Our public health inspectors, nurses and staff: 

• Identify hazards in our environment that can impact health 
• Work with our partners in the community to plan for and respond to public health emergencies 
• Educate the public on preparing for emergencies 
• Lead the response to public health emergencies 
• Provide timely public health information to the community during emergencies 
• Make sure that emergency shelters are safe places to stay 
• Provide expert advice on recovering from emergencies

Contact Us

• Phone: 519-355-1071
• Email: environmental_health@chatham-kent.ca 

Everyone is at risk during an emergency. Some people, including children and people with mobility issues or special health needs are more vulnerable than others. 

Protect yourself and your family by being prepared for emergencies. CK Public Health monitors our environment, identifies and prepares for hazards that could harm health. Some of the hazards most likely to affect the health of people in Chatham-Kent include: 

• Flooding 
• Blizzards/snow storms 
• Tornados 
• Severe weather, including heat waves and cold waves 
• Storms 
• Blackouts 
• Infectious disease outbreaks 
• Transportation accidents 
• Industrial accidents 

Other hazards that may affect the health of people living in Chatham-Kent include: 

• Hydrogen Sulphide
• Nuclear Incident

Everyone needs an emergency plan. It only takes 20 minutes and can save your life. Make sure that your plan covers: 

• How to meet and contact others in your family 
• Escape routes from your home and neighbourhood 
• A safe place to meet 
• Your school and daycare emergency policies 
• Extra plans for children and people with special needs 
• What to do with pets 

Use the Emergency Preparedness Guide to make your plan. 

Emergencies can create dangerous conditions and overwhelm emergency services. First responders may not be able to reach you for the first 72 hours. It is important that you have some basic supplies to keep yourself safe until help arrives. 

A basic emergency kit should have: 

• Water to drink – you’ll need at least 2 litres per person per day 
• Food that won’t spoil, such as canned food, energy bars and dried foods 
• A manual can opener 
• A wind-up radio so you can get important information 
• A wind-up or battery-operated flashlight with extra batteries 
• A first aid kit 
• Matches or a lighter 
• Extra keys for your car and your home 
• Cash or traveler's cheques 
• Important family documents, like identification, insurance and bank records 

Emergencies can be very scary and traumatic. They can have lasting effects on physical and mental health. When homes are damaged, some people may need to relocate. Get help if you need it: 

• CK Homeless Response Line: 519.354.6628, for help finding emergency housing during a crisis
• Mental Health Crisis Line: 1.888.531.2600, available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week 

If you have questions, contact us for more information. A public health inspector will follow up with you Monday to Friday, between 8:30 am and 4:30 pm.