Emergency Preparedness

Emergencies can happen anytime. When they do, Southwestern Public Health (SWPH) works with local partners in Oxford, Elgin and St. Thomas —like hospitals and emergency responders—to protect our community.

How you can prepare yourself for emergencies

Create an emergency plan for everyone in your household. Practice it together so each person knows what to do. 

For starters, essentials in an emergency kit include:

1. Water (4 litres of water per, person per day)

2. Non-perishable food

3. Flashlight and extra batteries

4. First aid kit

5. Medications

6. Multi-tool

7. Blanket

8. Whistle

9. Battery-powered/hand-crank radio

10. Backup phone charger/power bank

11. Personal hygiene items

12. Copies of important documents

13. Cash (small bills)

Check out the Government of Canada’s Family Emergency Plan guide for more tips to help you prepare for any emergency.

Stay connected with updates

• Follow us on social media for real-time updates

• Facebook

• Instagram

• X (formerly known as Twitter)

• Stay tuned to our news section for emergency announcements, notices or guidelines

When a health threat arises, we will keep you informed. We share local alerts and safety tips in partnership with Environment Canada and other health authorities.

How SWPH helps protect you in an emergency

At the health unit, we work closely with local agencies and governments to:

• Make detailed emergency plans

• Keep updated contact lists and steps ready for action

• Practice and train regularly to stay prepared

We also plan with everyone in mind, especially people who may need extra help during an emergency.

Types of emergencies SWPH prepares for

We are ready for different types of emergencies that affect residents in Oxford, Elgin and St. Thomas, including:

• Infectious diseases and outbreaks

• Natural disasters, such as floods or earthquakes

• Environmental hazards, like chemical spills or poor air quality

• Extreme weather and climate events

• Chemical and radiation risks

• Terrorism and large-scale threats

What should I do next?

Stay informed: Prepare a family emergency kit and follow us for updates.