Emergency Communications
An emergency of any type can occur at any time. During a local emergency, information updates from the City of Oshawa will be available through:
- News and Alerts
- our Twitter and Facebook accounts
- Service Oshawa
Subscribe to receive emergency updates by email.
Alert Ready wireless and broadcast alerts
Canada's Alert Ready system sends emergency alerts to compatible cell phones and wireless devices and through TV and radio broadcasts. You do not need to sign up for these alerts. Alert Ready emergency alerts are geo-targeted and activated only for the most severe, large-scale emergencies.
Check your mobile device compatibility
Nuclear public alerting system
Durham Region regularly tests its public alerting system each spring and fall.
| Method of communication | Details |
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Outdoor sirens (only heard within the three-kilometre nuclear Automatic Action Zones) |
Public alerting sirens will sound steadily during a nuclear emergency for three minutes. If you are outside and hear the sirens, you need to:
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Automated telephone calls |
The automated telephone system sends a recorded message to landline phones in the 10 kilometres area around the nuclear stations. Note: If you have a voice over protocol (VoIP) phone or your number is not listed, you will not receive this type of alert. |
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Cell phone, television and radio alerts |
The Province manages the Alert Ready system. These alerts broadcast through television, radio and cellphones. If there is a nuclear emergency, you will receive an alert to your cell phone, television, and radio. |
Other sources for emergency updates
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Durham Emergency Management Office |
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Durham Region Emergency Shelters |
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The Region of Durham is responsible for social housing. It has shelters for single men, women with and without children, and youth. View the Region of Durham's Housing-Focused Shelter locations for more information. If you see or know someone in need of immediate emergency shelter, call 9-1-1. |
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Electricity, Water and Sewer Contacts |
Power outages and electricityOshawa Power
Utilities, including gas and hydroHydro One
Water/SewerDurham Region
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Emergency Management Ontario |
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Emergency Management Ontario prepares for and responds to emergencies. Find resources to support emergency management and preparedness. |
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Get Prepared Canada |
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The Government of Canada offers a variety of resources to ensure emergency preparedness.
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Media Updates |
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During an emergency, the City will communicate its messaging on the City of Oshawa website, local radio, television and newspaper including:
G.T.A. and other media websites:
Official Twitter accounts:
Use a battery-powered or crank radio if the power is out and cell networks are down. For those with V.H.F.-F.M. radio, tune in to 162.4 MHz for the Weatheradio Network. Environment Canada: Durham Region Weather Alerts Ministry of the Environment: Smog Alerts |