Ontario municipalities roll out local emergency support services trailers

Ontario’s Dufferin County and its municipal partners are rolling out eight municipal emergency support services (ESS) trailers to provide support in local crisis situations.

The trailers are the first of their kind in Ontario at a regional level and the county says they will help ensure the safety and well-being of the community in emergency situations.

The ESS trailers will be stationed in each lower-tier municipality – Amaranth, East Garafraxa, Grand Valley, Melancthon, Mono, Mulmur, Orangeville and Shelburne – for rapid deployment to designated shelters.

Photo: Dufferin County

Each trailer contains equipment and provisions to support up to 50 people, including:

• 50 folding cots
• 50 blankets and pillows
• Reflective vests for volunteers
• Personal hygiene supplies
• Emergency food supplies
• First aid kids with enhanced wound care supplies
• Administrative supplies

Between the eight ESS trailers and the county’s support unit that can provide ESS to up to 150 people, the county and local municipalities are equipped to provide support for up to 750 people in an emergency.

Dufferin County Warden and Mayor of Shelburne Wade Mills said in a news release they are proud to lead the way in emergency preparedness. “These emergency support services trailers will help ensure the well-being and safety of our residents and visitors in any crisis. I encourage residents to contact the county to take part – when neighbours join us in helping neighbours, we can all keep our community safe.”