Who does what in an emergency

Different levels of organizations respond progressively as an emergency escalates and their resources are needed. Know where you and your family fit in the overall response.

Individuals and families

To allow emergency responders to focus on the emergency, saving lives, protecting property and restoring order, you and your family should be prepared to take care of yourselves for at least 72 hours during an emergency. This includes having a plan, an emergency kit and staying informed, ideally with the assistance of support networks such as family, friends and neighbours.

First responders

Local fire, police, and paramedic services are normally the first to respond to an emergency. They are responsible for managing most local emergencies and may call upon other local resources (e.g. public works) or those of neigbouring municipalities though mutual aid agreements for support.

For your own safety as well as those around you, it is critical that you follow the directions of first responders and local authorities in an emergency or disaster.

Non-government organizations

There are several non-government organizations (NGOs) that play very important roles in emergency management, including but not limited to:

They work in partnership with governments to support emergency preparedness, response and recovery efforts to help Canadians deal with emergencies.

NGOs may be involved within the community during an emergency such as staffing reception centres, offering outreach services or helping with recovery efforts. Consider volunteering with them to help your own and other communities prepare for, respond to and recovery from emergencies.

Municipal Governments

Each municipality must develop and implement an emergency management program to protect the lives and property of its citizens. This includes operating an Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) when requested by first responder agencies and other organizations in the field when they need additional support during an emergency. In some instances, the EOC may play a more direct role in the response when the emergency is widespread across the municipality.

Provincial and territorial governments

Each province and territory have an emergency management organization, which manages large-scale emergencies and provides assistance to municipal or community response teams where required. In Ontario, Emergency Management Ontario (EMO) coordinates emergency management programs in the province and may be asked by municipalities for assistance during emergencies that overwhelm local capacity.

During large-scale emergencies, the premier and cabinet may declare a provincial emergency and make special emergency orders to protect public safety

Federal government

Federal departments and agencies support provincial or territorial emergency management organizations as requested when needed support or resources are beyond what a municipality or the province can provide. They also manage emergencies that involve areas of federal jurisdiction, such as nuclear safety, national defence and border security.