Employer Guide to Preparing for Extreme Weather Events

The devastating wildfires in Manitoba and Saskatchewan, the powerful thunderstorms in central and eastern Ontario (which caused widespread power outages, road washouts, and tragically one fatality in late June), and other impactful events like the major ice storm in Ontario highlight the importance of being prepared for extreme weather events. 

As our planet continues to warm, extreme weather events such as floods, wildfires, heat waves, and severe storms are becoming more frequent and intense. 

It is essential for employers to have a robust emergency response plan to protect employees, maintain business continuity, and comply with Occupational Health and Safety obligations. A well-prepared plan reduces disruption and enables faster recovery. 

Under Canadian Occupational Health and Safety laws, employers must take reasonable steps to ensure a safe workplace, including planning for hazards from extreme weather events and other emergencies (e.g., fires or chemical spills). 

What is an emergency response plan?

An emergency response plan identifies potential risks and hazards your business may face during emergencies like natural disasters or accidents. It outlines procedures for supervisors and employees to minimize impacts. 

Employers must develop the plan and train staff on response protocols. 

What extreme weather events should businesses prepare for?

The specific extreme weather events depend on your location, industry, and workplace nature. In general, plans should address: 

• Thunderstorms
• Floods
• Heat waves 
• Wildfires
• Ice storms 
• Tornadoes or hurricanes 
• Earthquakes 
• Landslides
• Outages (power/water) 
• Infectious disease outbreaks 

How to prepare an emergency response plan?

1. Identify risks: Conduct a workplace risk assessment based on geography, industry, and operations. 

2. Review existing procedures: Evaluate current safety protocols for sufficiency and gaps. 

3. Assess impacts: Determine how emergencies could affect your business. 

4. Develop procedures: Create clear response steps tailored to identified risks. 

What to include in an emergency response plan?

Include these key elements: 

• Evacuation procedures: Define scenarios requiring evacuation, routes, exits (well-lit, marked, unobstructed), and designate wardens. Practice drills annually and record results. 
• Assembly areas: Assign safe gathering spots with headcount procedures. 
• Staff training: Assign roles, responsibilities, and procedures. Distribute the plan, checklists, PPE, and maps. 
• Emergency supplies: Stock food, water, medical items, and first aid kits. Encourage personal kits for stranded workers. All Canadian jurisdictions require first aid equipment and trained personnel. (Please check the rules in your jurisdiction.) 
• Shelter-in-place: Identify rooms for events like spills, with sealing materials. 
• Data protection: Back up critical data off-site or in the cloud (e.g., via secure HR software). 
• Regular reviews: Test and update the plan, include needs of employees with disabilities, and coordinate with provincial emergency agencies for alerts. 

Employer FAQs

How often should you review your emergency response plan?

At least annually, after drills, or following incidents. Update for new risks like climate change impacts.

How does climate change affect business emergency planning?

It increases the frequency/intensity of extreme weather events, requiring updated risk assessments and resilient plans.

Do you need help building a safe and healthy workplace?

Peninsula can help. Our experts can help you create health & safety policies, as well as provide support with risk assessments, WHMIS training, external inspections, and more. To learn more about how our services can benefit your business, call an expert today at 1 (833) 247-3652.