Public Education

Every municipality is vulnerable to emergencies. In December 2003, Waterloo Region completed a Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment. This process identified risks and determined which ones are specific to Waterloo Region, based on the likelihood of the risk occurring and the severity of impact to safety/security and property.

Risk = probability x impact

Waterloo Region's top 10 risks:

Trained emergency service personnel are prepared to respond to emergencies in the community. Being prepared will help reduce the impact an emergency can have on you and your family.

Do you know what you should or should not do during an emergency? Most people are unprepared for emergencies, but you can change that.

Drought

A drought is a prolonged shortage of rainfall that affects crops, forests, and water resources, creating serious environmental, economic or social problems." Waterloo Region, by some measurements employed by Environment Canada, may continue to undergo a deficit of 60 - 70 mm of water per year for the foreseeable future.

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Hazardous Materials Incident - Fixed Site

Many different chemicals are used in factories, businesses and government services throughout Waterloo Region. The Regional Emergency Spills Response Team is utilized frequently to handle spills caused by hazardous materials.

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Human Health Emergencies and Epidemics

Waterloo has been faced with outbreaks in the past, such as meningitis in 1997-98. Public Health's Emergency Management Program includes their Departmental Plan, a Communication Plan for Infectious Diseases, and specific emergency response plans for SARS, pandemic, etc.

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Energy Emergency - Hydro

In August 2003, a blackout affected a large portion of Ontario, along with the Midwest and Northeast sections of the United States. In parts of Ontario, rolling blackout occurred for up to a week following the initial event. As our dependence on hydro deepens, so does our risk of being impacted by the loss of hydro.

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Hazardous Materials Incidents - Transportation

Several rail lines and major highways run through Waterloo Region. The Regional Spill Control Team is utilized frequently to deal with spills caused by transportation incidents.

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Extreme Air Pollution

Environment Canada statistics show, with the exception of ground-level ozone, a leveling off or slight decrease in air pollution within the Region when comparing studies performed in 1980 - 1984 and 1990 - 1995. Ozone levels over the same period of time show an upward trend in average days per year with ozone levels greater than 80 parts per billion (ppb). The Ministry of the Environment's figures differ slightly but still show an upward trend. Ground level ozone is a major component of air pollution, in that it causes difficulty in breathing, particularly in vulnerable populations, such as the elderly or those with respiratory illnesses.

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Cold Weather Emergencies

Blizzards

A blizzard is an event combining heavy snowfall, strong winds, and cold temperature. According to Environment Canada statistics, Waterloo receives an average of one event of this type per year with snowfall equal to 25 cm. or more, placing a strain upon both our public services (Police, EMS, Social Services, etc), as well as our infrastructure (water mains, roads, etc.).

Extreme Cold

Environment Canada statistics show the Region receiving an average of 10 to 20 days per year in which temperatures fall to -20°C , with an average 1 to 3 days per year in which the temperatures fall to between -20°C and -30°C. This is based upon statistics taken between 1971 and 2000.

Ice/Sleet Storms

Environment Canada statistics show that the Region received, on average, between 9 and 12 days per year of freezing precipitation between 1971 and 2000. While the Region's infrastructure is designed to withstand the ice loads that occur, widespread power outages are possible due the extreme loading on transmission and distribution lines caused by wind, ice, and fallen tree branches during an ice storm.

Snowstorms

Snowstorms, in which the Region receives more than 10 cm. but less than 25 cm., occur on average, between 6 to 12 days per year. This is based upon Environment Canada statistics, taken between 1971 and 2000. When these snowfalls are combined with either/both high winds and cold temperatures, the Region's resources (Police, EMS, Transportation and Environmental Services) can be maximized.

Warm Weather Emergencies

Fog: Between 1971 and 2000, Environment Canada statistics show Waterloo averaging 27 days per year in which visibility was reduced to 1 km. or less due to fog. This condition increases the probability of transportation accidents on both the Provincial highways and main roads within the Region.

Lightning Storms: Environment Canada's ability to monitor lightning is still in its relative infancy, with the first reports starting in 1998. During the time frame 1998 to 2002, the Region experienced an average of 25 to 30 days per year in which the Region experienced cloud to ground lightning, with an average of 1 to 2 strikes per km². Local power outages and roads blocked by trees are common occurrences during these periods of intense lightning.

Tornadoes: Environment Canada recorded 44 tornadoes in and around the Region between 1979 and 2002, placing Waterloo in the highest range for Ontario. As the Region continues to increase in both population and urbanization, it seems more likely that more and more of the tornadoes will strike built-up areas.

Windstorms: Between 1979 and 2002, Environment Canada recorded 67 events within the Region in which wind gusts equal to or greater than 90 km/hour occurred, or an average of almost 3 events per year. Downed distribution lines and hazardous driving conditions increase during these periods.

Extreme Heat: Temperatures continue to climb, with the average number of days with temperatures equal to or greater than 30°C within the Region reaching 5. Environment Canada statistics show this trend towards warmer temperatures, with a concurrent effect upon vulnerable populations and energy consumption. The same statistics show a positive correlation between temperature increases and increases in air pollution.

Air Transportation Accidents

- Although the Region lies below the westerly flight paths of both the Lester B. Pearson Airport in Mississauga and the John Munroe Airport in Hamilton, the potential for a crash involving aircraft flying into or out of either of these locations remains low. With the recent flights departing from the Region of Waterloo International Airport, the Region of Waterloo continues to revise its emergency plan. Since 80% of aviation accidents occur during take offs and landings, the Region's Emergency Measures Office and the Airport Manager have reviewed four possible scenarios; two involving 4-seat aircraft and two involving 100-seat commercial aircraft. The two small private airparks in the Elmira/Wallenstein and Zubers Corners areas continue to have light traffic distant from population centers. The Kitchener Medical Heliport also continues to be lightly utilized, although flight paths are over densely populated areas.

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Floods

Although the risk of general flooding has been significantly reduced over the last few years, localized events in Woolwich (West Montrose), Kitchener (Bridgeport), and Cambridge (Galt), as well as the Nith River in Wilmot (New Hamburg) and North Dumfries will continue to occur annually. For more information, see the Grand River Conservation Authority Web site at http://www.grandriver.ca

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