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Emergencies can strike at any time. When they do, several agencies must work together to assist people with evacuation and access to shelter, clean water, food and health care.
The Township of Spallumcheen, in partnership with surrounding municipalities and regional districts, has a number of resources in place to deal with emergency situations.
The Township of Spallumcheen is developing an Emergency Public Notification Plan to ensure community members receive timely, accurate and accessible information during emergencies. The Township wants to hear from community members, business owners and service providers to understand which communication methods have worked well in the past and how the community would prefer to receive emergency information in the future.
Take the online survey by March 14, or pick up a print version at the municipal office.
Council has taken a pro-active approach to protecting our community from future wildfires. In 2021, an application was submitted to the Community Resiliency Wildfire program under FireSmart funding. The Township was successful in obtaining $30,000 to complete a Community Wildfire Resiliency Plan. That plan was completed throughout 2022 and 2023. The final report prepared for Spallumcheen and received by Council in September 2023 can be found here: Township of Spallumcheen Community Wildfire Resiliency Plan
During an emergency you will often hear that the Township has activated an EOC. But what is an EOC you may be asking. EOC stands for Emergency Operation Centre. The EOC allows Township staff to support first responders in the field who are actively working to resolve the emergency situation.
Emergency Operation Set-up and the BC Emergency Response Management Response Goals can be found by clicking on the images below:
Click on the image below to be redirected to a video prepared by Red Dragon Consulting full of useful information and helpful tips on how to get prepared for emergencies.
Communication during an emergency is key and the EOC allows first responders to focus on their work, while information can be communicated by EOC staff to residents and businesses. During an emergency, the EOC will issue press releases to local radio, print and online media. All press releases and updates will be posted on the Township website.
In the event that an emergency situation escalates, residents may be put on an Evacuation Alert or Evacuation Order but you may be asking what the difference is.
The Township of Spallumcheen has emergency preparedness plans and documents which provide a framework and guidance for the Township's Emergency Operation Centre during an emergency. These documents form the core of all emergency responses for the City.
Part of this pre-planning is hosting information sessions for residents. The following presentation was available for the community at the March 15, 2022 Community Wildfire Preparedness meeting hosted by the Township (click to view):
This pre-planning allows us to be prepared to respond and resolve many emergency situations. Your family can also create a plan to get prepared. From having a 72 hour kit, developing a reunion plan or knowing what to pack for an evacuation you can take some simple steps to make sure your family is ready for a variety of emergencies.
For ideas on how to prepare for emergencies including evacuation check out the Emergency Management BC preparedness guides.
Additional resources for what can be put in an emergency 72 hour kit or a grab and go kit can be found by clicking on the images below:
4 Additional tips from people that have lost their homes during natural disasters:
This summer there were multiple wildfire close to the Spallumcheen borders. Farming operations have unique challenges in dealing with livestock operations in emergency situations.
In the event of an Evacuation Order, if you have a farm operation you may qualify for a temporary access permit to protect livestock or crops. Temporary access permits will only be considered for essential needs on properties under an evacuation order. you can download the form below and fill complete it in advance of an emergency.
To ensure that the paperwork is processed efficiently, ensure the forms state that you live in SPALLUMCHEEN (not Armstrong, Vernon or Enderby).
One tool that commercial farm operations can use to help emergency crews during an emergency situation is to register for a Premise ID. The Premise ID program is run by the Provincial government and in the event of an emergency can help emergency crews to know what type and how many livestock are located on your property.
Premise ID program for farming operations can be accessed here.
The Ministry of Agriculture has many resources to help farm operations prepare for an emergency.
EMBC Policies - https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/safety/emergency-management/emergency-management/policies
Animal Health Emergency Management - https://animalhealth.ca/ahem/
Non-Commercial Farm Animals & Pets
For help with pets, non-commercial animals (including hobby farms), check out PreparedBC's pet preparedness information (PDF), review resources available through the Canadian Disaster Animal Response Team (CDART), and the BC SPCA website on 'How to help our animals during a wildfire emergency evacuation'.
BC Wildfire Services Information
Get Prepared for a Wildfire In British Columbia
Current Active Wildfires - interactive map
Red Cross
BC Wildfire Twitter Account
BC Hydro - Wildfire Assistance
CN Rail
Emergency Support Services (ESS) is a provincial program delivered by Local Authorities and First Nations' Governments that meets the basic needs of British Columbians impacted by disasters by providing short-term support in a compassionate manner.
British Columbians forced from their homes by fire, floods, earthquakes or other emergencies may receive emergency support services (ESS) for up to 72 hours. Under the Emergency Program Act, municipalities and regional districts are responsible for responding to emergencies in their areas, including coordinating emergency support services. Within the Township of Spallumcheen, the Regional District of North Okanagan provides this service for us. They often depend on volunteers to coordinate these services.
Want to be an Emergency Support Services Volunteer?
If you have been displaced from your home due to an emergency, please ensure you check in at your local check in point and follow their directions to seek additional assistance.