Lincoln, ON - (November 5, 2026) – What would you do if a severe storm was heading your way? The Town of Lincoln, on behalf of the Niagara West Emergency Management Program, has launched StormSmart: The Severe Weather Preparedness Game, developed in partnership with Honours Bachelor of Game Design students at Sheridan College. This tailor-made, online game helps children and families learn how to prepare for severe weather through interactive scenarios.
Serving the municipalities of Lincoln, Pelham, West Lincoln and Wainfleet, the Niagara West Emergency Management Program is using this innovative online game to make severe weather preparedness engaging and accessible for the community. Players face realistic weather scenarios, including flooding, blizzards, and thunderstorms and make decisions about how to prepare their homes, respond to official alerts and protect themselves and their families. Immediate feedback helps players understand the consequences of their choices and learn practical steps to stay safe.
The development of StormSmart would not have been possible without the generous $25,000 grant awarded through the ImpactWX Genesis Grant program, which supports individuals and community organizations developing innovative ideas to improve severe weather awareness and response.
By combining emergency preparedness education with interactive game design, StormSmart aims to reach people who may not engage with traditional preparedness materials. The online format allows players to revisit scenarios, learn at their own pace and strengthen their knowledge through repeated play.
Residents are encouraged to play StormSmart at www.stormsmart.ca and explore how they can prepare for severe weather before it happens. The game reinforces three key steps to emergency preparedness: Make a Plan, Build a Kit and Stay Informed. Playing together is a great way for parents and children to start conversations about emergency preparedness, practice making decisions and learn how to make safer choices when weather conditions change. By taking these steps today, families can be better prepared to face severe weather tomorrow.
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“Building a resilient community means helping residents understand the steps they can take to protect themselves and their families,” said Mayor Easton. “StormSmart offers an engaging way for children, parents and families to learn together, practice making decisions and build confidence in their ability to respond when severe weather strikes. I encourage families across our community to explore the game and make emergency preparedness part of their everyday conversations.”
“Being prepared for severe weather starts with knowing what to do before an emergency happens,” said Michael Kirkopoulos, Chief Administrative Officer for the Town of Lincoln. “Emergency preparedness requires individuals, households, community organizations and municipalities to understand their roles, consider potential risks and take practical steps to reduce impacts. By fostering a culture of preparedness, we can strengthen our collective ability to withstand, respond to and recover from emergencies.”
“One of the most powerful aspects of creativity is its ability to help find meaningful solutions for complex challenges,” said Mark Jones, Dean of the Faculty of Animation, Arts and Design at Sheridan. “StormSmart is an excellent example of how creativity can be used to address real community needs. By combining storytelling, design and technology, Sheridan’s students have created a tool that educates the public and gives people the confidence to navigate severe weather events.”
About Sheridan
Founded in 1967, Sheridan is one of Ontario's leading postsecondary institutions, educating approximately 25,000 full- and part-time students every year on our campuses in Brampton, Mississauga and Oakville. As a trailblazer in unique arts, technology and healthcare programs, Sheridan has always been on the leading edge of innovation ensuring students learn job-ready, practical skills and develop the confidence, empathy and problem-solving savvy that allows them to push boundaries in an ever-changing world. Learn more at sheridancollege.ca
Learn more about emergency preparedness in the Town of Lincoln at lincoln.ca/EmergencyPreparedness.
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For media inquiries, please contact:
Liliana Busnello
Manager of Corporate Communications
Town of Lincoln
905-563-2799 ext. 230