Emergency Planning

Significant Weather Event Declared

Updated: Sunday, January 25, 1:00 PM

Today, Sunday, January 25, at 1:00 p.m., Infrastructure Service has declared a Significant Weather Event under Ontario’s Minimum Maintenance Standards. This declaration is triggered when Environment Canada issues an alert through its Public Weather Alerting Program for a weather hazard that may pose a significant danger to sidewalk, bicycle lane, and roadway users.

The Town is currently under a snowfall warning (orange level) with 20-35cm of snow expected, reduced visibility due to heavy snow and local blowing snow, and extremely low temperatures.
We urge residents to please use extreme caution or avoid travel during this time.

The Town monitors weather events affecting all municipal services.
------------------

Where can I get Warm? Warming Centres

In Fort Erie, for the 2026 winter season, designated warming centres for cold weather emergencies include the 
  • Additional Support: The Embrace Centre at 14 Jarvis Street offers daytime relief (10 a.m. - 3 p.m. weekdays).

  • Emergency Assistance: For overnight or immediate needs during extreme cold, residents can call 211 for resources.

  • Transportation: Niagara Transit offers free rides to designated public facilities during weather advisories, including cold-weather advisories and heat warnings. These facilities provide essential shelter and comfort during extreme weather conditions. 

    Niagara Region issues a winter weather advisory when temperatures drop below -10°C overnight. Niagara Transit uses this threshold to protect vulnerable residents and ensure free rides and warming centres are available before conditions become dangerous.

  • Niagara Region Extreme Weather Page
    In response to the winter weather advisory, Niagara Region Homelessness Services has a response plan for people experiencing homelessness, with emergency overnight beds open in St. Catharines, Niagara Falls and Welland.

Weather Resources

Fort Erie, Ontario 7 Day Weather Forecast - The Weather Network

Fort Erie, Ontario - Storm Centre - The Weather Network

Wind, waves & weather forecast Fort Erie - Windfinder

Flooding Resources

https://npca.ca/flood-status

https://npca.ca/stream-flow-monitoring

Power Outages - Canadian Niagara Power

Power outage emergencies only - Call Canadian Niagara Power (CNP) 1-844-501-9473 (WIRE).

The best place for customers to gain info regarding outages is on twitter (X)@CNPpower and on Facebook at “Canadian Niagara Power”.

Customers are encouraged to report emergencies only, especially if they are already aware of outages in their neighbourhood. This frees up phone lines for possible important info regarding electrical emergencies such as trees or lines down etc.

Where do I call?

If you are having a serious emergency or fire please call 911 immediately.

To report fallen trees, road issues, blocked catch basins or sewer back-ups, please call 905-871-1600.

Power outage emergencies only - Call Canadian Niagara Power (CNP) 1-844-501-9473 (WIRE).

Important Emergency Phone Numbers and websites

Preventing Your Water Pipes from Bursting in Extreme Cold

Water pipes and service lines can freeze when frost enters the ground during long periods of extremely low temperatures. Follow these steps to reduce the risk of frozen pipes:

  • Shut off and drain all outdoor taps and disconnect hoses.
  • Seal air leaks in your home and garage.
  • Install insulated pipe sleeves and UL-listed heat tape or heat cables (available at your local building supply and home improvement stores) on exposed pipes in unheated areas of your home, such as crawl spaces, cold cellars, basements, attics, storage rooms, and garages.

Can you survive for 72 hours in an emergency?

Join our Emergency Email List 72 Hour Emergency Planning Manual

Emergencies include floods, severe weather, power outages, and blizzards that can happen at any time. Typically, these types of emergencies can last longer than 72 hours. Everyone should be prepared to care for themselves and their families for at least that long. Preparing a family emergency survival kit should provide you with the essentials in the following areas:
  • water
  • food
  • first aid supplies
  • tools
  • clothing and bedding
  • special items

Consider any special needs someone in your family might have and include any other items your family would need. Here are some suggestions:

Diapers, bottled milk, formula and food, toys, crayons, and paper.

Keep at least one week's supply of medication in your emergency kit and include extra eyeglasses, spare batteries for medical appliances, and an extra oxygen cylinder if needed. Include copies of prescriptions for your medicine and glasses.

Include a three-day supply of pet food and water.

Have at least a three-day supply of food available. Choose ready-to-eat foods that your family likes and that don't need refrigeration. Canned foods like soups, stews, beans, meat, poultry, tuna, vegetables, and fruits are excellent food sources. In addition, stock up on items like crackers, biscuits, honey, peanut butter, syrup, jam, salt and pepper, sugar, instant coffee, and tea.

Prepare to have at least four liters of water per person daily – two for drinking and two for food preparation, hygiene, and dishwashing. Keep a supply of water purification tablets on hand as well.

Note:Consume and replace canned food and dry goods once a year.

Surviving a disaster starts at home and by being prepared you can do your part, not only for yourself but also for your family. Have a family emergency survival kit.

Useful Links

Emergency Management Ontario
Ontario Emergency Preparedness
Canadian Niagara Power

Contact Us

Fire and Emergency Services

24-hour Emergency Hotline Phone: 905-871-1600
Emergency: 911

 

Sign up to our Newsletter

Sign up to receive information from the Town of Fort Erie directly to your inbox. Check out the various categories of general news, and emergency notifications.

Subscribe Today