Emergency Preparedness

“Emergency preparedness is everyone's responsibility. Prepare for an emergency today for a safer tomorrow.”

Emergency Response Plan

The Township of Greater Madawaska is required to maintain an Emergency Plan. The plan follows the framework of the Ontario Incident Management System (IMS). IMS is a standardized system that allows all who respond to a situation including other municipalities and EMS services to share a unified plan to manage the incident. The Township's Emergency Plan is in place to protect the property, health, safety and welfare of the residents, businesses and visitors within the Township.

Review the Township of Greater Madawaska's Emergency Response Plan.

72 Hours – Are you Prepared?

When disasters strike in the community it may take time for emergency workers to get to you to help. In an emergency, you might need basic supplies to keep you safe until help arrives. You should have basic supplies that will sustain you for up to 72 hours in the event that emergency workers are delayed in reaching you.

For more information visit Emergency Management Ontario

Create a Plan and Build an Emergency Kit

Create a plan specific to you and your family's individual needs so everyone's safety is considered. Ensure that you include all members of the family so they understand the process and what steps they need to take. Practice your plan. The more times you practice, the better the understanding of the plan that each member of the household will have.

For help creating a plan visit Emergency Management Ontario

Emergency kits should be easily accessible by family members in the event of an emergency. Some items to consider in your kits are:

Food (non-perishable and easy-to-prepare items, enough for 3 days) and can opener
Bottled water (4 liters per person)
Flashlight
Radio
Batteries
Items for babies and small children
Medical supplies
Extra clothes, shoes
Sleeping bags
Personal items

For a full list of suggested kit supplies visit Emergency Management Ontario

Family Activities to help get you prepared

This Activity Package is filled with games and information to help engage the whole family in the process of making sure you are always prepared for an emergency.

Spring Freshet and Flooding

What is Spring Freshet and where do I find current flooding information?

Spring freshet is the period of increased river flows and water levels that occurs in the spring when snow melts and spring rains fall. Each year as the snow melts, there is an inflow of water through the Madawaska River and in some years this can bring flooding to our areas in Township.

The Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF) is responsible for monitoring water levels and flows, predicting conditions, and issuing alerts to the public about potential risks associated with the freshet.

The MNRF works with various stakeholders, including government agencies, scientists, municipalities, and Ontario Power Generation (OPG), to manage water levels and ensure public safety and environmental stewardship.

Bulletins and watershed condition statements are issued by the MNRF to advise residents about potential risks associated with rising water levels and flows. Visit the Flood Forecasting and Warning Program webpage for current flood information.

Updates regarding water levels on the Madawaska River are also provided by Ontario Power Generation.

Being prepared for flooding can help save your property from further water damage.

Sandbagging is one of the most used tools to help the fight against flooding. Homeowners that are preparing homemade sandbags need to be aware of the proper steps to take:

Have two people to complete the sandbagging process and to ensure your own health and safety.
Ensure you have enough sand, burlap or plastic bags, shovels, and time to prepare the sandbags appropriately.
Contact the Township for information on sandbags and sand.

Sandbagging Information Sheet

Sandbagging Safety and Hygiene Information

Sandbagging Placement Information