EOG Resources
Bulletin Templates &
Posting Quick Reference
15 ready-to-use bulletin templates covering every common emergency scenario — evacuations, tornadoes, winter storms, epidemics, radiation incidents, wildfires, hazmat, boil water and more. Copy, fill in your community details, and post in under two minutes. See Admin Dashboard Demo →
📄 Download the Complete PDF Reference
All 14 templates, the 7-step posting guide, priority level definitions, and writing best practices — in a single print-ready document. Keep a copy at every workstation in your EOC.
Step-by-Step
How to Post a Bulletin
Follow these steps every time — from the initial critical alert through to the all-clear update. The whole process takes under two minutes.
1
Log in to the EOG Dashboard
Go to yourcommunity.ca/app/admin.html and enter your staff credentials. Accessible from any device — phone, tablet, or desktop.
2
Choose the Right Priority Level
CRITICAL for immediate life-safety threats. WARNING for serious conditions. INFO for resources and notices. UPDATE when a situation resolves.
3
Pick a Template from this Page
Find the scenario closest to your situation. Copy the title and body, then edit the bracketed fields with your real community details.
4
Fill in the Bulletin Fields
Enter title, select category, paste your edited body text, confirm author name. Double-check all addresses, routes, and zone names before continuing.
5
Review Before Posting
Read the bulletin aloud — this catches errors. Confirm priority level and verify all phone numbers, addresses, and instructions are accurate.
6
Post — Notifications Go Out Automatically
Click Post Bulletin. The alert publishes to the app instantly and sends simultaneous email, SMS, and push notifications to all registered citizens.
7
Update as the Situation Evolves
Post follow-up bulletins as new information arrives. When the emergency resolves, post a green UPDATE bulletin confirming the all-clear. Citizens rely on updates just as much as the initial alert.
Priority Levels
When to Use Each Alert Type
Critical
Immediate Life-Safety Threat
Mandatory evacuations, active hazmat, tornadoes, radiation incidents, imminent flooding. Citizens must act NOW.
Warning
Action Required Soon
Boil water advisories, wildfire watches, winter storms, epidemic notices, extended power outages. Serious — act promptly.
Info
Useful Resource Notice
Shelter locations, road closures, warming centre hours. Helpful information — no immediate action required.
Update
Situation Improving
Advisory lifted, evacuation downgraded, roads reopened. Reassures citizens the emergency is resolving.
Templates
14 Ready-to-Use Bulletin Templates
Each template is ready to copy and post. Edit all bracketed fields to match your community before posting.
Jump to:
🔴 Evacuation
🔵 Flooding
🔴 HAZMAT
🔴 Tornado
🔴 Radiation
🟠 Boil Water
🟠 Wildfire
🟠 Power Outage
🟠 Winter Storm
🟠 Epidemic
🔵 Shelter Open
🔵 Road Closure
🟢 Returning Home
🟢 Advisory Lifted
🟢 Evac Downgraded
🔴 Active Shooter
MANDATORY EVACUATION — Zones A & B
All residents in Zones A and B must evacuate immediately due to rapidly rising floodwaters. Leave now via Highway 11 North. Do not drive through flooded roads. Go to the Lakeside Community Centre (88 Pine St) or Northview Arena (214 Cedar Ave). Bring medications, ID, documents, and supplies for 72 hours. Pets welcome at the arena annex. If you cannot leave, call 911.
Fields Guide — Replace these values before posting
| Affected Zones | Zones A and B — replace with your zone names or neighbourhood boundaries |
| Evacuation Route | Highway 11 North — replace with your designated evacuation route(s) |
| Shelter Locations | Lakeside Community Centre, 88 Pine St | Northview Arena, 214 Cedar Ave |
| Author / Source | Emergency Operations Group |
FLOOD WARNING — [Zone/Area Name]
Flooding is occurring or imminent in [Zone A / street names / neighbourhood]. Do not drive through flooded roads — even 30 cm of water can float a vehicle. Do not walk through moving floodwater — 15 cm can knock an adult off their feet. If you are in a low-lying area or near a waterway, move to higher ground now. Bring medications, ID, and supplies for 72 hours. Report to [Shelter Name and Address]. If you are trapped by rising water, call 911 immediately.
HAZMAT INCIDENT — 2 km Shelter-in-Place
A chemical spill has occurred at the industrial park on River Road. All residents within 2 km must shelter in place immediately. Close all windows and doors. Turn off all HVAC systems and seal gaps with wet towels or tape. Do not go outside. Do not start your car. Emergency crews are on scene. Updates will be posted every 30 minutes.
Fields Guide — Replace these values before posting
| Incident Location | Industrial park, River Road — replace with actual incident location |
| Shelter Zone | 2 km radius — adjust as directed by fire/hazmat incident commander |
| Update Frequency | Every 30 minutes — adjust to your actual update schedule |
| Author / Source | Emergency Operations Group |
TORNADO WARNING — Take Cover Immediately
Environment Canada has issued a Tornado Warning for [your municipality / county]. A tornado has been confirmed in the area. Take cover NOW — do not wait. Go immediately to the lowest level of a sturdy building. Stay away from windows, doors, and exterior walls. Get under a heavy table or staircase, and cover your head with your arms. If you are outside or in a vehicle, abandon it and lie flat in a low ditch, covering your head. Do not attempt to outrun a tornado in a vehicle. Stay sheltered until this warning is lifted.
Fields Guide — Replace these values before posting
| Affected Area | [Municipality / county name] — match the EC warning boundary exactly |
| Direction / Track | Add the tornado's reported track or direction if known from EC or fire services |
| Source | Environment and Climate Change Canada — always reference the issuing authority |
| Author / Source | Emergency Operations Group |
RADIATION EMERGENCY — Shelter-in-Place Order
A radiation release has been reported at [facility name / location]. All residents within [X km] must shelter in place immediately. Go inside the most central room of your building. Close all windows, doors, and fireplace dampers. Turn off all ventilation — fans, air conditioning, forced air heating. Place wet towels along door and window gaps. Stay tuned to this bulletin board for updates. Do not go outside. Do not use your vehicle unless ordered to evacuate. Radioactive material cannot be seen, smelled, or tasted — follow all instructions even if conditions appear normal. This is a direction from emergency authorities.
Fields Guide — Replace these values before posting
| Incident Location | [Facility name / location] — confirm with provincial nuclear/emergency authorities |
| Shelter Zone | [X km radius] — issued by Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission or provincial authority |
| Potassium Iodide | If KI distribution has been ordered, add: "Potassium iodide (KI) tablets are available at [location]" |
| Coordinating Authority | Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) | Provincial Emergency Management |
| Author / Source | Emergency Operations Group — in coordination with [provincial authority] |
Boil Water Advisory — East Side
A water main break has compromised the municipal supply east of Main Street. Boil all drinking, cooking, and tooth-brushing water at a rolling boil for at least 1 minute before use. Bottled water available at Town Hall (1 Municipal Dr). Advisory expected 48–72 hours. Updates will be posted here as testing results are received.
Fields Guide — Replace these values before posting
| Affected Area | East of Main Street — replace with your affected streets or neighbourhood |
| Bottled Water | Town Hall, 1 Municipal Dr — replace with your distribution point |
| Duration Estimate | 48–72 hours — update as known; confirm with your public health authority |
| Author / Source | Public Works Department |
Wildfire Watch — Northern District
A wildfire burning 12 km north of town is being monitored closely. Current winds are pushing it southeast. Residents in North Hill and Ridgecrest should prepare go-bags and be ready to evacuate on short notice. Keep vehicles fuelled. An evacuation order may be issued with little warning — do not wait until an order to begin preparing. Follow all instructions from fire services and EOG.
Fields Guide — Replace these values before posting
| Fire Location | 12 km north — replace with current fire location and distance |
| Wind Direction | Pushing southeast — update to actual fire behaviour from fire service |
| Watch Areas | North Hill, Ridgecrest — replace with your at-risk areas |
| Author / Source | Emergency Operations Group |
Extended Power Outage — Est. 18–24 hrs
A major transmission fault has caused a widespread outage affecting approximately 4,200 customers. Warming/cooling centres are open at the library and the recreation centre. If you rely on powered medical equipment, call 211. Do not use BBQs, propane heaters, or gas generators indoors — carbon monoxide risk. Unplug sensitive electronics to protect from surge when power is restored.
Fields Guide — Replace these values before posting
| Duration Estimate | 18–24 hours — use utility provider's estimated restoration time |
| Customers Affected | ~4,200 — replace with actual figure from utility |
| Warming Centres | Library | Recreation Centre — replace with your open locations |
| Medical Support | 211 — confirm this number is active in your region |
| Author / Source | Municipal Emergency Management |
Winter Storm / Blizzard Warning — Stay Home
Environment Canada has issued a Blizzard Warning for [municipality / region]. Expected: [X cm] of snow, winds gusting to [X km/h], and near-zero visibility from [time] through [time]. Travel is not recommended. If you must travel, carry emergency supplies in your vehicle. Warming centres are open at [location(s)]. Road conditions available at [provincial road authority website]. If you lose heat or power, call 211. Blizzard conditions can be life-threatening — avoid all unnecessary travel.
Fields Guide — Replace these values before posting
| Affected Area | [Municipality / region] — match EC warning boundary |
| Snowfall Amount | [X cm] — from Environment Canada forecast |
| Wind Gusts | [X km/h] — from Environment Canada forecast |
| Warning Period | [Start time] through [end time] — use EC warning times |
| Warming Centres | [Location(s) with address] |
| Road Authority | [Provincial road conditions website] — e.g. 511on.ca for Ontario |
| Author / Source | Municipal Emergency Management |
Public Health Alert — [Disease] Outbreak in [Area]
The [Local Health Unit] has declared a [disease / illness] outbreak in [community / facility / area]. Symptoms include: [list symptoms]. If you are experiencing symptoms, do not go to the emergency room — call your healthcare provider or Telehealth Ontario (1-866-797-0000) for direction. Avoid contact with ill individuals. Wash hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. [If applicable: [Facility name] is closed until further notice.] Follow all guidance from your local health unit. Updates will be posted here as the situation develops.
Fields Guide — Replace these values before posting
| Health Authority | [Local Health Unit name] — your regional public health unit |
| Disease / Illness | [Disease name] — use the name issued by your health unit; avoid alarmist language |
| Affected Location | [Community / facility / area] — be specific; confirm with health unit before posting |
| Symptoms | [List of symptoms] — copy exactly from health unit advisory |
| Telehealth Number | 1-866-797-0000 (Ontario) — replace with your province's line |
| Facility Closure | Include only if confirmed by health unit; do not speculate |
| Author / Source | [Local Health Unit] — in partnership with Emergency Operations Group |
Emergency Shelter Open — All Welcome
The high school gymnasium (200 Oak Ave) is open as a warming and evacuation shelter. Cots, blankets, meals, and basic medical support available. Pets welcome in the annex. Capacity: 300 people. Accessible entrance via the east parking lot. No registration required — come as you are.
Fields Guide — Replace these values before posting
| Shelter Address | High school gymnasium, 200 Oak Ave — replace with your shelter address |
| Capacity | 300 people — replace with your actual capacity |
| Services | Cots, meals, medical support, pet annex — list what is actually available |
| Accessibility | East parking lot entrance — note your accessible entry point |
| Author / Source | Emergency Operations Group |
Road Closure — Bridge St Bridge
Bridge Street bridge is closed to all traffic due to structural concerns after high water levels. Detour via County Road 7 and Industrial Parkway. Expect 15–20 minute delays. Commercial vehicles use the Highway 17 bypass. Closure minimum 48 hours pending engineering assessment.
Fields Guide — Replace these values before posting
| Closed Location | Bridge Street bridge — replace with your road/bridge name |
| Detour Route | County Road 7 & Industrial Pkwy — replace with your actual detour |
| Commercial Route | Highway 17 bypass — replace or remove if not applicable |
| Duration Estimate | 48 hours minimum |
| Author / Source | Dept of Transportation |
RESIDENTS MAY RETURN — [Zone/Area Name]
Residents of [Zone/Street/Neighbourhood] are now permitted to return home. The emergency situation has been resolved and the area has been inspected by [authority — OPP / Fire Marshal / Public Health]. Before entering your property: check for structural damage, gas odours, standing water, and downed power lines. Do not enter if any hazards are present — call 911. Utility services [are / are not] fully restored. Contact [insurance contact or local number] for claims assistance. Recovery resources are available at [location]. Thank you for your cooperation.
Boil Water Advisory LIFTED
Lab testing confirms the municipal water supply meets all safety standards. The boil water advisory for the east side is now lifted. Run cold taps for 2 minutes before use as a precaution. Thank you for your patience during this disruption.
Fields Guide — Replace these values before posting
| Affected Area | The east side — must match the area named in the original advisory |
| Flush Duration | 2 minutes — confirm with your public health authority |
| Author / Source | Public Works Department |
Evacuation Order DOWNGRADED to Advisory
Floodwaters in Zones A and B have receded to safe levels. The mandatory evacuation order is downgraded to an evacuation advisory. Residents may return to assess properties but should remain prepared to leave again if conditions change. Cleanup resources available at Northview Arena.
Fields Guide — Replace these values before posting
| Affected Zones | Zones A and B — must match the zones in the original order |
| New Status | Evacuation Advisory — confirm wording with your Emergency Management authority |
| Cleanup Location | Northview Arena — replace with your resource centre address |
| Author / Source | Emergency Operations Group |
ACTIVE SHOOTER — [Location Name]
Police are responding to an active shooter incident at [location name and address]. If you are inside the building: RUN if you can safely exit; HIDE if you cannot — lock and barricade doors, silence phones, stay out of sight; FIGHT only as a last resort. Do not pull the fire alarm. Do not respond to anyone at your door unless directed by police. If you are outside in the area: move away immediately and do not approach the scene. Keep streets and parking areas clear for emergency vehicles. Updates will be posted here as the situation develops. Do not share unverified information.
Fields Guide — Replace these values before posting
| Location | [Location name and address] — confirm with police before posting; use building or campus name citizens will recognize |
| Perimeter | Add a perimeter or avoidance zone if provided by the Incident Commander: "Avoid the area bounded by [streets]" |
| Reunification | If a reunification site has been set up: "Families: do not go to the scene — go to [location] to reunite with occupants" |
| All-Clear | Post a separate UPDATE bulletin only after police have confirmed the scene is secure |
| Author / Source | Emergency Operations Group — in coordination with [Police Service name] |
Best Practices
Writing Effective Bulletins
✓ Be specific with locations
Street names, civic numbers, and landmarks beat vague directions. "Go to 88 Pine St — Lakeside Community Centre" is far better than "go to the shelter."
✓ Lead with the action
Critical bulletins should state the required action in the first sentence. Urgency first — context second.
✓ Use plain language
Write as if explaining to a neighbour. Short sentences, clear actions. Avoid jargon and acronyms not every resident will know.
✓ Give a timeline
"Advisory expected 48–72 hours" reduces anxiety and unnecessary calls to your EOG. Whenever possible, give an estimate.
✓ Post updates, not just initial alerts
Citizens follow your bulletin board for the duration of an emergency. An all-clear is just as important — and reassuring — as the original warning.
✓ Remind citizens to call 911
In critical bulletins, make clear that 911 is for immediate life-threatening situations. This system is for community-wide information.
Ready to Set Up Your Community Alert System?
EmergencyAlert can be deployed for any Canadian municipality. Contact us to discuss setup for your community.