frozen for 24 to 36 hours.
Do you know what to do when there is a boil water advisory? Use bottled water or be sure to boil water for at least 1 minute prior to consumption.
Boil Water Advisory – Quality concern with tap water. Please be sure to boil water for three minutes before consumption
Contact Us
52 Frank Street,
Strathroy ON N7G 2R4
Phone: 519-245-1070
Fax: 519-245-6353
