Back to SearchThe City of Stratford held a successful emergency exercise on Thursday, October 23, 2025 that brought together municipal employees, emergency services and community partners for a mock disaster in the northeast corner of the city.
This year’s live exercise “Toto” simulated the aftermath of a tornado strike that devastated the area near the River Gardens Retirement Residence on Romeo Street, with multiple injuries, damaged infrastructure, flipped vehicles, downed trees and power outages.
“This was a successful test of our Emergency Response Plan, and a great way to sharpen those skills that are needed in a crisis situation,” said Stratford Deputy Fire Chief Richard Anderson, who serves as the City’s Community Emergency Management Co-ordinator (CEMC). “It’s also an opportunity to learn what adjustments we can make to our plan and our procedures so that we’re even better prepared when disaster strikes.”
The response to the October 23 mock tornado was driven by members of Stratford’s Emergency Control Group, which includes the Mayor, the Chief Administrative Officer, the chiefs of Fire, Police and Paramedic services, and the Communications specialist, as well as many support and advisory staff responsible for helping to manage an emergency situation.
At the site, firefighters, police officers, paramedics, Festival Hydro and City employees from various departments responded as they would to an actual disaster.
Students from St. Michael Catholic Secondary School, and staff and residents from the River Gardens Retirement Residence graciously helped as actors in the tornado scenario.
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