Emergency Preparedness Information Links Click below>>

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.

During an emergency, you and your family could be on your own for an extended period of time. Emergency services may not be readily available, as increasing demands are placed on responders. It may take emergency workers some time to get to you as they help those in most critical need. As well, access to phones, gas, water, sewer and electrical services may be cut off. Learning how to be personally prepared is vital.

For more personal safety information Click here >>.

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 >>

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 >>

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.

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