The impact of disruptions to our lives and community

Disruptions—from extreme weather to supply chain strains—can affect our safety, services, and daily lives. Understanding their impact helps us stay prepared and resilient.

Key Risks

Extreme heat is one of the deadliest climate hazards in Canada:

The 2021 heat wave caused approximately 619 deaths in British Columbia, primarily among older adults and vulnerable populations
916 heat-related deaths were recorded nationally between 1981 and 2022, with most occurring since 2016

Extreme cold and winter storms can lead to power outages and loss of life:

The 2023 ice storm resulted in over 1 million outages and 4 deaths (including carbon monoxide poisoning)
The 1998 ice storm left 4 million people without power, with many deaths linked to hypothermia

Prince Edward County Emergencies Since 2017

Our community has faced and responded to a range of emergencies and each experience offers valuable lessons:

March 2017 – Water Contamination: A state of emergency was declared after a partially submerged barge impacted the Picton-Bloomfield drinking water intake
2017 & 2019 – Shoreline Flooding: Volunteers mobilized to sandbag Lake Ontario shorelines and protect properties
2020 – Pandemic Lockdowns: Rapid local adaptation, strong neighbour support, municipal coordination, and increased demand due to an unexpected surge in visitors
December 2022 – Winter Storm and Power Outages: A prolonged storm over the holidays led to outages and road closures, with warming centres and neighbour check-ins supporting residents

Key Takeaways from Past Emergencies

Prepared households reduce pressure on emergency services — allowing responders to focus on the most critical situations
Neighbour-to-neighbour support is essential — coordinated wellness checks and sharing of food or supplies make a meaningful difference, especially during prolonged disruptions
Local volunteers strengthen response efforts — early organization improves both effectiveness and community connection
Supply chain disruptions can limit access to essentials — reinforcing the need for local preparedness, stockpiles, and distribution planning
Clear, trusted communication is critical — reliable, centralized information helps reduce confusion and misinformation

Learn more about the increasing causes of disruptions.

Memories fade. Lessons shouldn’t. Now is the time to prepare.

News & Events

ReadyPEC First Aid, CPR & Emergency Preparedness for Older Adults

Would you know what to do if someone collapsed, stopped breathing, or had a medical emergency? ReadyPEC will be offering practical, hands-on training in First Aid, CPR, and AED (automated external defibrillator) use for adults aged 60+.

Stay cool and stay safe

Extreme heat is one of the deadliest climate risks in Canada. 916 heat-related deaths were recorded nationally between 1981 and 2022, with most occurring since 2016.