The Town of Whitby is currently developing a Climate Emergency Response Plan, which will provide a framework to address both climate change mitigation and adaptation.

The Plan is being developed in two phases:

Phase One: Resilience

Phase One involved the development of a Resilience Plan, which was approved by council in September of 2022. The purpose of the plan is to address the climate changes we already experience in Whitby and expect to experience in the future even with the adoption of GHG emissions mitigation measures.

View Phase One Resilience Plan below:

• Executive Summary
• Technical Summary
• Implementation Plan
• Consultation Report

Phase Two: Climate Mitigation

Phase Two, which is currently under development, focuses on climate change mitigation, to identify actions to reach the Town’s community target of net-zero emissions by 2045. The Community Mitigation Plan to be presented for Council approval in Fall of 2023. Once approved, the Plan will be implemented to lower our community’s greenhouse gas emissions.

The Region of Durham has a vision to address climate and the Town of Whitby is committed to assisting in this effort. The following strategic directions have been endorsed by Whitby council and are in place to direct the Towns actions on climate change:

• Durham Community Energy Plan
• Durham Community Climate Adaptation Plan

Planning ahead

The best time to prepare for an emergency is before it happens. Here are some things you can do to plan ahead for flooding:

• Subscribe to receive flood forecasting messages from Central Lake Ontario Conservation Authority (CLOCA) to receive emergency notifications
• Follow the Town of Whitby on social media platforms for emergency updates
• Determine if your home is in a flood zone by contacting CLOCA and understand your area's flood evacuation route options
• Stock an emergency kit with a flashlight, batteries, bottled water, canned food, a weather radio and first aid supplies
• Keep important contact information, such as the phone number to your utility companies, in an accessible place
• Ensure you have at least an extra three days of prescribed medications on hand
• Create a family communications plan for how you will reach loved ones during a flood
• Contact your insurance company to determine if your homeowners' insurance policy includes flood insurance if you don't have a separate flood policy

If a flood is coming

Follow these steps to stay safe and protect your property:

• If time allows, prepare your home by lining the base of your exterior walls with sandbags (the Town of Whitby does not supply sandbags)
• Safely clear debris from roadside grates to help water enter the storm sewer
• Clear eavestroughs and downspouts of leaves and other debris that prevent drainage
• Ensure your utilities are in proper working order, including the plumbing check-valves and sump pump
• Make sure electric circuit breakers or fuses are properly labeled and easily accessible
• Pack a bag for each family member in case you need to evacuate
• Charge all necessary electronic devices, including your cell phone, in case of a power outage or evacuation
• If you are ordered to evacuate, promptly follow designated evacuation routes
• Before evacuating, if time allows, disconnect appliances and utilities and lock your home
• Keep the safety of pets in mind

During a flood

If a flood occurs and you're unable to evacuate, follow these safety recommendations:

• Avoid floodwaters since they can contain dangerous hazards and unexpectedly fast currents that can carry you or your vehicle into a more dangerous situation
• Don't enter any room of your home where flood waters are covering electrical outlets or electrical cords are submerged; if you see sparks or hear buzzing, the water could be electrically charged, and you should avoid it at all costs
• Continually check for updates from the Town of Whitby and Central Lake Ontario Conservation
• Obey "Road Closed" signs at all times
• Watch for built-up water on roads that are meant to be overland flow routes