Town of Ajax Emergency Plan

Emergency planning within the Town of Ajax falls under the direction of the Fire Chief. Working closely with Fire Chief Wilson, Platoon Chief R. Browning also plays a major role in the preparation and maintenance of our emergency planning initiatives.

The goal of emergency planning is to ensure that a comprehensive plan is in place in order to address large scale emergencies with a coordinated, organized appropriate response.

The Town of Ajax Emergency Plan is a living document, in that it is continually being revised and improved upon as new initiatives are launched and new risks are identified.

Town of Ajax Emergency Measures Policy Statement 

Introduction

For the Town of Ajax, an emergency is an abnormal event or threat of an event of such severity and magnitude that it may result in deaths, injuries, property damage, environmental damage and/or disruption of Ajax operations. It will also require a coordinated response beyond the routine procedures, resources, and/or authority of the management and employees of Town of Ajax.

The Town of Ajax has legislated and operational responsibility for response to emergencies within its area of jurisdiction. This policy outlines how the Ajax prepares for that responsibility.

Commitment

Town of Ajax is dedicated to excellence in emergency preparedness for any emergency in or affecting the Town of Ajax. In support of this objective, management commits to provide the necessary leadership, training and resources to accomplish continuous improvement.

Responsibilities

Town of Ajax

The Town of Ajax has emergency measures plans and procedures and an emergency measures organization. The emergency measures plans and procedures are intended to minimize the effects of an emergency and to provide for the safety of persons and property within the Town of Ajax in the event of an emergency. The Town of Ajax's emergency measures organization consists of Ajax officials and employees, volunteers and Ajax businesses/industries. The emergency measures organization fulfils emergency duties detailed in the Emergency Plans. That includes developing and implementing emergency plans, programs, procedures, and agreements. At all times the emergency measures organization is attentive to the protection, equipment and support needed by employees. In addition, the emergency measures organization seeks to maintain employee and public confidence in the Town of Ajax's state of emergency preparedness.

The Town of Ajax is responsible for providing a facility with the required telecommunications and support equipment for the effective coordination of emergency response actions with the emergency measures organization and the emergency measures network. The Town of Ajax has established an Municipal Operations Centre for that purpose. In addition to Ajax officials, other required emergency agencies will be represented in that centre. The Municipal Operations Centre supports emergency site operations and coordinates with the emergency measures network.

Employees of the Town of Ajax

Participation of the employees is required in order to implement and maintain emergency measures plans and procedures. Therefore, employees will be consulted and involved in the emergency preparedness program. Furthermore, in order that employees can carry out assigned emergency roles and responsibilities in a safe and effective manner, they will take part in training sessions, drills and exercises. In the event of an emergency, employees will conduct their assigned roles under the direction and supervision of the emergency measures organization.

Ajax Business/Industries

The involvement of Ajax businesses/industries is required to ensure an effective and coordinated response. To the extent possible, agreements and joint plans are established before an emergency. During an emergency, response actions of Ajax businesses/industries will be fully coordinated with the Ajax authorities. Ajax businesses/industries are responsible for the safety and supervision of their employees during response operations.

In accordance with federal and provincial legislation, some industries or businesses situated in Ajax may be required to develop emergency plans to remedy or alleviate hazards to persons or property from their activities. It is the responsibility of businesses/industries to identify all work place hazards and to develop emergency plans accordingly. It is also their responsibility to ensure that their emergency plans are compatible and coordinated with the Ajax’s Emergency Plans.

Individuals Employed by the Town of Ajax

The responsibility for initial actions in an emergency lie with individual employees. Therefore, as a minimum, all individuals should have an understanding of the Plans and supporting procedures. They should also be prepared to implement initial emergency measures to protect life, property, the environment, and Ajax operations.

Protection and Compensation

The Town of Ajax protects and compensates employees in accordance with contracts, agreements, legislation and regulations in force at the time of the emergency. That applies when employees act in any capacity as so directed by the emergency measures organization in an emergency training/exercise session, or an actual emergency response in accordance with the following paragraph.

All employees are responsible for reading and understanding policies, plans and procedures of the Town of Ajax related to emergency response and to act in accordance with the same during a training/exercise session or actual emergency. All routine health and safety policies and procedures of Ajax also apply to emergency planning and response unless otherwise indicated by the Ajax authorities. All routine rules of conduct, including those related to confidentiality, apply to emergency planning and response unless otherwise indicated by authorities of the Town of Ajax.

Ajax Emergency Measures Plans

All Ajax Emergency Plans are issued under the authority of the Chief Administrative Officer. The Fire Chief is accountable for the Plans before, during and after an emergency. The Plans contain the emergency organization, concept of emergency operations and details to guide emergency operations at the Town of Ajax. It also assigns emergency functions to the Ajax departments.

Each Ajax department will maintain emergency plans for the emergency functions assigned to their department. Preparation of an emergency plans includes consultation with employees, acquisition of equipment and resources, production of written plans and procedures, training, exercises and ongoing maintenance.

Information

All Ajax emergency plans, agreements and related documents/reports are open to employees of the Town of Ajax and any other interested persons. The Fire Chief is the designated contact person for inquiries.

Conclusion

The success of this policy and the related Ajax emergency plans are central to the well-being of the citizens and employees at the Town of Ajax. Ajax is vulnerable to numerous hazards which may affect the citizens, employees, management, industries and businesses in the Town of Ajax. Therefore, the Town of Ajax aims to achieve excellence in emergency preparedness.

Click here if you would like to download the Public Version of the Town of Ajax Emergency Plan.

Click here if you would like to download the Public Version of the Town of Ajax Nuclear Emergency Plan. Note:  Due to the size of this file, it has been "zipped" and will require the appropriate software to open the file.

If you would like more information on emergency planning or the Town of Ajax Emergency Plan, contact Fire Chief Wilson by e-mail or by phone at 905-683-4481.