Emergency Management

Emergency Management Plan

In the event of an emergency, the Town of Tillsonburg's Emergency Management Plan (By-law 2022-083) guides the municipality's response.

The Plan meets the requirements of the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act. In the event of a large incident, the mayor may activate the municipal Emergency Operations Centre. Additional resources from the County of Oxford and the Province of Ontario may also be dispatched.

During any kind of community emergency, the Town's website and social media pages will be updated to provide current information.

Prepare your family for an emergency

Emergencies can happen at any place at any time. You may be stranded in your vehicle or confined to your home or workplace. You may not have basic services like water, gas, electricity or a working telephone. 

Being prepared for an emergency includes making an emergency survival kit that contains the basic items you need for at least three days (72 hours). 

The following items should be included in your basic emergency kit and packed in an easy to carry bag/tote:
  • Flashlight and batteries 
  • Radio and batteries or crank radio 
  • Spare batteries (for radio and flashlight)
  • First-aid kit 
  • Telephone that can work during a power disruption 
  • Candles and matches/lighter 
  • Extra car keys and cash 
  • Important papers (identification) 
  • Non-perishable food (ready-to-eat items that do not require refrigeration) 
  • Manual can opener 
  • Bottled water (2 litres per person per day) 
  • Clothing and footwear 
  • Blankets or sleeping bag 
  • Toilet paper and other personal items 
  • Medication 
  • Whistle (to attract attention, if needed)
It is very important to customize your emergency survival kit to ensure that everyone in your family has all the essentials to be comfortable. This includes anyone with special needs, babies and toddlers, seniors and pets.
  • Shovel
  • Sand, salt or kitty litter for traction
  • Traction mats
  • Tow chain or rope
  • Compass
  • Cloth or roll of paper towels
  • Warning light or road flares
  • Extra clothing and footwear
  • Non-perishable food and water
  • Axe or hatchet
  • Small tool kit
  • Booster cables
  • Ice scraper and brush
  • Road maps
  • Matches and a “survival” candle in a deep can (to warm hands, heat a drink or use as an emergency light)
  • Fire extinguisher
  • Methyl hydrate (for fuel line and windshield de-icing)
  • Flashlight and batteries
  • First-aid kit with seatbelt cutter
  • Blanket 
  • Carrier or cage big enough for the pet to stand, stretch and turn around and room for food and water 
  • Proof of vaccinations 
  • Plastic bags 
  • A five day supply of food and water 
  • Any necessary medications 
  • Any special dietary needs 
  • Bowls for food and water 
  • Cat litter pan and supplies
  • Collar and leash 

Types of Emergencies

Emergencies most likely to occur within the County of Oxford include:

  • tornadoes
  • floods
  • blizzards
  • transportation accidents involving hazardous materials
  • toxic or flammable gas leaks
  • power black outs
  • severe damage to buildings or infrastructure 
  • uncontrollable fires or explosions
  • interruption to essential services and supplies


Helpful links

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