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Local Government
Emergency Planning and Preparedness

In BC, local governments lead the initial response to emergencies and disasters in their communities. As required by law, they have prepared emergency plans and maintain an emergency management organization. This is to ensure the safety of citizens when a situation escalates beyond the first responder level. The following website links demonstrate the active and significant role played by municipalities and regional districts in risk assessment, mitigation, preparedness, planning, response and recovery.

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Emergency Management in British Columbia

Emergency management is based on the following fundamental principles: It is up to the individual to know what to do in an emergency to protect themselves and their family. If the individual is unable to cope, governments respond progressively, as their capabilities and resources are needed. Read more >>

SARscene 2006

This year's SARSCENE 2006 event in Gatineau Quebec was attended by over 500 national and international delegates representing air, marine and ground Search and Rescue (SAR) organizations. A number of workshops featured presentations from BC, including representation from the AdventureSmart program. Ian Cunnings, Provincial Emergency Program Regional Manager, received the Outstanding Search and Rescue Achievement Award for his dedication as a SAR volunteer in this province. Neil Brewer from Kent Harrison Search and Rescue received a Certificate of Achievement for his leadership in SAR. The other award recipient from BC was Rick Holmes, Warden Supervisor of the West Coast Trail Unit from Pacific Rim National Park. The awards were presented by Jean Murray, the Executive Director of the National Search and Rescue Secretariat. The transfer of the SARSCENE flag took place with representatives from the Surete Du Quebec presenting to Jim McAllister from the Provincial Emergency Program. PEP is the co-host for the next event to be held in Victoria in cooperation with the BC Search and Rescue Association.

Emergency Management Training

The Provincial Emergency Program sponsored training schedule for September 2006 to March 2007 is now available. Click here >>

Courses being offered in various regions include: Emergency Operations Centre Level 2 and 3, Emergency Evacuations, Emergency Management for Senior Administrators. If you are interested in participating in any of these courses, please contact the local Emergency Program Coordinator in your community for more information.

Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear Courses

The Canadian Emergency Management College has recently developed the Awareness and Basic Levels of CBRN to an online format on their website. Click here >>

The Awareness level provides individuals with information on how to recognize potential CBRN threats, protect themselves and alert those who need to respond. This level is suitable for a wide range of individuals, such as public transit operators, building operators and mail room staff.

The Basic Level provides individuals with training on how to recognize potential CBRN threats and incidents, protect themselves, and respond accordingly (i.e. first to arrive on scene, assess the situation and call in specialists as required. This course if suitable for individuals who may be in a position to recognize and respond to a CBRN incident, but would not be the ones to intervene (e.g. 911 operators, police, fire-fighters and emergency medical services personnel first arriving on scene).

Neighbourhood Emergency Preparedness Program

When disaster strikes, it may take emergency responders some time to arrive, as they attend to those in most critical need. The Neighbourhood Emergency Preparedness Program is designed to help individuals and neighbours prepare to be self sufficient for an extended period of time. It is natural for neighbours to come together and to help one another during times of crisis. There is training available that takes this concept one step further. A team of neighbours with a cross-section of skills will come through a disaster more effectively than an individual trying to cope on their own. This pre-planning will likely speed recovery as well.

Individuals who would like information on existing Neighbourhood Emergency Preparedness courses in their area should check their municipal or regional district web site, or contact their local emergency program office. For more information about setting up this program in communities. Read more >>

The Critical Role of Volunteers

Volunteers are at the heart of emergency response. There are more than 13,000 volunteers in communities across the province. They do everything from leading air and ground searches and helping the victims of serious car accidents to setting up networks of volunteer teams and coordinating services for victims of natural disasters. To find out more about becoming a volunteer. Click here >>

Search and Rescue

B.C. is Canada's third largest province. Its diverse and rugged geography and many outdoor recreational opportunities has also led to more recorded search and rescue incidents than in other parts of the country. There are approximately 4,700 registered Search and Rescue volunteers throughout the province who are organized into teams. They may be called upon to assist police in searching for lost recreationalists or to help in accessing and transporting injured people if specialized skills or equipment are needed. They also provide support to local communities during emergencies by helping distribute information during evacuations and other critical response activities.

Many search and rescue incidents are preventable. People can improve their preparedness by researching their trip thoroughly, using appropriate equipment, filing a trip plan and checking local hazards and conditions before heading out. AdventureSmart is an outdoor safety education program to help people become better informed and prepared. To find our more Click here >>

Emergency Preparedness for Your Family

Each year, thousands of people face emergency situations that could change their lives forever. Don't be caught off-guard. Know the hazards in your area and take the time to assemble your family emergency kit.

For more personal safety information Click here >>.

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Natural Hazards

Over the years, many parts of Canada have been the setting for natural disasters that have directly or indirectly affected many families and communities. We are still vulnerable to such events, many of which could be as serious as any occurring elsewhere in the world. Read more >>

Natural Hazards Map Click here >>

Searchable Disaster Database Click here >>

AdventureSmart

Find out about British Columbia's AdventureSmart Program which encourages outdoor safety. AdventureSmart provides information and offers programs on outdoor safety topics. If you participate in activities like mountain biking, kayaking, snowboarding, hiking or others - we have potentially life-saving information for you.

For more information Click here >>