Emergency Preparedness

The Elmira facility is well equipped to deal with various types of on- and off-site emergencies thanks to a documented plan that outlines the response procedures to be taken should an emergency occur. The plan is regularly reviewed and updated and shared with the local first responders, as well as various municipal, regional and provincial agencies.

Since 1942, the Elmira facility has maintained an on-site fire brigade.  It is staffed by employee volunteers who are on call 24 hours a day. This on-site fire brigade maintains an emergency response/command vehicle, spill response trailer and a foam/water apparatus. Our fire brigade works closely with the Township of Woolwich (Elmira) Fire Department and with other members of the Waterloo Region Mutual Aid Association.

What to Do in an Emergency

The Township of Woolwich maintains an emergency warning siren system. The sirens can be used for severe weather, gas leaks, transportation accidents and chemical releases. 

A test of the sirens in Elmira is conducted on Saturdays at Noon.

If you hear the siren outside of the test time, please remain inside your home or office. The Alert Waterloo Region (AlertWR) system will, in some cases, also provide a message with information and instructions to residents about the emergency.

Community Alert Network (CAN) provides a message with information and instructions to residents about the emergency.Through the CAN system you may be asked to complete the following:

• Close all windows, outside doors and every door inside the building
• Seal cracks around doorways with tape and a rolled damp towel at the floor space
• Turn off air conditioners, furnaces, fireplaces and hot water heaters
• Stay tuned to local radio stations: AM 570, FM 96.7, FM 105.3 or Southwestern Ontario TV
• Keep your phone lines
  
  

(From the Emergency Preparedness Handbook - Township of Woolwich, see more here)