Sarnia-Lambton is home to one of the most coordinated industrial emergency response systems in Canada. BASES member companies collaborate with local municipalities, first responders, and one another to ensure that industrial incidents are managed safely, effectively, and with transparency.
For decades members of BASES Emergency Preparedness have actively worked together to develop, test and successfully implement one common regional emergency notification and deployment system. Members clearly define specific types of scenarios that require immediate notification into centralized dispatch services. Modern computer-based technologies are used to quickly disperse emergency information in a highly controlled manner across the region. As this occurs, dedicated radio channels operate in parallel to ensure real-time updating and full alignment of responder expectations.
Depending on the scenario, local and industrial response teams could be notified, put on standby or deployed as required. Specialized equipment maintained by response teams and/or BASES Emergency Preparedness are also on standby for deployment as needed by Incident Command.
How Industrial Emergency Response Works
Each BASES member maintains emergency response plans tailored to their operations, materials, and risks. These plans focus on preventing incidents but also enable rapid, effective response when needed.
Key features include:
● Scenario-based planning for high-risk, low-probability events.
● Alignment with local government agencies and other industry teams.
● A unified regional approach to maximize personnel, equipment, and communication systems.
Regional Industrial Codes
You may have heard references to “Code 8” or “Code 10.” These Regional Industrial Codes are an internal communication system used by BASES members, police dispatch, Emergency Management Coordinators, and emergency response teams. They provide a fast, standardized way to describe the nature and scale of an incident, helping responders assess whether more resources or support are required.
These codes are not intended for the public. Instead, Sarnia-Lambton Alerts provides plain-language emergency notifications to the community.
Shared Equipment & Mutual Aid
BASES members contribute to a shared regional inventory of emergency equipment that can be deployed across sites as needed. Examples include:
● Mobile Environmental Monitoring Unit
● Firefighting foam trailer
● Spill and rescue equipment
● Specialized fire, medical, and hazardous materials tools
This mutual aid system allows responders to act quickly and efficiently as one regional team.
Ongoing Collaboration & Training
Emergency responders and municipal officials meet regularly to:
● Share lessons learned from past incidents
● Conduct joint training and simulation exercises
● Strengthen coordination and trust
As the late CAER member George Hatfield once said:
"There’s an old saying in emergency response - make your friends before you need them."
Public Notifications
While BASES member sites focus on managing incidents, local municipalities are responsible for issuing public notifications when protective action is required. In the event of a natural disaster, pandemic, or industrial upset requiring public action such as a shelter-in-place or evacuation, municipalities will provide official instructions through Sarnia-Lambton Alerts, local media, and social channels.
