The Municipality of Port Hope has been honoured with the 2024 Community Preparedness Award by the International Association of Emergency Managers (IAEM), recognizing its leadership in emergency planning and response.
The award highlights Port Hope’s commitment to community safety and resilience through its proactive approach to emergency preparedness.
“We are honoured to receive this prestigious award, which underscores the hard work and commitment of our team in advancing emergency preparedness initiatives,” said Jason Williams, Director of Protective Services and Fire Chief for the Municipality. “Our priority is the safety and well-being of our residents.”
Port Hope earned the award for several key initiatives, including the development of a new Emergency Response Plan that incorporates the Incident Management System (IMS), and the Municipal Rail Safety Plan Project. These initiatives are supported by detailed Evacuation, Public Education, and Transportation Plans.
The municipality said they’ve also built strong partnerships with Emergency Management Ontario and engaged both internal teams and external stakeholders in planning efforts.
“This recognition reaffirms our dedication to fostering a resilient and prepared community,” Williams added.
The IAEM Community Preparedness Award honours excellence in mitigation, preparedness, and recovery practices. Port Hope’s approach was noted for its collaborative spirit and integration of safety plans to meet local needs.
IAEM is a non-profit international organization with over 6,000 members worldwide. It promotes the principles of emergency management and supports professionals dedicated to saving lives and protecting communities during disasters.
(Written by: Joseph Goden)