Monday, May 04, 2015
Ministry of Community Safety and Correctional Services
Ontario Unveils New Provincial Emergency Operations Centre
Ontario is marking the 20th anniversary of Emergency Preparedness Week by officially unveiling the new Provincial Emergency Operations Centre (PEOC). The centre co-ordinates the Ontario government's response to major emergencies such as flooding, forest fires, or a building collapse, while also serving as a key resource for municipalities and First Nations that require provincial assistance.
Staffed 24 hours a day, 365 days a year with emergency management experts, the new centre features an 82-seat operations room, which includes a 21-metre-wide wall display that gives a real-time view of emerging emergencies. This wall display -- the largest of its kind in Canada -- is made up of 30 LED rear-projection screens. The screens can show up to 20 feeds from data, image, or video sources, such as traffic camera systems, social or broadcast media.
This year's theme for the 20th annual Emergency Preparedness Week -- Know the Risks, Reduce them Together -- promotes emergency preparedness for those living in multiple unit apartment buildings, condominiums, and seniors residences. Emergency preparedness is especially important for seniors or people with disabilities who might have difficulty coping with power outages, severe weather and other emergencies.
The Office of the Fire Marshall and Emergency Management (OFMEM) has emergency preparedness materials available in 20 languages to encourage all Ontarians to make an emergency plan, prepare a survival kit, and reach out to family, friends and neighbours who may need help during an emergency.
Quick Facts:
- Emergency Preparedness Week 2015 takes place from May 3-9.
- Ontario will use the hashtags #EPweek #ONready to promote preparedness on Twitter and Facebook.
- The new Provincial Emergency Operations Centre is located within the Forensic Services and Coroner's Complex in the Downsview area of Toronto.
Background Information:
Additional Resources:
Quotes:
"We are encouraging all Ontarians to be prepared. Emergency Preparedness Week is a great time to make an emergency plan, prepare a survival kit, and to reach out to family members, friends and neighbours, especially those living in apartments or condominiums. Working together, and caring for each other are key to making our communities resilient and safe."
— Yasir Naqvi, Minister of Community Safety and Correctional Services
"The new Provincial Emergency Operations Centre is an important resource to help co-ordinate the province’s role in reducing the impact of a disaster and speed up recovery by communities. Ontarians can help by being resilient and prepared to deal with an emergency."
— Tadeusz (Ted) Wieclawek, Ontario Fire Marshal and Chief, Emergency Management
Media Contacts:
Lauren Callighen
Minister’s Office
416-325-5982
Jason Gennaro
Communications Branch
416-325-0432
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