Halton’s community-safety network includes regional and municipal governments, police, fire services, paramedics, public health, schools, social services and community organizations.
Understand the system
Different concerns belong with different services. Immediate threats require emergency assistance, non-urgent police matters use HRPS reporting options, municipal hazards may be reported to the municipality, and health or social concerns may be better handled through community services.
The first step is often identifying the type and urgency of the issue.
Core household priorities
- Know where official emergency updates will be posted;
- Create a household communication and meeting plan;
- Maintain basic emergency supplies and medication information;
- Use unique passwords and multi-factor authentication;
- Discuss online, transportation and contact safety with young people;
- Agree on a fraud-verification process with older family members; and
- Save important official websites before an emergency.
Regional and local information
Halton Region publishes emergency-preparedness, public-health, housing and community-well-being information. HRPS publishes reporting, prevention and community-resource information.
Burlington, Oakville and Milton each publish local fire, emergency, road and municipal-service information.
Responsible community participation
Report concerns through the proper channel and preserve relevant information safely. Do not confront people, publish accusations or share private images simply because a situation appears suspicious.
Community awareness should be factual, proportionate and respectful.
Use this guide as a starting point
The articles on this site explain general concepts and provide checklists. Always use the linked official source for current phone numbers, eligibility, closures, emergency directions or reporting procedures.