The Durham Region Emergency Master Plan outlines the Region's emergency plan, and details our plans for different emergencies. DEM runs the Regional Emergency Operations Centre. This is where we direct and manage emergency responses.
Emergency Management
Durham Emergency Management (DEM) maintains an emergency management program that focuses on risk assessments, emergency plans and procedures, training, exercises, business continuity, and public education and awareness. DEM also maintains a risk-specific nuclear program in the unlikely event of an emergency occurring at the Pickering or Darlington Nuclear Generating Station, which includes public alerting, in conformity with the Provincial Nuclear Emergency Response Plan.
DEM also leads the Business Continuity Management (BCM) program, a comprehensive process that thoroughly examines the organization's operations. This involves evaluating each division individually to understand the specific activities being performed, assessing the risks associated with each division, and developing strategies to recover essential business processes in the event of a disruption. The BCM program focus is to anticipate and prepare for negative impacts to facilities, technology, equipment, personnel, and key business relationships, ensuring that each division is equipped to sustain its work during times of adversity.
The program includes:
- Plans
- Response
- Training
- Exercises
- Public education
DEM creates and delivers emergency exercises and training courses for Regional staff. DEM also helps local area municipalities organize their drills and exercises. DEM participates in exercises within Durham Region that are run by the federal and provincial governments.
DEM's public education program helps people understand personal and family emergency preparedness. DEM staff:
- Make public presentations.
- Attend information sessions in the community.
- Offer educational materials on preparing for emergencies.
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