Emergencies can happen anywhere and at anytime. They can be caused by severe weather, infectious diseases, industrial accidents or spills, or by intentional acts. The very nature of an emergency is unpredictable and can change in scope and impact.

When an emergency happens it can threaten public safety, the environment, property, the economy; critical infrastructure such as transportation and telecommunications; and the health of the public. An emergency can also affect a person’s ability to access health care services and the health care system’s ability to respond to the situation.

Being prepared and planning ahead is critical to protecting public safety. Planning and preparedness is also important for safeguarding the public health care system in Ontario.

In December of 2003, following Ontario’s experience with the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) outbreak, the Emergency Management Unit (EMU) was created to plan, organize, manage and coordinate provincial responses to emergencies that affect and impact health. Since its creation, the EMU has undertaken a number of emergency management initiatives and programming.

The following pages provide important information on planning for emergencies, and highlights programs, plans, resources and supports that are available to assist health care workers and the health care system. This section also includes important information on what you as an individual can do to help keep you and your family prepared and safe.

The Emergency Management Unit (EMU) was created in December 2003 to support emergency management activities within the Ministry and the healthcare system.

To build and enhance a high performance system of integrated health emergency preparedness and response to keep Ontarians safe

EMU will collaborate with stakeholders to develop, implement and maintain a comprehensive strategy to prepare for, respond to, and recover from health emergencies of known and unknown origins.

• Identify and develop the infrastructure required to ensure emergency readiness sustainability;
• Identify and coordinate the business continuity plan for the ministry;
• Develop ministry emergency readiness plan(s) and emergency response protocols that are consistent with Emergency Management Ontario's expectations and ministry/healthcare system needs; and
• Ensure ministry emergency plans are transparent with clear accountabilities within the health care system and with Ontarians.

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