General Structure of Emergency Planning -
from the Federal level to on-the-ground on Thetis Island
There is an increasing number of disasters happening worldwide, and one message keeps coming through - people need to be personally prepared to take care of themselves in a disaster. Those that are prepared, fare so much better than those who are not prepared. We can no longer afford to think that it "won't happen to us." The odds are great that some kind of emergency or disaster will happen here sooner or later.
Foundation - Personal Preparedness
There are some very simple and inexpensive things that you can do to prepare yourself and your family. We have been very fortunate here so that's all the more reason to do what it takes to become prepared now rather than taking our chances and expecting others to rescue us when the time comes. Check with your neighbourhood captain and get some help with your grab-&-go bag, be prepared.
Level 2 - LERN Neighbourhood Preparedness
Statistics show that 80% of our help comes from our neighbours. Do you know your neighbours? Have you even met and introduced yourselves?
The Local Emergency Response Neighbourhood (LERN) Program has been adapted for Thetis Island. You have a designated LERN Captain for your area (see below). In seven simple steps, here is the revised LERN Program:
1. Talk to the neighbours closest to you (about 10 homes) and ask if they want to become prepared for emergencies
2. Call 746-2500 to ask for a presentation - can be done in someone's yard or home
3. Invite your neighbours to attend (flyers provided)
4. Come and find out how to prepare and get your questions answered
5. Challenge each other to get prepared and share great ideas and finds
6. Map important information about your neighbourhood
7. Sign up for the free training provided and continue developing your community spirit
Now you're ready to help each other get through an emergency or disaster when it happens!
Level 3 - Community Preparedness (ARES/ESS/SAR)
Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES) provides critical emergency communications during disaster. Interested? Call your area LERN Captain or the managers of ESS;
Mary Forbes 246-2276 or Petra Accipiter 246-2096.
Emergency Social Services (ESS) provides evacuees with registration and provisions for the necessities of life (food, clothing, lodging, and family reunification) during the first 72 hours.
Search and Rescue (SAR) volunteers are trained to search for lost individuals and to rescue them. As an adjunct for the RCMP, SAR teams are called out for a variety of incidents and respond as needed and directed by the RCMP.
Businesses and Schools also need to do emergency planning to take care of their staff &/or students during a disaster.
Level 4 - Local Government
Local Governments are responsible for overall emergency planning, response and recovery for their communities.
Level 5 - Provincial Emergency Preparedness (PEP)
PEP provides overall emergency planning, response & recovery on a provincial level and supports the efforts of local governments.
Level 6 - Emergency Preparedness Canada (PSEPC)
Public Safety & Emergency Preparedness Canada provide overall emergency planning, response & recovery at the federal level for the nation of Canada and supports emergency planning, response & recovery in the provinces.
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