OnWARN is a collaborative, province-wide initiative designed to enhance emergency preparedness and response capabilities for municipal water and wastewater utilities. Our network champions the principle of "utilities helping utilities," ensuring that when natural or human-caused emergencies strike, our communities are ready to respond and recover swiftly. Join us in our mission to safeguard public health, sanitation, and safety through mutual aid and assistance.
why onwarn matters
critical importance
Water and wastewater services are foundational to public health and safety, making uninterrupted operations crucial in any disaster.
Emergency Preparedness
OnWARN ensures rapid, coordinated responses to disasters, reinforcing the necessity of being prepared to protect our communities.
Community Impact
OnWARN accelerates recovery from service disruptions, bolstering community resilience and public health in the face of emergencies.
“Joining OnWARN transformed our utility's approach to emergency preparedness, enabling us to respond to crises with confidence and support from a province-wide network of allies.”
member benefits
Joining OnWARN provides water and wastewater utilities with an array of benefits designed to enhance resilience, improve preparedness, and ensure rapid recovery in the face of emergencies.
Here's a closer look at what membership offers:
-
Membership in OnWARN comes with considerable economic advantages without any membership fees. Utilities gain access to shared resources, expertise, and support in emergencies, saving potentially significant costs related to disaster response and recovery efforts.
-
OnWARN elevates emergency preparedness for member utilities by offering comprehensive resources, training, and planning tools. This proactive approach ensures utilities are well-equipped to handle disasters, minimizing potential service disruptions and safeguarding communities.
-
With just one mutual aid and assistance agreement, member utilities unlock access to a province-wide network of resources. This streamlined process simplifies the complexities of emergency response, allowing for swift and efficient aid mobilization.
-
When emergencies occur, time is of the essence. OnWARN ensures the rapid deployment of assistance and resources to affected utilities, helping to restore critical services as quickly as possible and mitigating the impact on communities.
-
In situations where disasters impact large areas, making local assistance challenging, OnWARN facilitates support from across the province. This ensures that no member utility is left without help, regardless of the scale of the emergency.
-
OnWARN addresses legal and financial concerns associated with emergency response. Member utilities benefit from responder indemnification, protecting volunteers from liability, and a framework for reimbursement, ensuring resources and efforts are fairly compensated.
-
Beyond immediate emergency response benefits, OnWARN serves as a vital platform for developing and maintaining contacts and relationships within the emergency management community. This forum fosters collaboration, shared learning, and continuous improvement in emergency preparedness and response strategies.