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:

Subscribe to receive emergency updates as they happen 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 if your mobile device compatible

Nuclear public alerting system

Durham Region regularly tests its public alerting system each spring and fall.

How you may receive information
Method of communication Details

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: 

  • Stop and go inside and turn on the TV or radio or visit official websites and social media channels for instructions. 
  • Listen to media reports to stay informed of the situation. 
  • Follow instructions from the Province about what to do next. 

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.

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

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.

Power outages and electricity

Oshawa Power

Utilities, including gas and hydro

Hydro One

  • Website: hydroone.com
  • Call: 1-888-664-9376
  • Report an outage: 1-800-434-1235

Water / Sewer

Durham Region

  • Learn about Durham Region water billing
  • During business hours, call: 905-655-3344
  • After business hours, call: 905-576-9991

Emergency Management Ontario prepares for and responds to emergencies. Find resources to support emergency management and preparedness.

  • Social media: Facebook and X
  • Call: 416-326-5000
  • Call Toll-free: 1-866-517-0571

The Government of Canada offers a variety of resources to ensure emergency preparedness

During an emergency, the City will communicate its messaging on the City of Oshawa website, local radio and  television including:

G.T.A. and other media websites:

Official X 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

Contact Us

Service Oshawa
Oshawa City Hall
50 Centre St. S.
Oshawa, ON L1H 3Z7
Phone: 905-436-3311
Toll Free: 1-800-667-4292
Email: service@oshawa.ca

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