Region of Durham puts emergency plans to the test

Whitby, Ontario – The Region of Durham tested its ability to respond to a large-scale disaster during an emergency exercise held May 22.

More than 100 people took part in the exercise, which simulated serious health, safety and infrastructure impacts caused by a plane crash close to a local water plant.

“Exercises are a regular part of our emergency management program because they let us practise and test our response plans,” said Warren Leonard, Director of Emergency Management. “During this exercise, we successfully demonstrated the strong plans that are in place to protect Durham residents. Over the coming weeks, we will look deeper into the exercise results to further inform and improve our emergency management programs.”

The Durham Emergency Management Office is responsible for emergency planning, response, training and exercises for the Region of Durham. In the last five years, its exercise program has required participants to manage mock weather, nuclear and transportation disasters, and to simulate opening and operating evacuation and reception centres. The office also organizes an annual emergency exercise for Durham’s local area municipalities.

Learn more about emergency preparedness in Durham Region at durham.ca/prepared.

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For more information, please contact Corporate Communications.