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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.
