Knowing what we can do to keep our homes, families and communities safe in the case of extreme weather is an important part of being prepared. No matter which type of climate emergency you might encounter, emergency preparedness planning means knowing what you can do before, what should you do during extreme weather events, and what to consider for recovery afterwards.
Emergency Preparedness
Emergency Management
Public preparation for climate emergencies is a shared responsibility between the County of Wellington and the Township of Mapleton and implemented in partnership with emergency, health and social services. To learn more about Emergency Management you read the official plan updated in early 2026. Community members also have a responsibility to prepare and support one another. To learn more about how to prepare and keep yourself safe explore this page.
Consider having an emergency kit on hand.
Emergency Kit Build an Emergency Kit - Canadian Red Cross
Wellington County Emergency Preparedness Guide 2026-em-emergency-preparedness-guide
Wellington County Emergency Preparedness | Emergency Management
Grab and go bag is a smaller and portable version of an emergency kit, and can also include items unique to your needs, such as medication or identification.
Subscribe to Flood alerts GRCA Subscribe | Grand River Conservation Authority
The WeatherCAN app WeatherCAN - Canada.ca will keep you up to date on extreme weather, including poor air quality, storms and heat.
Wellington Dufferin Climate Safe Map, Climate Safe Map: Cooling, Warming and Clean Air Spaces | WDG Public Health, provides public location for cooling off such as cooling spaces, drinking water, pools and splash pads.
Review emergency services available, and always call 911 if you are experiencing and emergency.
Insurance and Recovery Resources
Flood recovery support typically comes from private insurance, provincial disaster assistance programs, and local flood preparedness and recovery resources.
Most Ontario homeowners should first contact their insurance provider immediately after a flood event. Coverage may include:
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Overland flood insurance (water entering from rivers, streams, or surface runoff), if purchased as an endorsement.
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Sewer backup coverage, if included in the policy.
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Temporary living expenses if the home becomes uninhabitable, depending on policy terms.
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Cleanup, repairs, and replacement of damaged contents, where covered.
Important: Take photographs, keep receipts, and notify your insurer before beginning major repairs whenever possible. Provincial assistance generally requires evidence of insurance claims or denial letters.
The Government of Ontario provides recovery assistance, through the Disaster Recovery Assistance for Ontarians program. Visit the website to learn more about eligibility. Apply for disaster recovery assistance | ontario.ca
Potential assistance may include:
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Cleanup expenses
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Repair or replacement of essential property
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Emergency expenses such as evacuation costs
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Reimbursement of up to 90% of eligible expenses, subject to program limits and deductibles.
If you live in a flood-prone area or within a floodplain, taking proactive steps can significantly reduce the risk of property damage and improve safety during flood events. The Grand River Conservation Authority (GRCA) monitors weather, river conditions, and water levels throughout the Grand River watershed and issues flood messages when conditions could lead to flooding. These alerts help residents, businesses, and municipalities prepare for potential flood events and take action when necessary. To learn more about the GRAC Flood Alter system visit their website Flood Warning System | Grand River Conservation Authority
Extreme Heat
Exposure to extreme heat can cause heat stress and heat stroke. Learn more about heat, health and how to stay safe. https://youtu.be/WtVBfMYdydA?si=rvZXRxwY4rhk6U8
Stay informed using the Weather Can App WeatherCAN - Canada.ca, limit your exposure, stay hydrated, watch those who are more vulnerable (children, seniors). The resources below offer guidance for how to stay safe during heat events.
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Stay hydrated by drinking water regularly, even before feeling thirsty.
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Reduce outdoor activity during the hottest part of the day (typically 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.)
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Wear light-coloured, loose-fitting clothing and a wide-brimmed hat.
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Spend time in air-conditioned buildings such as libraries, community centres, municipal facilities, or shopping areas.
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Check on neighbours, family members, and others who may be socially isolated or vulnerable.
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Never leave children, seniors, or pets in parked vehicles
Extreme Cold, Ice and Snow
Ice storms, freezing rain, heavy snowfall, winter storms, and extreme cold are significant hazards in Ontario. These events can create dangerous travel conditions, cause slips and falls, disrupt schools and businesses, damage trees and infrastructure, and lead to prolonged power outages. Heavy snow and ice accumulation can also increase pressure on roofs and create challenges for emergency response and essential services. Rural communities like Mapleton are particularly vulnerable due to longer travel distances, reliance on road transportation, and potential delays in restoring services following severe storms.
Stay Informed!
Road Closures Ontario 511
Power Outages Hydro One Outage Tools Outage Tools | Hydro One
Air Quality
Outdoor air quality can be affected by wildfire smoke, ground-level ozone, fine particulate matter, and other pollutants. Climate change is increasing the frequency and severity of wildfire smoke events across Ontario, leading to more days with unhealthy air quality. Poor air quality can worsen asthma and other respiratory conditions, increase cardiovascular risks, reduce outdoor activity, and affect overall well-being. Children, older adults, pregnant people, outdoor workers, and individuals with heart or lung conditions are most vulnerable. Poor air quality can also affect outdoor work, recreation, livestock health, and farm productivity, particularly during prolonged smoke events.
Air quality conditions can change quickly, particularly during wildfire season. The resources below can help residents, workers, and farmers monitor air quality, reduce exposure to smoke and pollutants, and find clean air spaces when conditions deteriorate.
The Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) is a tool you can you to help individuals decide how to behave during poor air quality days. What are you breathing today? - Canada.ca
Wind
Climate projections suggest that severe storms and damaging wind events may become more intense as the climate changes. High winds can damage buildings, trees, crops, and infrastructure, disrupt transportation, and cause power outages. Flying debris also creates safety risks for people outdoors. Rural communities may be particularly affected due to longer power restoration times and greater exposure to open landscapes.
For farms, strong winds can damage barns, grain bins, greenhouses, fences, and crops, creating economic losses and operational challenges.
Preparing in advance for severe wind events can help protect people, property, and critical services. The resources below provide guidance on emergency preparedness, property protection, and responding safely during high wind events.
Sign up on the Hydro One app to report an outage and received updates. You can even received alerts for planned outages to help you prepare. Outage Tools | Hydro One
Tornados
Ontario experiences tornadoes every year, and southwestern Ontario is one of Canada's most active tornado regions. Tornadoes can develop with little warning and bring destructive winds that can damage homes, farms, businesses, and infrastructure. Impacts may include injuries, property damage, power outages, transportation disruptions, and loss of crops or livestock shelter. Rural communities can be particularly vulnerable because of the large geographic areas affected and exposure of agricultural operations.
Knowing what to do before, during, and after a tornado can save lives. The resources below provide information on emergency preparedness, weather alerts, safe shelter locations, and recovery after severe storms.
Know what to do to stay safe Tornadoes – Get prepared - Canada.ca