Emergency Plan

For over 12 years there has been an Emergency Plan in place on our island.  Ross Thompson is the current coordinator of Emergency Planning and is the island’s liaison person with the PRRD for accessing services should we be subject to a major disaster, (flooding, earthquake, forest fire, etc.)

The island is divided into neighbourhoods, with a ‘contact person’ in each group.  These ‘contact persons’ are your neighbours who have volunteered to be the liaison between your neighbourhood group, and the Emergency First Responders.    In the event of an emergency the affected areas contact persons would account for everyone in their area and report to the coordinator and would relay any services needed requests.    Neighbourhood contact persons have a designated ‘second’ should they not be on the island.

These neighbourhood lists are updated periodically and are essentially a phone tree.  Muster stations are situated at False Bay School, (north end neighbourhoods), The Community Hall (central island) and the South End Fire Hall (south end). 

A tremendous amount of volunteer time has gone into the development of these lists, (originated by Sue Taylor way back when), and while they are as accurate as possible at the time of making, there are always changes to be made.   If you are curious, and want to know what neighbourhood you are in, who your contact person is, or how you can be more involved, please contact Ross (8680) for information.

Every household should have a household evacuation plan in case of fire, which includes an agreed upon ‘meeting place’ somewhere away from the building. Every household should have on hand an emergency kit, packed with drinking water, flashlights etc. – something easily carried, that will contain essential supplies for you and your family should you be unable to return to your home.  If you do not already have such a kit, it’s a good idea to create one now.

We all need to be extremely cautious in these extreme fire hazard conditions, and be especially observant.  No need to ‘live in fear’, but do be careful.  No fires.  No campfires.  No open flames of any kind.  Those whose work involves high-risk activities must follow the guidelines as set out by BC Forests.  (High risk activity includes the use of chain-saws.)

For reference please see these links:

• http://bcwildfire.ca/Industry_Stakeholders/industry/HighRiskActivities.htm
• http:// bcwildfire.ca/hprScripts/WildfireNews/Bans.asp

Wondering what you might need in your ‘emergency preparedness kit’?  Here are some recommendations

• http://www.getprepared.gc.ca/cnt/kts/bsc-kt-en.aspx

I hope this helps those who have been posting and wondering about our island Emergency Preparedness Plan.  Any of you who have offered assistance can contact Ross to volunteer.