The Southern Gulf Island Emergency Program (SGIEP) goal is to create and maintain a cooperative organization to manage risks from major emergencies and disasters that may affect the Southern Gulf Islands. It is a strong and vibrant organization consisting of over 600 volunteers, assisting the public in preparing for, responding to, and recovering from 18 identified hazards in our area.

SGIEP includes Island Community Coordination Centres, Emergency Support Services Reception Centres and Neighbourhood Preparedness Programs. Together with Disaster Communications and Search & Rescue, these services provide comprehensive support to the First Responding Agencies: RCMP, Fire Departments, BC Ambulance, Canadian Coast Guard, and Parks Canada.

"Engaging our Community in Disaster Resilience"

The Salt Spring Island Emergency Program focuses on developing disaster resilience in the community and providing support for first responders. This program engages government, businesses, residents, and individual community groups and first responders to work together to build response plans and to further disaster preparedness within the community. Working closely with Search and Rescue, RCMP, BC Ambulance, Coast Guard, BC Hydro, BC Ferries, Vancouver Island Health Authority, North Salt Spring Water District, Amateur Radio Communications and Salt Spring Island Fire/Rescue to ensure that residents and visitors are aware of possible dangers on the island, including wildfires, earthquakes, tsunamis and severe weather events.

The program is primarily volunteer-based and provides services in:

• POD (Neighbourhood Emergency Preparedness and Response Program) – An active program with over 50 PODs and over 325 leaders helping to promote a culture of “neighbours helping neighbours” in times of disaster
• ESS (Emergency Support Services) – A team of volunteers trained to address the well-being of those evacuated in an emergency situation which may include providing up to 72 hours of support by assisting with providing food, shelter and other needs or setting up an Evacuation Reception Centre in a larger event
• EOC (Emergency Operations Centre) – A team of volunteers trained to support the EOC.The EOC is responsible for assisting the community and First Responders in communication and coordination during an emergency

The Emergency program is always seeking new volunteers - if you are interested, please contact the emergency coordinator for more information.

The Juan de Fuca Emergency Program is a volunteer based organization serving the communities of East Sooke, Otter Point, Shirley/Jordan River, Port Renfrew, Malahat and Willis Point. The program works closely to support the Electoral Area Fire Departments and Juan de Fuca Search and Rescue during an emergency. Volunteer opportunities include:

• Emergency Support Services (ESS) - The ESS program provides short-term (72 hrs) assistance to residents who are forced to leave their homes because of fire, floods, earthquakes or other emergencies. This assistance includes food, lodging, clothing, emotional support and family reunification.
• Communications - Emergency radio operators volunteer their services when needed to provide emergency communications services for remote areas or when vital links are down.
• Neighbourhood Pod Program – Supports increasing awareness of interactions between your family, neighbourhood, district, region, provincial and federal levels of responsibility to better prepare and recovery from an emergency. Once your neighbourhood is prepared, you will be able to help each other in a real way to cope with emergency situations.

Please contact the Juan de Fuca Emergency Program Coordinator for more information on volunteering.